Colorado CNA Practice Exam

If a nursing assistant is unable to obtain a proper reading of a resident's vital signs, she should:

1. Ask another resident for help

2. Keep trying until she gets a number

3. Record an estimate

4. Tell the nurse

The correct answer is: Tell the nurse

The correct response in this situation is to inform the nurse. When a nursing assistant encounters difficulties in obtaining accurate vital sign readings, it is important to recognize the limitations of their training and abilities. The nurse is trained to assess and manage clinical situations and can provide guidance or assistance in obtaining accurate readings. This ensures that the resident receives the appropriate care based on reliable health data. Obtaining vital signs is a critical task, and incorrect data can lead to inappropriate health assessments or interventions. Therefore, communicating with the nurse not only promotes a team approach to patient care but also ensures that any potential issues can be addressed effectively. The other options presented are not advisable as they might lead to inaccurate or unreliable data collection. Soliciting help from another resident does not have any clinical merit and could compromise patient safety. Continuing to try without success can waste time and potentially stress the resident. Recording an estimate undermines the accuracy that is vital when monitoring a patient's health status.