Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What should nursing assistants do if they encounter a resident with difficulty swallowing?

1. Allow them to eat normally

2. Advise them to drink more water

3. Notify a nurse or physician immediately

4. Ignore the issue

The correct answer is: Notify a nurse or physician immediately

When a nursing assistant encounters a resident with difficulty swallowing, it is essential to notify a nurse or physician immediately. This action is critical because difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, can lead to serious health risks, including choking, aspiration pneumonia, or malnutrition. A healthcare professional is trained to assess the severity of the situation and determine the most appropriate interventions, which may include modifying the resident's diet or providing specialized therapy. The importance of immediate communication with nursing staff or physicians cannot be overstated. It ensures that the resident receives timely medical evaluation and intervention, which is critical for their safety and well-being. This approach exemplifies a key aspect of the nursing assistant's role: advocating for the residents and ensuring they receive appropriate care based on their changing health needs.