Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

What should a nurse aide do if a resident reports pain down her arms and into her jaw, combined with nausea?

1. Administer pain relief medication

2. Offer the resident some water

3. Recognize the seriousness of the signs and report immediately

4. Provide comfort measures like a warm blanket

The correct answer is: Recognize the seriousness of the signs and report immediately

When a resident reports pain radiating down the arms and into the jaw, accompanied by nausea, it is crucial to recognize these symptoms as potentially indicative of a serious medical condition, such as a heart attack. Such symptoms require immediate attention and intervention, as they could signal a life-threatening event. By promptly reporting these signs to a qualified healthcare professional, the nurse aide ensures that the resident receives the appropriate evaluation and potential medical treatment in a timely manner. Prompt action can be vital in preventing further complications or deterioration in the resident's condition. The other actions, while they might seem supportive, do not appropriately address the urgency of the situation. Administering medication without a doctor's orders can be unsafe, offering water may not be advisable given the potential severity of the symptoms, and providing comfort measures alone does not address the need for immediate medical assessment.