How should a CNA manage a patient expressing anxiety or fear?

The most effective way for a CNA to manage a patient expressing anxiety or fear is to listen actively and provide reassurance. This approach is crucial because it allows the patient to feel heard and understood, which can significantly alleviate their feelings of anxiety. Active listening involves giving the patient your full attention, acknowledging their feelings, and validating their concerns. This helps build trust and rapport between the caregiver and the patient, which is essential for effective care.

Providing reassurance can take various forms, such as verbal support, offering information about what to expect, or simply being present with the patient to help them feel more secure. When patients feel supported, they are more likely to express their concerns openly, which can lead to better outcomes in managing their emotional and psychological well-being during their healthcare experience.

While encouraging the patient to calm down or redirecting them to another activity might seem like immediate solutions, these strategies can be dismissive of the patient's feelings and may not address the root of their anxiety. Ignoring the patient's feelings completely does not provide any support and can further exacerbate their anxiety. Thus, active listening and reassurance are the best practices for a CNA in handling these situations.