What should a CNA do if a patient falls?

When a patient falls, the most appropriate and responsible action for a CNA is to assess for injuries, call for help, and document the incident. This approach prioritizes patient safety and ensures that the patient receives the necessary medical evaluation after the fall.

Assessing for injuries is crucial because it helps to identify any immediate medical issues that may need attention, such as fractures or head injuries. Following this, calling for help ensures that additional medical personnel can provide the necessary care and support. Documentation is also an important step; it creates a record of what happened during the incident, which can be important for medical evaluation and facility protocols.

The other options would not follow the standard protocols for patient safety and care. Providing immediate food and water after a fall could pose a risk, as the patient may have underlying injuries that require immediate medical assessment rather than consumption of food or drink. Dragging a patient to a safe area can cause further injury, particularly to the spine or joints, and should never be done. Leaving the patient to gather help is unsafe, as it neglects the immediate needs of the patient and delays necessary care.