Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

What condition should a nurse aide report to the charge nurse immediately?

1. The resident has a headache

2. A resident's complaint of chest pain

3. The resident is feeling tired

4. A change in the resident's appetite

The correct answer is: A resident's complaint of chest pain

A resident's complaint of chest pain is a condition that requires immediate reporting to the charge nurse because it can indicate a serious medical emergency, such as a heart attack or other cardiovascular issues. Chest pain can be a sign of inadequate blood flow to the heart and could potentially lead to life-threatening situations. In the context of nursing care, any complaint of chest pain should be treated with urgency. Other symptoms might accompany chest pain like shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea, which can further escalate the need for prompt medical assessment and intervention. Quick action can significantly affect the outcome for the resident, making it crucial that a nurse aide communicates this information as soon as it is reported. In contrast, although headaches, fatigue, and changes in appetite can be indicative of underlying health issues, they do not generally represent an immediate threat to the resident's life, thus they do not carry the same urgency as a complaint of chest pain.