Final answer:
A CNA should communicate with an agitated patient in a calm and clear manner to de-escalate the situation and understand the patient's concerns while also reporting to an RN as required. Direct engagement helps maintain a therapeutic environment and is an important skill, especially given studies showing links between caregiver verbal aggression and factors like lack of training and job dissatisfaction. Correct option is 1)
Step-by-step explanation:
When a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) encounters a patient who is in an agitated state, the appropriate response is option 1: speak to the patient in a calm and clear manner, while attempting to determine why the patient is agitated. This approach seeks to de-escalate the situation and understand the patient's needs or concerns, fostering a reassuring environment. It is crucial not to contribute to the patient's agitation through confrontation or dismissiveness.
While reporting to the RN is a part of protocol (option 3), it is important that the CNA also engage directly with the patient to provide immediate support and maintain a therapeutic environment. Seeking intermediary assistance through a roommate (option 2) or refusing to communicate (option 4) can potentially exacerbate the problem or neglect the patient's immediate needs for care and compassionate interaction.
A survey noted that verbal aggression among caregivers was linked to factors such as low job satisfaction, treating elderly patients like children, feeling burnt out, and having less training or higher instances of depression. This reinforces the significance of proper communication training for CNAs, aimed at preventing potential abuse and promoting effective care.