A resident who is usually alert suddenly cannot follow simple directions and is confused about the date. What should the CNA do?
Answer choices
- AStay with the resident and report the mental status change at once
- BWait until tomorrow to see whether orientation returns
- CArgue with the resident until the correct date is repeated
- DGive a sleeping pill from the bedside drawer to calm the resident
About this question
What should a CNA do when a usually alert resident suddenly cannot follow directions and is confused about the date? Sudden confusion may signal delirium from infection, stroke, hypoxia, or medication effects. This bridges Physical Care observation with Psychosocial delirium cues from dementia guides. Read the wording and clinical context closely; those details determine the NNAAP competency being tested.
This item asks for the priority action. Stay with the resident for safety and report the mental status change immediately. Do not wait overnight, argue about the date, or give any medication from a drawer. Acute change is report-now, not wait-and-see. For sudden confusion report nurse immediately, contrast predictable evening dementia patterns with new same-day confusion.
Reveal answer & explanationShow
Correct answer
- AStay with the resident and report the mental status change at onceCorrect
- BWait until tomorrow to see whether orientation returns
- CArgue with the resident until the correct date is repeated
- DGive a sleeping pill from the bedside drawer to calm the resident
Basic rationale
An acute change in mental status is a priority finding. Stay with the resident for safety and report immediately to the nurse.
Option explanations
- A: Correct. Protect safety and notify the nurse immediately.
- B: Incorrect. Acute confusion needs immediate reporting.
- C: Incorrect. Do not argue; report the change.
- D: Incorrect. CNAs do not give medications.
Deep Analysis
Core logic
Sudden confusion can signal infection, stroke, hypoxia, or medication effects. Immediate nursing notification is required.
Distractor analysis
B: Waiting overnight delays evaluation of a possible emergency. C: Arguing about the date does not address the safety risk. D: Sedatives are medications and outside CNA scope.
Exam trap
Sudden confusion is report-now, not wait-and-see.
Memory tip
New confusion: stay, protect, tell the nurse now.
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