Colorado CNA Practice Exam

During an emergency, which of the following actions should a nursing assistant take first?

1. Begin CPR

2. Call for help immediately

3. Move the resident to a safe place

4. Check the resident's medical history

The correct answer is: Begin CPR

The first action a nursing assistant should take during an emergency is to call for help immediately. This is because ensuring that professional medical assistance is on the way is crucial to managing any emergency effectively. The nursing assistant may be trained in CPR and willing to perform it, but starting CPR should occur only if there is no pulse or the resident is not breathing. In many emergencies, the first step should always involve alerting others and mobilizing resources to ensure safety and assistance can be provided as quickly as possible. Calling for help guarantees that additional support can be available while the nursing assistant attends to the resident. Additionally, moving the resident before help comes or checking their medical history may not be appropriate as a first step, especially if it jeopardizes their safety or if it distracts from addressing the immediate need for professional assistance.