A CNA finds unexplained bruises in a pattern on a resident's upper arms. The resident becomes quiet and will not explain. What must the CNA do?
Answer choices
- AReport the findings to the nurse immediately following facility abuse policy
- BWait until the next shift to see if bruises fade
- CAsk the suspected staff member directly what happened
- DDocument the bruises in the chart but take no other action
About this question
What must a CNA do after finding unexplained patterned bruises on a resident's upper arms? Abuse and neglect reporting is mandatory, high-search, and high-stakes on Role stems. Waiting, confronting suspected staff yourself, or charting without reporting are classic traps. Read the wording and clinical context closely; those details determine the NNAAP competency being tested.
This scenario asks for the required action. Report the findings to the nurse immediately following facility abuse policy. Do not wait to see if bruises fade, interrogate a suspected coworker, or document only with no further action. You are a reporter, not an investigator. For report suspected abuse bruises, keep the rule absolute: suspected abuse is reported now.
Reveal answer & explanationShow
Correct answer
- AReport the findings to the nurse immediately following facility abuse policyCorrect
- BWait until the next shift to see if bruises fade
- CAsk the suspected staff member directly what happened
- DDocument the bruises in the chart but take no other action
Basic rationale
Suspected abuse must be reported immediately per mandatory reporting laws and facility policy. Do not investigate alone or promise secrecy.
Option explanations
- A: Correct. Mandatory reporting requires immediate notification.
- B: Incorrect. Delay increases risk and violates reporting duty.
- C: Incorrect. CNAs do not investigate abuse independently.
- D: Incorrect. Reporting is required, not documentation alone.
Deep Analysis
Core logic
CNAs are mandatory reporters. Unexplained injuries with behavior changes require immediate reporting to the nurse and following abuse reporting procedures.
Distractor analysis
B: Waiting may leave the resident at continued risk. C: Confronting suspected abusers is dangerous and not the CNA role. D: Documenting without reporting fails legal and ethical duties.
Exam trap
Mandatory reporting is immediate, not after you gather proof.
Memory tip
Suspected abuse: report now, do not investigate alone.
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