State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) Practice Exam

If a confused resident is looking for breakfast at 5 a.m., what is the best response by the nurse aide?

1. Help the resident back to his room and into bed.

2. Ask the resident about his job and if he is hungry.

3. Tell him that residents are not allowed in the nurses' station.

4. Remind him that he is retired from his job and in a nursing home.

The correct answer is: Ask the resident about his job and if he is hungry.

When assisting a confused resident who is looking for breakfast at an early hour, engaging the resident by asking about their job and if they are hungry serves several important purposes. This approach provides an opportunity for the nurse aide to connect with the resident on a personal level, validating their feelings and acknowledging their needs. By asking about their job, the nurse aide can help redirect the resident's focus, sparking a conversation that may enhance their sense of reality and comfort. Additionally, inquiring about their hunger directly addresses the resident’s immediate need for nourishment, which is a primary concern in their care. This method also encourages communication and may assist in assessing the resident’s current mental state and level of confusion, enabling the aide to respond appropriately. Overall, this response encourages engagement and can help calm any anxiety the resident may feel about their situation.