Final answer:
When a CNA encounters a resident with chest pains, they should immediately call for help since conditions such as angina or myocardial infarction require urgent attention and trained medical intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is faced with a resident complaining of chest pains, the correct course of action is to call for help immediately. Chest pains can indicate a serious medical condition such as angina pectoris or an acute myocardial infarction (MI), both of which require urgent medical attention. It is crucial to recognize that angina chest pain occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood or oxygen, leading to pain that may radiate to areas such as the arms, neck, jaws, or back and could be accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating.
While CPR is a life-saving technique that can be applied in emergency situations when the heart stops, it should only be performed by someone who is properly trained, considering the risk of causing further injury. It is paramount that CNAs do not attempt interventions such as breathing exercises, massaging the area of pain, or administering pain relievers without explicit instructions from a medical professional. Instead, the CNA's role is to promptly alert medical personnel so that a differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment can be provided as quickly as possible.