Bedsores (pressure ulcers) are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. CNAs help prevent them by regularly turning and repositioning bedridden patients to relieve pressure on specific areas of the body.
CNAs often measure vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and respiration. More complex tests like blood sugar monitoring, X-rays, and MRIs are handled by more specialized healthcare professionals.
CNAs are not responsible for diagnosing or treating conditions. Their role is to observe and report changes in a patient's condition to licensed nursing staff or supervisors for further evaluation.
CNAs help patients with basic personal care tasks like bathing, dressing, and grooming. Administering medications and diagnosing conditions are typically outside their scope, as these tasks are reserved for nurses and doctors.
If a patient is not eating, it could be due to various reasons, such as loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, or other health concerns. A CNA should report this to the nurse or dietitian, so appropriate action can be taken.
