26. A nurse aide sees a resident who walks independently, fall in the hallway. What should the nurse aide do once arriving at the resident's side?
Answer: C
Ask the resident to try moving arms and legs
Upon arriving at the resident's side, the nurse aide should first assess the resident's condition by asking them to try moving their arms and legs. This action helps determine if the resident has sustained any injuries and ensures their safety before taking further steps.
A) Call for help
While it is important to ensure that help can be summoned if necessary, calling for help should not be the first action taken. The nurse aide should first assess the situation and the resident's ability to move, as this information is crucial in deciding the next steps.
B) Check for bleeding
Checking for bleeding is a critical assessment in cases of falls, but it is not the immediate step to take. The nurse aide should first ascertain the resident’s mobility and responsiveness by having them try to move their arms and legs, which will provide more context for any further assessments like checking for bleeding.
C) Ask the resident to try moving arms and legs
This is the appropriate action for the nurse aide to take. By asking the resident to try moving their arms and legs, the aide can quickly assess whether the resident is alert and capable of movement, which is essential for evaluating any potential injuries or the need for further assistance.
D) Find out what nurse aide is assigned to the resident
Determining which nurse aide is assigned to the resident is not an immediate priority upon finding the resident on the floor. The nurse aide’s first responsibility is to assess the resident's condition and ensure their safety, rather than looking for another aide.
Conclusion
The correct choice, asking the resident to try moving their arms and legs, allows the nurse aide to quickly evaluate the resident's physical state and potential injuries. Other options either delay necessary assessments or focus on irrelevant details that do not address the immediate needs of the resident after a fall. Prioritizing the resident's mobility and safety is essential in emergency situations.