Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What is the nurse aide's legal responsibility if she suspects or witnesses abuse of a resident?

1. Ignore it to maintain trust

2. Report it to the resident's family

3. Report the abuse immediately to the nurse

4. Document it for future reference

The correct answer is: Report the abuse immediately to the nurse

When a nurse aide suspects or witnesses abuse of a resident, their legal responsibility is to report the abuse immediately to the nurse. This action is essential because it ensures that the situation is assessed by a qualified professional who can take the appropriate steps to protect the resident and address the issue. Reporting promptly helps to safeguard the well-being of the resident and fulfills the legal mandate that healthcare providers have to protect vulnerable individuals. This procedure is not only a protocol but also a crucial aspect of ensuring that residents are kept safe and that incidents of abuse are addressed appropriately. It helps initiate a chain of reporting and investigation that can lead to necessary interventions, support services for the resident, and disciplinary actions against the perpetrator. By reporting to the nurse, the aide is acting within the established framework of care, which is designed to respond effectively to such serious allegations of abuse.