Colorado CNA Practice Exam

What should a nursing assistant do after failing to acquire an accurate vital sign reading?

1. Ask another resident for an opinion

2. Guess the reading

3. Report the issue to the nurse

4. Ignore and continue

The correct answer is: Report the issue to the nurse

Reporting the issue to the nurse is crucial after failing to get an accurate vital sign reading. Vital signs are essential indicators of a resident's health status, and if a reading is inaccurate, it can lead to incorrect conclusions about their condition. By informing the nurse, you ensure that the resident receives the appropriate care based on accurate information. The nurse may then take further steps to check the vital signs again, use different equipment, or assess the situation to determine the next course of action. Other options, such as asking another resident for their opinion, guessing the reading, or ignoring the issue, do not uphold the standard of care required in a healthcare setting and could jeopardize the well-being of the resident. Accurate monitoring and responding appropriately to discrepancies in health data are foundational responsibilities of a nursing assistant.