If a resident complains of chest pain, what is the appropriate action for a nursing assistant?

When a resident complains of chest pain, the most appropriate action is to call 911 and request immediate assistance. Chest pain can be a symptom of a serious medical condition such as a heart attack, angina, or other cardiovascular issues. In such situations, it is crucial to seek emergency medical help as quickly as possible to ensure the resident receives the necessary evaluation and treatment.

While providing reassurance is important for the emotional well-being of the resident, it should not take precedence over obtaining immediate medical attention in the face of potential life-threatening symptoms. Monitoring vital signs can be useful, but it should only be done after emergency services have been contacted, as the priority is to ensure professional medical help is on the way. Asking the resident to take a deep breath might provide some temporary relief, but it does not address the urgency of the situation and could even delay critical care. Therefore, the immediate step is to initiate a call for emergency services to provide the necessary intervention as quickly as possible.