Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-In-One Guide to Exam Success!

The most appropriate response in this situation is to ask the resident, "Were you thinking of something that caused the tears?" This approach shows sensitivity and provides an opportunity for the resident to express their feelings and thoughts about their loss. It demonstrates active listening and empathy, which are crucial when supporting someone who is grieving. By inviting the resident to share what they are feeling, the nurse aide validates their emotions and helps create a safe space for them to process their grief. This supportive reaction can significantly aid in the emotional healing process, allowing the resident to feel heard and understood during a very difficult time.

Encouraging someone to forget about their feelings or experience can minimize their emotional distress and discourage them from processing their grief, which is an essential part of healing. Similarly, telling the resident to calm down or changing the subject can also come off as dismissive, as it does not acknowledge the resident's pain or offer them a chance to express their emotions fully. Therefore, engaging through a thoughtful question about their feelings is the most compassionate and effective approach.