When should a CNA check a patient’s vital signs?

Checking a patient’s vital signs at regular intervals as directed by the nurse is essential for monitoring the patient's health status and detecting any changes that may indicate a deterioration or improvement in their condition. Vital signs, which include temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, provide critical information about a patient's physiological state.

Regular monitoring allows healthcare providers to track trends over time, assess the effectiveness of treatments, and intervene promptly if any abnormalities are detected. This practice is a fundamental part of patient care and ensures that any necessary adjustments to the care plan can be made based on the most current data.

The other options are limited in scope. Monitoring only when a patient feels unwell may lead to delays in identifying potential issues, checking before meals may not capture relevant information about the patient's overall condition, and limiting checks to once a day may miss vital fluctuations that occur more frequently. Thus, consistent monitoring as guided by nursing protocols is crucial for maintaining patient safety and well-being.