Question

When caring for a patient who has started vomiting, a CNA should:?

1) Place a basin next to the patient's chest.
2) Tilt the patient's head up.
3) Dispose of all of the vomitus immediately
4) Measure, report, and record the amount of vomitus.

Answer 1

A CNA should place a basin next to the patient's chest, tilt their head to the side for safety, and measure, report, and record the amount of vomitus. Tilted head helps in preventing aspiration. Immediate clean-up is important, but not before assessing the situation for healthcare evaluation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a patient who has started vomiting, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) should:

1. Place a basin next to the patient's chest to collect the vomitus.
2. Tilt the patient's head to the side to prevent aspiration, which can lead to choking or lung infections.
3. After the vomiting has ceased, measure, report, and record the amount of vomitus. This information is critical for healthcare providers to know, as it can influence patient treatment plans and indicate the severity of the patient's condition.
4. Ensure to follow the facility's protocol for the disposal of biohazardous materials when disposing of the vomitus.

It is not advisable to tilt the patient's head up, as it increases the risk of aspiration. Also, while cleaning up immediately may be a priority for comfort and hygiene, proper measurement and reporting is crucial for patient care.