Final answer:
The CNA should respect the resident's wishes regarding hair washing and report the decision to the charge nurse, allowing the care team to monitor and address any potential health issues that may arise from lack of personal hygiene.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a resident refuses to wash his or her hair and it becomes noticeably unclean and matted, the CNA should take specific steps. It is important to respect the resident's autonomy while also addressing hygiene concerns. The best action a CNA can take in this situation is option 3) Respect the resident's wishes and inform the charge nurse of his decision. This respects the individual's right to make decisions about their own body while ensuring that the care team is aware of the situation and can plan accordingly.
The patient's refusal might be due to a variety of factors, including mental health issues, fear of water, or a simple preference. Understanding and addressing these concerns in a compassionate manner is key to providing appropriate care. Therefore, forcibly washing the resident's hair (option 4) or issuing ultimatums about their stay in long-term care (option 2) would not be appropriate and could violate patient rights. Option 1, doing nothing, would not be fulfilling the responsibility of the CNA to provide care and report relevant health issues.
It's also important to monitor the situation closely, as lack of personal hygiene might lead to skin breakdown or infections, which can exacerbate existing health conditions. A tailored care plan should be developed in collaboration with the resident, taking into account their preferences and health needs.