What is a key responsibility of a CNA when monitoring a patient's vital signs?

A key responsibility of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) when monitoring a patient's vital signs is assessing and recording all vital signs accurately. Accurate measurement and documentation are essential components of patient care and safety. This ensures that healthcare providers have reliable data to make informed decisions about the patient's condition and necessary interventions.

Vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure, provide critical information regarding the patient's health status. By accurately documenting this data, the CNA contributes to tracking any changes in the patient's condition, which can be vital for timely medical responses.

Recording all vital signs is essential, not just those that are abnormal, because establishing a baseline is necessary to identify trends and potential issues. This detailed and precise recording helps in maintaining continuity of care and supports the overall treatment plan devised by the healthcare team.

The other roles, such as discussing vital signs with the patient's family or changing medications based on vital signs, are not appropriate for a CNA. CNAs are not typically authorized to make medical decisions or communicate clinical information without direction from nursing staff.