Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

How should a nurse aide handle a resident demonstrating aggressive behavior?

1. Confront the resident directly

2. Calmly redirect the resident’s attention

3. Report the behavior immediately

4. Leave the resident alone

The correct answer is: Calmly redirect the resident’s attention

Handling a resident demonstrating aggressive behavior requires a skilled and careful approach to ensure safety and de-escalate the situation. Calming and redirecting the resident's attention is the most appropriate response because it helps to diffuse potential conflict and prevents further escalation of aggressive behavior. By using calm and non-threatening verbal and non-verbal communication, the aide can create a more stable environment for both the resident and themselves. Redirecting attention can involve engaging the resident in a different activity, changing the environment, or using soothing techniques. This approach acknowledges the resident’s feelings without provoking them further, demonstrating empathy, and maintaining the dignity of the individual. Confronting the resident directly might increase their aggression and lead to a more volatile situation, while immediate reporting should be reserved for severe or ongoing incidents that pose a risk to safety, rather than as an immediate response to a single episode. Leaving the resident alone could escalate feelings of isolation or frustration, potentially worsening their behavior. Therefore, the goal is to maintain a calm demeanor and effectively redirect their focus to promote a peaceful resolution.