If a patient is verbally expressing that they cannot breathe, what is the first action a CNA should take?

If a patient is verbally expressing that they cannot breathe, what is the first action a CNA should take?

• A. Attempt to calm the patient
• B. Administer oxygen if available
• C. Go and report it to the nurse immediately
• D. Check the patient's pulse

Answer: (C)

When a patient expresses difficulty breathing, the initial and most critical action is to ensure they receive proper medical attention as quickly as possible. Reporting the situation to the nurse immediately allows trained medical personnel to assess the patient’s condition and intervene appropriately. The nurse can take necessary actions such as administering oxygen or providing further medical assistance, which could be vital for the patient's safety.

While attempting to calm the patient or administering oxygen if available may seem important, these actions should be secondary to alerting a healthcare professional who can give immediate medical care. Checking the patient’s pulse, although it may provide additional information about their condition, does not directly address the urgent issue of their breathing difficulty. Therefore, prioritizing immediate communication with the nurse is essential for effective and timely patient care in such critical situations.