What should a CNA do first if a patient has difficulty breathing?

When a patient is experiencing difficulty breathing, the most appropriate immediate action is to assess the situation and notify a nurse or doctor. This is critical because the healthcare team needs to determine the underlying cause of the respiratory distress and decide on the best course of action. A thorough assessment could involve checking the patient’s airway, respiratory rate, and the presence of any additional symptoms, such as cyanosis or wheezing, all of which will help medical professionals in determining the appropriate interventions.

Taking this step ensures that appropriate medical personnel are alerted quickly, allowing for timely management of potentially life-threatening situations. While attempting to calm the patient and providing supplemental oxygen may seem beneficial, these actions should be guided by clinical evaluation and are not a substitute for notifying a nurse or doctor. Performing CPR, on the other hand, is specifically indicated only when there is a complete loss of breathing and heart function, which requires a different set of immediate interventions and responses.