Following nurses orders (from CNA)

[bethin]

I work on med/surg and today we rec'd an end stage alzheimer pt whose dx as ASPIRATION. The ER dr ordered a pureed diet. When the tray arrives the nurse (one everyone has had problems with - long story) asks me to feed her. I question the fact that she aspirated and expressed my feelings that I was afraid she would aspirate again. Nurse told me to just do it. So, I walk into the room and put a the smallest amt of pureed food on a spoon and give it to her. Guess what she does? Yep, you guessed it - she starts coughing up a storm. I immediately stop feeding her and notify the nurse. Nurse says "ok". Luckily her dr was there and heard this and went to assess her. Swallowing eval ordered.

I was discussing this with another RN and she told me that if the pt died, that the nurse who told me to feed her AND me could be held liable. Is this true, which I imagine it is. And shouldh't the RN had questioned that order? As a CNA, I don't think I can question orders as an RN/LPN does but it upsets me that she may have put my certification at risk. I feel stuck in the middle - protecting my certification and the pt and following orders.

And shouldn't the pt have stayed NPO until the swallowing eval done?

[ceecel.dee, MSN, RN]

You were exactly RIGHT, and should say just that when asked.

No worries!

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

You were correct.