Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What is the appropriate way for a nursing assistant to communicate with a resident with hearing impairment?

1. Speak softly and slowly to enhance understanding

2. Shout to ensure the resident hears clearly

3. Use gestures and facial expressions consistently

4. Speak directly into the resident's unaffected ear

The correct answer is: Use gestures and facial expressions consistently

Using gestures and facial expressions consistently is an appropriate way for a nursing assistant to communicate with a resident with hearing impairment because visual cues can significantly enhance understanding. Many individuals who have difficulty hearing rely on lip-reading, body language, and facial expressions to grasp the context of a conversation. By incorporating these visual elements, the assistant makes the interaction clearer and more effective, fostering a more inclusive environment for the resident. Employing gestures can help convey messages that might not be fully understood through verbal communication alone. This approach also encourages the resident to engage actively in the conversation, improving the overall communication experience.