Home › CNA Practice Tests › Psychosocial Care Skills Questions › Question 13
A resident confides, 'If I tell you I have thought about hurting myself, will you promise not to tell anyone?' How should the nursing assistant answer?
- A.Explain kindly that you cannot keep that secret and must tell the nurse so help can be provided
- B.Promise secrecy to keep the resident talking, then tell no one
- C.Say you will keep it secret only if the resident promises to stop
- D.Change the subject and hope the resident forgets the request
Correct answer
A. Explain kindly that you cannot keep that secret and must tell the nurse so help can be provided
Why
Safety comes before confidentiality in this situation, and the resident should be told honestly that self-harm thoughts must be shared with the nurse. A false promise of secrecy could delay help and break trust when the report is made.
Content outline: Psychosocial Care Skills - Emotional and Mental Health Needs: Supporting Mental Health · From the Psychosocial Care Skills practice bank (PS-013).