Final answer:
The BEST action for a nursing assistant who notes a fever in a patient is to report it to the patient's nurse. Doing so ensures the patient receives proper attention without unnecessary delay.
Step-by-step explanation:
The BEST action a nursing assistant can take when noticing a patient's temperature of 101.2 is B. Report the temperature to the patient's nurse. This ensures that the nurse can assess the patient's condition and administer appropriate care, which may include further diagnostic tests or medical intervention. Telling the patient the temperature without further context might cause undue anxiety, and repeating the measurement immediately or after 15 minutes without reporting could delay necessary treatment.
Understanding the importance of proper communication in a healthcare setting is critical. A patient's rise in temperature could be indicative of an infection or other health issue that requires prompt attention. Nursing assistants should always follow the healthcare facility’s protocol and communicate vital signs like a fever to the supervising nurse or physician to ensure the patient receives the best care in a timely manner.