Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Which method is best for providing emotional support to a resident in pain?

1. Taking them out for a walk

2. Listening to their concerns

3. Changing their room frequently

4. Offering them medication

The correct answer is: Listening to their concerns

Providing emotional support to a resident in pain is best achieved by actively listening to their concerns. This approach validates the resident's feelings and shows that you are attentive to their emotional needs, fostering a sense of trust and understanding. By listening, you can help them express their fears, frustrations, and discomfort, which can significantly alleviate feelings of isolation or helplessness that often accompany pain. Active listening also involves responding empathetically, which can promote a stronger emotional connection. This support can help the resident feel more comfortable and understood, which is essential in a healthcare environment where they may already feel vulnerable due to their pain. Other options, while they may have their place, do not provide the same level of emotional support. Taking a resident out for a walk might distract them momentarily, but it does not directly address their emotional needs or pain. Changing their room frequently could add to their discomfort or create a sense of instability. Offering medication, while it may alleviate physical pain, does not engage with the resident’s emotional experience, which is crucial for their overall well-being.