CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyMedium
A nurse aide is assisting a resident with ambulation when the resident suddenly begins to fall. What is the nurse aide's immediate priority action?
- ACall for help loudly while trying to break the resident's fall.
- BGently ease the resident to the floor to prevent injury.
- CPosition themselves behind the resident and brace for impact.
- DAttempt to stop the fall completely by holding the resident upright.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Gently ease the resident to the floor to prevent injury.
If a resident begins to fall, the nurse aide's priority is to minimize injury. Attempting to completely stop a fall can result in injury to both the resident and the nurse aide. Gently easing the resident to the floor, guiding their fall, helps reduce the force of impact.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While calling for help is good, the immediate priority is managing the fall safely.
- C. Bracing for impact might be part of easing them down, but the primary goal is the gentle lowering.
- D. Attempting to stop a fall can injure both the resident and the aide.
Managing a Resident Fall
When a resident begins to fall, the nurse aide should prioritize guiding them safely to the floor to minimize injury.
- Do not try to stop the fall completely.
- Protect the resident's head.
- Report the fall to the nurse immediately after it occurs.
Memory trick: Guide Gently, Guard Ground, Get Help.