Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Why is it important for a nursing assistant not to overreact to inappropriate behavior from a resident?

1. It could escalate the situation further

2. It may reinforce the behavior

3. It shows a lack of authority

4. It confuses the resident

The correct answer is: It may reinforce the behavior

A nursing assistant should avoid overreacting to inappropriate behavior from a resident primarily because responding with heightened emotion can inadvertently reinforce the behavior. When a resident displays challenging conduct and the response from the nursing assistant is dramatic or overly emotional, it can sometimes validate or encourage that behavior. The resident may view the reaction as a form of attention, which could lead them to repeat the behavior to elicit a similar response again in the future. Maintaining a calm and composed demeanor allows the nursing assistant to set the tone for the interaction and manage the situation more effectively. It also aids in establishing an atmosphere of professionalism and respect, which can lead to more positive outcomes for both the resident and the caregiver. By modeling appropriate reactions, nursing assistants can guide residents towards more acceptable behavior without inadvertently promoting negative actions through excessive reactions.