A doctor enters a resident's room and provides instructions on how to care for a heel wound. What is your best response?

• A. Listen carefully and report to the nurse the instruction given to you
• B. Tell the doctor to please write the information down and that you will give that to the nurse when she returns
• C. Ask the doctor to wait while you get another NA to make sure you understand the instructions
• D. Inform the doctor that you are the resident's CNA but that you would be happy to find a nurse to assist him

Answer: (A)

Clear, timely communication within the care team is essential when a physician provides instructions. As a CNA, your role is to convey that information up the chain to the nurse in charge so the wound-care plan is carried out safely and accurately. Listening carefully shows you value the physician’s instructions, and reporting them to the nurse ensures the instruction is documented, clarified if needed, and implemented by someone authorized to supervise and delegate tasks. This maintains patient safety, prevents miscommunication, and keeps care organized within the team.

Delaying action by asking the doctor to write it down for later, or insisting on another CNA to confirm, can slow care and introduce gaps in understanding or accountability. Stating you’ll find a nurse to assist the doctor shifts responsibility away from timely communication and does not align with the CNA’s role to relay information promptly to the supervising nurse. Likewise, deflecting or indicating you won’t proceed without further confirmation misses an opportunity to ensure the patient’s needs are met promptly and safely.