A long-term resident whose friends have moved to another unit eats alone and refuses group activities. What is the BEST initial CNA action?
Answer choices
- ARequire the resident to join the next group outing or lose television privileges
- BRespect the choice to stay alone and never mention activities again
- CSpend brief one-on-one time during care, invite activities without pressure, and report continued withdrawal
- DTell other residents the person is unfriendly so they stop inviting them
About this question
What is the best initial CNA action when a long-term resident eats alone and refuses group activities after friends move units? Isolation and withdrawal stems test emotional support without coercion. Privilege threats and total neglect of invitations are both wrong. Read the wording and clinical context closely; those details determine the NNAAP competency being tested.
This scenario asks for the best first approach. Spend brief one-on-one time during care, invite activities without pressure, and report continued withdrawal to the nurse. Do not punish with lost privileges, permanently stop all invitations, or label the resident unfriendly to peers. Support first, then escalate psychosocial concerns. For withdrawn resident refuses activities, keep the triad: presence, gentle invitation, report.
Reveal answer & explanationShow
Correct answer
- ARequire the resident to join the next group outing or lose television privileges
- BRespect the choice to stay alone and never mention activities again
- CSpend brief one-on-one time during care, invite activities without pressure, and report continued withdrawalCorrect
- DTell other residents the person is unfriendly so they stop inviting them
Basic rationale
Social isolation affects mental health. Spend one-on-one time, invite participation without pressure, and report ongoing withdrawal to the nurse for psychosocial follow-up.
Option explanations
- A: Incorrect. Participation cannot be forced with punishment.
- B: Incorrect. Offer support and report ongoing isolation.
- C: Correct. Support social connection gently and notify the team if isolation continues.
- D: Incorrect. This harms dignity and worsens isolation.
Deep Analysis
Core logic
Isolation after losses is common. The CNA can offer companionship during care, gently invite activities, and document/report persistent withdrawal for interdisciplinary support.
Distractor analysis
A: Forcing attendance violates resident rights and may increase resistance. B: Ignoring isolation misses a psychosocial need. D: Public criticism damages dignity and trust.
Exam trap
Isolation items reward gentle invitation and reporting, not force or neglect.
Memory tip
Isolation: one-on-one time, gentle invite, report if it continues.
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