How should a CNA respond to a patient's complaints of pain?

Listening to a patient's complaints of pain and reporting it to the nurse is crucial in a healthcare setting, as pain is a subjective experience that can vary greatly from person to person. By actively listening, a CNA shows empathy and ensures that the patient's concerns are validated. Pain can indicate an underlying medical issue that needs attention, and reporting it promptly allows the nursing staff to assess the situation and initiate appropriate interventions. This response supports effective communication among the healthcare team and promotes patient safety and comfort.

In contrast, dismissing the complaints based on how the patient appears can lead to inadequate care and potentially serious health issues going unaddressed. Advising the patient to wait and see might cause unnecessary suffering and delays in treatment, while encouraging distraction could hinder the acknowledgment and management of the pain. Therefore, the most appropriate and professional response is to listen to the patient's pain and report it to the nurse.