Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

A resident usually responds verbally to greetings but seems to have trouble waking up. What should the nurse aide's next actions be?

1. Try to wake the resident up gently

2. Call for the charge nurse immediately

3. Let the resident sleep

4. Assess vital signs on the resident

The correct answer is: Call for the charge nurse immediately

The most appropriate action in this situation is to try to wake the resident up gently. When a resident typically responds verbally but is having difficulty waking up, it can be an indicator that something may be wrong. Gently waking the resident allows you to assess their level of consciousness and ensure their safety. It is important to monitor any changes in the resident's responsiveness, as this could lead to identifying a potential medical issue that requires immediate attention. Calling for the charge nurse immediately may be necessary if the gentle attempts to awaken the resident are unsuccessful, or if the resident shows signs of distress or has abnormal vital signs. However, taking the initiative to gently wake the resident is the first step in assessing the situation before escalating to seeking assistance. Letting the resident sleep without attempting to wake them could result in missing a serious health concern. Assessing vital signs should be considered after the attempt to awaken has been made and if the resident does not respond or shows further concerning symptoms. Therefore, trying to wake them up gently prioritizes the resident's safety and allows for appropriate follow-up actions based on their response.