Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Which example best represents neglect in a nursing facility?

1. Failing to provide adequate nutrition

2. Expressing anger towards residents

3. Accidentally spilling medication

4. Giving personal care to only some residents

The correct answer is: Failing to provide adequate nutrition

Neglect in a nursing facility is characterized by a failure to provide necessary care and support to residents. Providing adequate nutrition is fundamental to the health and well-being of individuals in a caregiving environment. When a facility or caregiver does not supply sufficient food or nutrition, it directly impacts the resident's physical health, leading to malnutrition, weight loss, and potentially serious medical issues. In contrast, expressing anger towards residents can indicate a lack of professionalism or poor emotional management, but it does not inherently involve neglecting the residents' basic needs. Similarly, accidentally spilling medication is a mistake that falls under the category of errors rather than neglect, as it does not stem from a failure to care but rather a lapse in attention. Lastly, providing personal care to only some residents can be viewed as unfair treatment or discrimination, but it does not necessarily reflect neglect of basic needs across the board. Thus, failing to provide adequate nutrition is the clearest and most direct example of neglect within a nursing facility setting.