What should a CNA do when dealing with aggressive behavior from a patient?

When handling aggressive behavior from a patient, maintaining a calm demeanor is crucial. This approach helps to de-escalate the situation and prevents further agitation. By not engaging in confrontation, the CNA fosters a more controlled environment, which can contribute to re-establishing trust and safety between the caregiver and the patient.

Seeking help if the situation escalates or feels unsafe is important because it ensures that the patient receives appropriate care while also protecting the CNA and others around them. Teamwork in healthcare is vital; involving other professionals can provide additional support and strategies for managing aggression more effectively.

In this context, ignoring the aggressive behavior would be inappropriate, as it may allow the situation to worsen or lead to unaddressed safety concerns. Confronting the patient aggressively could escalate the aggression further, resulting in potential harm. Likewise, restricting a patient's movement without justification is not only unethical but may also violate patients' rights and lead to increased aggression or distress. Hence, staying calm and seeking assistance is the most effective and appropriate response to managing aggressive behavior in a patient.