Final answer:
The role of the CNA in caring for a resident with arthritis involves assisting with daily activities, medication schedules, and promoting gentle exercise while monitoring symptoms and ensuring the resident's comfort due to arthritis-related mobility and pain issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of the CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) in caring for a resident with arthritis includes a variety of support tasks to manage the condition and improve the resident's quality of life. CNAs may assist with activities of daily living, help maintain a schedule of medications, and support the individual with recommended physical activities that align with the treatment plans prescribed by healthcare providers. With conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis affecting joint mobility and causing pain and stiffness, it is critical for CNAs to provide encouraging, gentle assistance while being mindful of the resident's limitations and ensuring their comfort and safety.
For residents with osteoarthritis, CNAs can encourage mild activity to "warm up" joints but should also be observant of the symptoms worsening following exercise. As arthritis progresses, CNAs need to adapt care practices to support less mobility and more pain management. For those with rheumatoid arthritis, the focus may also include monitoring for signs of inflammation and adhering to strict medication schedules, as the immune system attacks the joints leading to pain and potential joint deformity.