Colorado CNA Practice Exam

What should a nursing assistant do if they notice a resident is attempting to stand without assistance?

1. Hand them their call light

2. Immediately guide them back to a safe sitting position

3. Encourage them to try and stand on their own

4. Watch them closely from a distance

The correct answer is: Immediately guide them back to a safe sitting position

When a nursing assistant observes a resident attempting to stand without assistance, the appropriate action is to immediately guide them back to a safe sitting position. This approach is essential for several reasons related to the safety and well-being of the resident. First, residents may have various degrees of mobility or balance issues that can increase the risk of falls. By guiding them back to a safe position, the assistant helps prevent potential injuries. This action demonstrates proactive care, ensuring that the resident does not put themselves at risk due to a moment of unassisted ambition. Second, assisting them back into a safe position reinforces the importance of using support when necessary. It teaches the resident to recognize their limits and rely on proper assistance. Having skilled personnel available to help fosters a sense of security and encourages safer practices in mobility. In contrast, simply handing them their call light does not address the immediate risk of them standing without support and could still lead to a fall before assistance arrives. Encouraging independence in this situation without prior assessment of their capability may also result in a fall, which contradicts the principles of safe patient care. Lastly, watching them closely from a distance does not provide the necessary support to prevent a fall, leaving the resident vulnerable rather than ensuring their safety. Therefore,