Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

Why is it important for the CNA to turn a resident onto their side when they are vomiting?

1. To clean the bed

2. To prevent aspiration

3. To check their breathing

4. To reduce discomfort

The correct answer is: To prevent aspiration

Turning a resident onto their side during vomiting is crucial to prevent aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food, liquid, or vomit is inhaled into the lungs instead of being swallowed into the stomach. This can lead to severe respiratory complications, such as aspiration pneumonia, which is a serious condition that can significantly affect a person's health and recovery. Positioning a resident on their side allows the vomit to exit the mouth and helps keep the airways clear, thereby minimizing the risk of it being inhaled. Additionally, while it's important to maintain hygiene and consider comfort, these factors are secondary to the immediate priority of ensuring the resident's safety from potential airway obstruction and respiratory distress caused by aspiration. Thus, the primary goal when managing a resident who is vomiting is to safeguard their respiratory function.