What should a CNA do if a resident reports feeling pain?

When a resident reports feeling pain, it is vital for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to assess the pain and then report it to a nurse. This approach ensures that the resident's discomfort is taken seriously and is documented appropriately. Assessing the pain involves asking specific questions about the intensity, location, and nature of the pain, which helps in providing critical information to the nurse for further evaluation and treatment.

Reporting the pain to a nurse is crucial because nurses have the responsibility and authority to make clinical judgments regarding medication or other interventions that may be required. They can then determine the appropriate plan of care that may include pain management strategies based on the assessment made by the CNA.

Ignoring the complaint could lead to unnecessary suffering for the resident, while administering medication without proper authorization from a nurse might not only be against protocol but could also pose risks if the medication is not appropriate for the resident's condition. Suggesting rest and comfort measures may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying need for assessment and possible medical intervention. Therefore, the correct action for a CNA is to assess the pain and report it to a nurse.