A CNA finds a confused resident wandering toward the facility exit in stocking feet, saying they are late for work. What is the MOST appropriate action?
Answer choices
- AGrab the resident's arm and tell them loudly to turn around
- BIgnore the resident because they will stop on their own
- CApproach calmly, acknowledge their concern, guide them away from the exit, and ensure safe footwear
- DApply a vest restraint so the resident cannot reach the door again
About this question
What should a CNA do when a confused resident wanders toward the exit in stocking feet saying they are late for work? Wandering and exit-seeking appear in dementia care guides and skills scenarios. The exam tests safety plus dignity: no grabbing, no arguing, gentle redirection. Read the wording and clinical context closely; those details determine the NNAAP competency being tested.
This scenario asks for the MOST appropriate action. Approach calmly, validate feelings, guide away from the exit, and ensure footwear and supervision. Do not yell, grab, or ignore the behavior. Report patterns that increase fall or elopement risk. For dementia resident wandering exit redirect, lock the sequence: calm approach, validate, redirect, safe footwear, report.
Reveal answer & explanationShow
Correct answer
- AGrab the resident's arm and tell them loudly to turn around
- BIgnore the resident because they will stop on their own
- CApproach calmly, acknowledge their concern, guide them away from the exit, and ensure safe footwearCorrect
- DApply a vest restraint so the resident cannot reach the door again
Basic rationale
Wandering residents need gentle redirection and safety. Approach calmly, validate feelings, guide them away from the exit, and ensure footwear and supervision.
Option explanations
- A: Incorrect. Force and loud commands escalate agitation.
- B: Incorrect. Wandering near exits requires immediate safe intervention.
- C: Correct. Combine empathy with redirection and safety.
- D: Incorrect. Restraints are not the first response to wandering.
Deep Analysis
Core logic
Exit-seeking in dementia requires empathy plus safety. Do not grab or argue. Redirect with a calm voice, join the concern briefly, and guide the resident to a safe area with proper footwear.
Distractor analysis
A: Yelling or grabbing can frighten the resident and increase agitation. B: Leaving the resident near an exit risks elopement and injury. D: Restraining a wandering resident violates rights and safety standards except in immediate emergency per policy.
Exam trap
Wandering items balance safety with empathy. Redirect gently; do not confront or abandon.
Memory tip
Wandering toward exit: calm approach, validate briefly, redirect safely, get shoes on.
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