Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

When caring for a resident who is nearing death and is unresponsive, what should the nurse aide do?

1. Start comfort measures

2. Begin organizing supplies for post mortem care

3. Leave the resident alone for privacy

4. Contact the family immediately

The correct answer is: Begin organizing supplies for post mortem care

In a situation where a resident is nearing death and is unresponsive, the focus of care should be on ensuring the comfort and dignity of the resident during their final moments. Comfort measures are techniques and actions taken to ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible, which may include adjusting positions, providing oral care, or managing any symptoms like pain or shortness of breath. Beginning to organize supplies for post-mortem care may seem proactive, but this does not address the immediate needs of the resident in their final moments. It's essential to prioritize the resident's comfort and the emotional support for the patient even when they are unresponsive. Leaving the resident alone could lead to feelings of abandonment at a time when they may still sense the presence of caregivers. While privacy is important, companionship can be just as significant. Contacting the family immediately might be appropriate in certain cases but typically occurs after the resident has passed or if the family needs to be present before the death. However, when someone is actively dying, providing them comfort should take precedence over notifying family members right away. Thus, initiating comfort measures is a compassionate and appropriate response in this scenario.