How should a CNA handle a patient who is combative or agitated?

How should a CNA handle a patient who is combative or agitated?

• A. By using confrontational language to assert authority
• B. Remaining calm, using a soothing voice, and ensuring safety
• C. Ignoring the patient's behavior and waiting it out
• D. Restraining the patient immediately

Answer: (B)

Remaining calm, using a soothing voice, and ensuring safety is essential when handling a patient who is combative or agitated. This approach helps to de-escalate the situation, making the patient feel more secure and less threatened. A calm demeanor can soothe the patient’s anxiety, reducing the level of agitation. By using a soothing voice, a CNA can communicate empathy and understanding, which can lead to a more cooperative interaction. Prioritizing safety is crucial in these situations. The CNA must ensure that they, the patient, and others around them are not at risk of harm. This might involve removing any potential hazards or standing at a safe distance if necessary. Using confrontational language, restraining the patient immediately, or ignoring the behavior can escalate the situation further and lead to increased aggression or harm. These methods are not effective in promoting a therapeutic environment and can worsen the patient's distress. Overall, the correct approach is focused on calming strategies, communication, and safety to effectively manage the situation.

Remaining calm, using a soothing voice, and ensuring safety is essential when handling a patient who is combative or agitated. This approach helps to de-escalate the situation, making the patient feel more secure and less threatened. A calm demeanor can soothe the patient’s anxiety, reducing the level of agitation. By using a soothing voice, a CNA can communicate empathy and understanding, which can lead to a more cooperative interaction.

Prioritizing safety is crucial in these situations. The CNA must ensure that they, the patient, and others around them are not at risk of harm. This might involve removing any potential hazards or standing at a safe distance if necessary.

Using confrontational language, restraining the patient immediately, or ignoring the behavior can escalate the situation further and lead to increased aggression or harm. These methods are not effective in promoting a therapeutic environment and can worsen the patient's distress. Overall, the correct approach is focused on calming strategies, communication, and safety to effectively manage the situation.