Communication & CultureQuestion 29 of 200
A nonverbal resident with end-stage dementia grimaces, moans, and guards the abdomen during repositioning. The CNA should interpret this as:
a.Hunger, and offer the resident a snack before continuing the repositioning
b.Possible pain; stop care, ensure safety, and report to the nurse for assessment using a tool such as PAINAD
c.Attention-seeking behavior, and continue repositioning while speaking calmly to the resident until she settles
d.Normal end-stage dementia behavior that does not need to be reported
Explanation
Nonverbal cues—grimacing, moaning, guarding, withdrawal, tense posture—are valid pain indicators in cognitively impaired residents, assessed with tools such as PAINAD or FLACC. The CNA must stop nonessential activity, ensure safety, and notify the nurse for assessment and analgesic decision. Ignoring (d) or mischaracterizing (a, c) leads to undertreated pain, a recognized quality-of-care deficiency under CMS F-tags.
Law Reference: ANA scope and standards (nonverbal observation)This topic, taught in full in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) guide. CNA — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 · 14-day refund →
Practice all 200 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) guide — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- A Vietnamese Buddhist resident is dying. The family asks that monks be allowed in to chant at the bedside through the night. The CNA should:
- A resident says, 'I just want to die.' The most therapeutic CNA response is:
- A Latina resident insists on drinking 'agua tibia' (warm water) instead of ice water, citing cultural beliefs about hot/cold balance. The CNA should:
- The nurse gives the CNA a verbal instruction: 'Get a clean-catch urine on Mrs. Park before lunch.' The CNA should:
- A Muslim resident requests halal meals. The facility should:
- Two family members argue loudly at the bedside about a parent's care. The CNA should first:
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass team · Verified against California CNA Certification Exam · How we review