What should a CNA monitor when caring for a patient in distress?

Monitoring changes in a patient's vital signs is crucial when caring for a patient in distress because vital signs provide essential information about the patient's current health status and physiological functions. Key vital signs include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature. An increase or decrease in these indicators can signal a change in the patient's condition and help determine whether more urgent medical intervention is needed.

In a distress situation, these signs can indicate worsening health or a response to treatment, guiding the healthcare team in making informed decisions about the patient's care. This monitoring helps ensure prompt recognition of potential complications, enabling appropriate actions to be taken to stabilize the patient and avoid further deterioration.

Other choices do not directly contribute to the immediate assessment of a patient's distress nor are they relevant in a clinical monitoring context for patient safety and care.