Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What should a nursing assistant do when a resident has sudden dyspnea and shortness of breath?

1. Leave the resident alone

2. Assist to a sitting position and notify the nurse

3. Perform CPR immediately

4. Encourage deep breathing exercises

The correct answer is: Assist to a sitting position and notify the nurse

When a resident experiences sudden dyspnea and shortness of breath, assisting them to a sitting position and notifying the nurse is the appropriate response. This action helps to facilitate easier breathing by allowing the resident to expand their lungs more effectively, which can alleviate some of the distress caused by shortness of breath. Additionally, notifying the nurse is crucial as they have the training and authority to assess the situation further, provide medical intervention, and determine if additional treatment is needed. Sitting can provide a sense of security to the resident, and being in an upright position often helps with breathing difficulties. The nurse will be able to utilize their clinical judgment to determine if it is a benign issue or something that requires immediate medical treatment, such as administering oxygen or medication. While deep breathing exercises may be beneficial for certain respiratory issues, they may not be safe or appropriate in the context of sudden and severe symptoms. Similarly, leaving the resident alone could exacerbate their situation and is not advisable. Performing CPR should only be done in cases of cardiac arrest and is not indicated for immediate response to dyspnea unless the resident is unresponsive and not breathing.