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

When a patient expresses a complaint of pain, the appropriate response involves acknowledging their discomfort, providing reassurance, and promptly reporting the situation to the nursing staff. This approach demonstrates empathy and validates the patient's feelings, which is crucial in establishing trust and ensuring the patient feels heard and supported.

By acknowledging the pain, the CNA shows that they take the patient's concerns seriously. Reassuring the patient can help them feel more at ease, reducing anxiety that often accompanies pain. Reporting the pain to the nursing staff is a vital step because it ensures the patient's needs are addressed appropriately and allows for further assessment and management of the pain by qualified medical personnel.

The other options do not prioritize the patient's well-being. Ignoring the patient's pain, suggesting medication without proper authorization, or dismissing the complaint undermines the patient's experience and can lead to inadequate pain management, which can impact recovery and overall quality of care.