Author Question: The certified nursing assistant (CNA) is feeding a patient and notes that the patient is having ... (Read 79 times)

robinn137 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The certified nursing assistant (CNA) is feeding a patient and notes that the patient is having difficulty swallowing. She reports this to the primary registered nurse. What should the nurse do first?

a. Assign the task to a more experienced CNA
b. Feed the patient herself
c. Assess the patient and place on NPO status
d. Call the primary care provider

Question 2

A patient who has been hospitalized for weeks becomes angry and tells the nurse who is caring for him, I hate this place; nobody knows how to take care of me or I'd be home by now. Which response by the nurse is best in this situation?

a. You seem angry; what's going on that makes you hate this place?
b. I'm sorry that we aren't caring for you according to your expectations.
c. You were very sick; don't be angry; you're lucky to be alive.
d. You shouldn't be angry with us; we're trying to help you.

nicoleclaire22 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Feeding a patient is a delegatable task that a CNA can perform. However, once it is reported to the registered nurse that the patient is having difficulty swallowing, this becomes a safety issue that the registered nurse must address. This circumstance is then no longer delegatable for any CNA regardless of experience. The first action by the nurse is to assess the patient and place the patient on NPO status until a primary provider is notified for further orders.

Answer to Question 2

A
You seem angry; what's going on . . . encourages the patient to express his feelings and may provide you with more information. The nurse should not take responsibility for the patient's anger by apologizing (I'm sorry . . .). Advising the patient don't be angry or you shouldn't be angry diminishes the patient's right to be angry.