If a resident asks for medical advice, the nursing assistant should

If a resident asks for medical advice, the nursing assistant should

• A. Provide personal opinion
• B. Refer to the nurse
• C. Diagnose the condition
• D. Ignore the request

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that nursing assistants work within a defined scope and cannot diagnose conditions or provide medical advice. When a resident asks for medical guidance, the best course is to refer them to a licensed nurse who can assess symptoms, interpret information, and give safe, appropriate instructions. Acknowledge the concern, explain that you can’t provide medical advice, and say you’ll involve the nurse, then promptly notify the nurse or supervisor and document the request. This protects the resident from potentially incorrect guidance and ensures any medical decisions follow proper evaluation and orders.

The main idea is that nursing assistants work within a defined scope and cannot diagnose conditions or provide medical advice. When a resident asks for medical guidance, the best course is to refer them to a licensed nurse who can assess symptoms, interpret information, and give safe, appropriate instructions. Acknowledge the concern, explain that you can’t provide medical advice, and say you’ll involve the nurse, then promptly notify the nurse or supervisor and document the request. This protects the resident from potentially incorrect guidance and ensures any medical decisions follow proper evaluation and orders.