Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

If a resident who has had surgery reports a foul smell from their bandaged wound, what should the nurse aide do?

1. Change the bandage immediately

2. Report the resident's concern to the charge nurse

3. Reassure the resident it is normal

4. Inspect the wound closely

The correct answer is: Report the resident's concern to the charge nurse

When a resident reports a foul smell from their bandaged wound, it is crucial for the nurse aide to recognize this as a potential sign of infection or complication that requires professional assessment. Reporting the resident's concern to the charge nurse ensures that a qualified healthcare provider can evaluate the situation properly. It's important to communicate any changes in a patient's condition to a supervising nurse, who has the authority and expertise to make clinical decisions regarding further care or treatment options. Taking immediate action, like changing the bandage on one’s own, may not be appropriate without first consulting with a healthcare professional, as it could disrupt sterile conditions or misinterpret the situation further. Additionally, simply reassuring the resident that it is normal could lead to neglecting a potentially serious issue. Inspecting the wound closely might seem logical but should not replace the necessity of reporting such symptoms to ensure proper care, as only trained personnel can thoroughly evaluate for signs of an infection or other complications.