When should a CNA escalate their observations regarding a patient to a nurse?

When should a CNA escalate their observations regarding a patient to a nurse?

• A. Only when the patient is visible upset
• B. When a patient shows noted signs of dehiscence or hypoxia
• C. Only after hours without a response
• D. When in doubt about their own capability to assist

Answer: (B)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) plays a vital role in monitoring patient conditions and providing care. When it comes to escalating observations to a nurse, it is essential to prioritize serious and potentially life-threatening situations. The choice that states a CNA should escalate their observations when a patient shows noted signs of dehiscence or hypoxia is the correct one because both of these conditions indicate significant medical issues. Dehiscence refers to the separation of a surgical wound's edges, which can lead to infection and other complications. Hypoxia is a condition where there is inadequate oxygen supply to the body, which can result in severe physiological effects. These situations require immediate attention from a nursing professional for proper assessment and intervention, as timely action can significantly affect patient outcomes. This focus on critical symptoms underscores the importance of communication in healthcare settings and ensures that patients receive the necessary care without delay. In contrast, other options mentioned do not represent situations that typically require immediate escalation. For instance, a patient being visibly upset does not necessarily indicate a medical emergency that warrants urgent escalation, just as waiting hours without a response from a nurse could lead to delays in care. Additionally, escalating concerns based solely on doubt in one’s own capability may not serve the patient’s best interests

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) plays a vital role in monitoring patient conditions and providing care. When it comes to escalating observations to a nurse, it is essential to prioritize serious and potentially life-threatening situations.

The choice that states a CNA should escalate their observations when a patient shows noted signs of dehiscence or hypoxia is the correct one because both of these conditions indicate significant medical issues. Dehiscence refers to the separation of a surgical wound's edges, which can lead to infection and other complications. Hypoxia is a condition where there is inadequate oxygen supply to the body, which can result in severe physiological effects. These situations require immediate attention from a nursing professional for proper assessment and intervention, as timely action can significantly affect patient outcomes.

This focus on critical symptoms underscores the importance of communication in healthcare settings and ensures that patients receive the necessary care without delay. In contrast, other options mentioned do not represent situations that typically require immediate escalation. For instance, a patient being visibly upset does not necessarily indicate a medical emergency that warrants urgent escalation, just as waiting hours without a response from a nurse could lead to delays in care. Additionally, escalating concerns based solely on doubt in one’s own capability may not serve the patient’s best interests