Which behavior in an elderly LTC resident should the CNA report as a POTENTIAL warning sign of suicide risk?
Explanation
Suicide warning signs in older adults include giving away possessions, saying goodbye, hopeless statements, sudden calmness after depression, hoarding medications, and refusing care or medications. Older adults — especially older white men — have the highest suicide completion rate in the U.S. Any warning sign MUST be reported immediately to the nurse who will arrange physician assessment and safety measures. Routine requests (b, d) and exercising the right to choose activities (a) per 42 CFR §483.10 are not warning signs. 42 CFR §483.40 requires behavioral health support.
Law Reference: 42 CFR §483.40; Title 22 CCR §72315This topic, taught in full in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) guide. CNA — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 · 14-day refund →
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