Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

If a colleague mentions a resident’s cancer diagnosis, what is the appropriate response from the nurse aide?

1. Discuss the diagnosis with other staff

2. Advise the staff member to discuss this later

3. Inquire about the resident’s treatment

4. Share the information with the resident's family

The correct answer is: Advise the staff member to discuss this later

When a colleague mentions a resident's cancer diagnosis, advising the staff member to discuss this later is appropriate because it prioritizes the resident's privacy and confidentiality. Healthcare professionals are bound by laws and ethical standards that require them to keep patient information confidential. Discussing sensitive information like a cancer diagnosis inappropriately can lead to breaches of trust and violate privacy rights. This response shows an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the ethical obligation to protect the resident's personal health information, ensuring that discussions about such matters occur in a more private and appropriate setting. Fostering a culture of respect for the patient’s rights is essential in a healthcare environment.