You enter your resident's room and find him grimacing and holding his stomach. The best response is to

You enter your resident's room and find him grimacing and holding his stomach. The best response is to

• A. Assist to the bathroom
• B. Ask him if he's okay and be prepared to assist if needed
• C. Tell the nurse he is in pain and needs medication
• D. Come back later when he's feeling better

Answer: (B)

Assessing and responding to a resident’s pain promptly. When you enter and see a resident grimacing and holding his stomach, the best move is to acknowledge what you see by asking if he’s okay and offering to help right away. This communicates care, gives him a chance to describe what hurts and how severe it is, and lets you determine immediate needs. You can also provide comfort and safety—adjusting positioning, keeping the call light within reach, and staying with him if needed—while you decide whether to involve the nurse for further assessment or possible intervention. Assisting to the bathroom isn’t ruled out, but it should come after you’ve checked his pain and needs, so you’re not missing a potential urgent issue. Telling the nurse he’s in pain and needs medication bypasses your role, since meds require a nurse’s assessment and order. Returning later ignores the discomfort and potential early signs of a problem.

Assessing and responding to a resident’s pain promptly. When you enter and see a resident grimacing and holding his stomach, the best move is to acknowledge what you see by asking if he’s okay and offering to help right away. This communicates care, gives him a chance to describe what hurts and how severe it is, and lets you determine immediate needs. You can also provide comfort and safety—adjusting positioning, keeping the call light within reach, and staying with him if needed—while you decide whether to involve the nurse for further assessment or possible intervention.

Assisting to the bathroom isn’t ruled out, but it should come after you’ve checked his pain and needs, so you’re not missing a potential urgent issue. Telling the nurse he’s in pain and needs medication bypasses your role, since meds require a nurse’s assessment and order. Returning later ignores the discomfort and potential early signs of a problem.