What should a CNA do if they find a patient unresponsive?

When a CNA encounters an unresponsive patient, the most appropriate action is to call for help and begin CPR if trained. This response is critical because it prioritizes the patient's immediate needs. When a person is unresponsive, there may be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention, such as a cardiac arrest.

Starting CPR can help maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs until professional medical assistance arrives. By calling for help, the CNA ensures that additional trained personnel can assist in resuscitating the patient or provide further medical intervention.

While assessing vital signs is important, it is not the priority in an unresponsive person where time is of the essence. Similarly, leaving to find a doctor could lead to unnecessary delays in care that may worsen the patient's condition. Attempting to wake the patient by shaking might not only be ineffective but could also lead to further injury, especially if the patient is suffering from a serious health issue. Therefore, the correct course of action is to seek immediate assistance and begin CPR, reflecting both a timely response and a commitment to patient safety.