If a patient is unresponsive, the CNA should immediately call for help and check for signs of breathing and a pulse. After assessing the situation, if the patient is not breathing, the CNA should initiate CPR following the facility's emergency protocols. Shaking the patient or delaying the assessment could worsen the situation.
If a patient is choking but still able to cough, the CNA should encourage them to cough forcefully to try and clear the airway. If the patient cannot cough, speak, or breathe, abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) should be performed. A blind finger sweep should never be done as it can push the object further into the airway.
In case of a fire, the primary responsibility of the CNA is the safety of the patients. The CNA should follow the R.A.C.E. (Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish) protocol: first rescue the patient, then activate the alarm, confine the fire by closing doors, and, if possible, extinguish the fire. Safety and evacuation should always come first.
These symptoms suggest that the patient may be experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The CNA should provide a fast-acting source of sugar, like juice, candy, or glucose tablets, and notify the nurse immediately. Insulin is only administered under a nurse’s direction and would worsen hypoglycemia in this case.
If a patient falls, the CNA should not attempt to move them without assistance, as this could cause further injury. The CNA should stay with the patient to ensure their safety, call for help, and observe for any injuries. The nurse will assess the patient and determine the appropriate action based on the patient’s condition.
