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Responding to anxiety

  • CNA
  • Emotional and Mental Health Needs
  • Multiple choice
  • Difficulty 3 of 5

Question

A resident waiting for a room change says, 'I can't keep track of what anyone is telling me.' The resident appears frightened. How should the nursing assistant communicate while helping the resident pack?

  1. Give one brief instruction at a time in a gentle voice.✓ Correct

    Brief instructions and a gentle manner make communication easier when anxiety interferes with concentration.

  2. Give all packing instructions rapidly before starting.✗ Incorrect

    A long sequence delivered quickly can overwhelm someone who is anxious.

  3. Use technical terms to explain each part of the move.✗ Incorrect

    Technical language adds difficulty when the resident is having trouble processing information.

  4. Tell the resident that the fear is an overreaction.✗ Incorrect

    Dismissing the resident's feelings does not provide reassurance.

Answer

A. Give one brief instruction at a time in a gentle voice.

Rationale

Anxiety can make it difficult to take in information. A steady manner and short, separate instructions support the resident during the move.

RememberWhen anxiety is high, slow down and share one idea at a time.

Sources

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