What should a CNA do if a patient expresses discomfort?

When a patient expresses discomfort, it is crucial for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to report the discomfort to the nurse immediately. This action is essential as it ensures that the patient's needs are addressed promptly, which could involve assessing the situation, administering appropriate interventions, or adjusting the patient's care plan. Timely communication with the nurse facilitates a higher standard of patient care, as nursing staff are trained to evaluate and respond to health concerns effectively based on their clinical expertise.

Immediate reporting also helps prevent potential complications or worsening of the patient's condition. Acknowledge and address patient discomfort is part of providing compassionate and responsive care, which is paramount in a healthcare setting. Additionally, documenting patient complaints at a later time would not suffice in ensuring that the patient receives the timely assistance needed, while ignoring the complaint altogether would be a disregard for the patient’s well-being. Trying to soothe the patient without reporting does not guarantee that the underlying issue is properly addressed, which can compromise the patient's care.