What are key actions a CNA should take to assist with toileting while promoting independence and dignity?

• A. Instruct resident to void only when asked and avoid call light usage.
• B. Respect privacy, provide assistance as needed, ensure safety (call light within reach), and keep resident covered as appropriate.
• C. Remove clothing to inspect, and never cover resident.
• D. Move privacy, lock door.

Answer: (B)

Helping with toileting in a way that preserves independence and dignity means balancing privacy, appropriate assistance, and safety. A CNA should respect privacy by closing doors or pulling curtains and keeping the resident covered as much as possible, while explaining what will be done and allowing the resident to do as much as they can themselves. Safety is key, so the call light should be within reach and help provided promptly if the resident needs it, with any needed equipment ready and used to prevent falls or discomfort. This approach supports the resident’s sense of autonomy and self-respect while ensuring they receive help only as needed and feel secure.

The other options fall short because they either undermine autonomy and safety by limiting when the resident can ask for help or by ignoring privacy, or they describe actions that violate dignity (like removing clothing to inspect or never covering the resident) or are incomplete in addressing both privacy and assistance.