BP question for CNA job

[DanainOrlando]

I'm applying for a job at a CNA agency, and they have a multiple choice test that I have to take. I appreciate any assistance that anyone here can give me.

One of the questions is:

1.) If a person has a b/p of 60/40, you should:

a.) call the nursing agency

b.) call a physician

c.) Dial 911

d.) Nothing.

I would say call a physician; is that right?

Another question is:

The potential for splashing and soiling with blood and bodily fluids exists in caring for certain patients. What precautions should be considered in addition to gloves?

a.) Disposable plastic gown

b.) Disposable plastic gown, and goggles

c.) Disposable plastic gown, goggles and mask

I took a short CNA course - nobody mentioned anything about goggles! Which is the best answer?

[DuluthMike]

Calling the physician? What are you trained to tell them besides the blood pressure? Can you conduct an in depth assessment? Can you carry out orders? Get some licensed personnel to call the physician.

If I have splashing body fluids I'm wearing a face shield and a mask. Protect all mucus membranes.

[DanainOrlando]

If I were to call a physician, as a CNA all I could tell them is the blood pressure. So your suggestion would be, call the nursing agency and report it?

[missmonkey]

#1: Call the physician. Even CNAs know that that BP is low, DuluthMike. It doesn't require a CNA to do any assessment. All CNAs have to do is to report unusual changes. The call to the MD is to let him/her do the assessment. I'd call 911 if the patient is unconscious but the question doesn't mention that. Calling the nursing agency doesn't help the patient and delays getting help.

#2: Use gown, gloves and mask to protect mucous membranes, as DM pointed out.

[DanainOrlando]

Unfortunately, the question doesn't give me the option of just gown, gloves and mask though - it also includes goggles, which sounds excessive to me.

What about calling 911? Is that too much? I wish the questions were better - or I wish they would just TELL me what they want me to do under the circumstances! I know I wouldn't just ignore such low blood pressure - I just don't know if calling 911 is too drastic.

[KateRN1]

It is outside the CNA's scope of practice to call the physician. Standard procedure in any facility or home health agency is that the CNA calls the nurse assigned to the patient or the agency and reports abnormal vital signs.

[systoly]

I tend to agree with the last post, however silly it maybe. I've had agency CNAs assigned to do private care for LTC residents and they were required to call their agency first, which, in turn, would then advise them to contact me. All I can say is, if you find me with a systolic of 60, please call 911. And c

[DanainOrlando]

I called my mother, who is a CNA (but who hasn't had to take a test like this in decades), and she felt that calling a physician is out - you might get their answering service, they might take a long time to get back to you, etc. She felt that either calling the agency or calling 911. I guess I'll go with calling the agency.

[annedoherty78]

Call the 911.Why take the chance. The nursing agency would probably tell you to do the same. You would of wasted valuable time.

[annedoherty78]

I would call 911! Why take the chance? If you called the dr, he would probably tell you to call 911. What would the nursing agency do?

[missmonkey]

It is outside the CNA's scope of practice to call the physician.

Anyone can call the MD's office. What's outside the CNA scope of practice is to take physician's orders or messages.

[southern rn]

call 911!! That is a life threatening B/P. Pt in imminent danger=emergency help.Calling the doc or the agency is pointless. The pt. needs to be evaluated immediately and if you do call someone else that is exactly what they will tell you.