If a nursing assistant finds a resident who is not breathing during routine rounds, what should they do first?

In a situation where a nursing assistant finds a resident who is not breathing, the immediate priority is to ensure that emergency medical services are alerted. Calling 911 or the appropriate emergency number is crucial because timely professional medical intervention can significantly impact the outcome for the resident. By notifying emergency services, the nursing assistant initiates a response that will bring trained personnel to provide further assistance.

Once emergency services are called, the nursing assistant can then assess the situation further or begin interventions like CPR if they are trained to do so. However, the first action of contacting emergency services ensures that help is on the way, which is vital in life-threatening situations.

In this context, while checking the resident's pulse, performing CPR, or inspecting the room for hazards are also important measures in responsive care, they should come after ensuring that emergency medical assistance is on its way, as every second counts in cases of respiratory failure. Calling for help first allows for a coordinated response to the emergency.