48. When a resident has her fists raised to strike out, what should be the first response by the nurse aide?
Answer: C
Backing away from the resident is the first response a nurse aide should take.
When a resident has her fists raised to strike out, the appropriate initial response is to back away from the resident to ensure the safety of both the resident and the nurse aide. This action helps to de-escalate the situation without provoking further aggression.
A) Grab the resident's fists.
Grabbing the resident's fists can escalate the situation and may lead to increased aggression or injury to both the resident and the nurse aide. Physical intervention should be avoided unless absolutely necessary and should follow proper protocols.
B) Try to distract the resident.
While distraction can be a useful technique in many situations, attempting to distract a resident with raised fists may be ineffective and could provoke further agitation. It is more prudent to create space and assess the situation calmly.
C) Back away from the resident.
Backing away from the resident is the safest and most appropriate response in this scenario. This action minimizes the risk of harm and allows the nurse aide to observe the resident's behavior from a safe distance, providing time to assess the next steps.
D) Give the resident an angry look.
Responding with an angry look is counterproductive and can escalate tensions. It does not address the situation appropriately and may further provoke the resident's aggressive behavior.
Conclusion
Backing away from the resident is the best response as it prioritizes safety and allows for a more measured approach to de-escalation. The other options either increase the risk of conflict or do not effectively address the immediate concern of aggression. Therefore, option C is definitively the correct choice.