Emotional Support Basics
This is the term for understanding another person's feelings without judging them.
What is empathy?
This common emotional response may appear as excessive worry or restlessness.
What is anxiety?
This is the best way to speak to patients with cognitive impairment—slowly and using simple statements.
What is using clear, simple communication?
Humans have a basic need for this—to feel connected to others.
What is social interaction?
This professional action means reporting emotional changes in a patient to the nurse.
What is accurate observation and reporting?
This type of communication includes nodding, eye contact, and body posture.
What is nonverbal communication?
A patient who loses interest in daily activities and withdraws socially may be showing signs of this condition.
What is depression?
A CNA should do this before touching or assisting the patient to reduce fear and confusion.
What is explaining the procedure?
Providing activities like games or conversations helps meet this emotional need.
What is stimulation?
This term describes keeping patient‑shared information private.
What is confidentiality?
When a patient expresses fear or worry, this is the technique a CNA should use to restate their concerns.
What is active listening?
This term refers to temporary confusion, sometimes seen after illness or hospitalization.
What is delirium?
This type of question, requiring more than yes/no, encourages patients to express themselves.
What are open‑ended questions?
This term describes helping patients maintain contact with family and friends.
What is supporting social relationships?
When a patient cries or becomes upset, a CNA should respond with this calm behavior.
What is reassurance/supportive presence?
This is the feeling of being valued and respected—something CNAs help build by addressing patients by name.
What is dignity?
Consistent memory loss and confusion may indicate this chronic condition affecting cognition.
What is dementia?
This is the practice of giving a patient your full attention without interruptions.
What is presence (or focused attention)?
Respecting a patient’s beliefs and traditions helps support this aspect of their well‑being.
What is cultural or spiritual identity?
When patients express anger, the CNA should do this rather than argue.
What is remain calm and listen?
This CNA action helps maintain a patient’s sense of independence whenever possible.
What is promoting patient choice (autonomy)?
These early warning signs—changes in appetite, behavior, or sleep—signal a CNA to report concerns to a nurse.
What are changes in mental or emotional status?
When communicating with a hearing‑impaired patient, this is the best place to stand.
What is directly in front of them?
Letting patients make small decisions, such as clothing choice, supports this need.
What is independence or self‑esteem?
Providing consistent caregivers whenever possible helps reduce this negative feeling for patients with dementia.
What is anxiety or confusion?