Which of the following actions should a CNA take when encountering a patient with a fever?

Monitoring the fever closely and reporting it to the nurse is essential because it ensures that the patient's condition is accurately assessed and documented. A fever can be a sign of an underlying infection or other medical issues, and changes in temperature can indicate whether a patient's condition is improving or worsening. By tracking the fever and communicating the findings to the nurse, the CNA plays a crucial role in the patient's care plan, allowing for timely interventions if necessary.

In a healthcare setting, the responsibility of administering medication or applying treatments, such as ice packs, typically falls to licensed professionals like nurses or doctors, who can make informed decisions based on a complete assessment of the patient's needs. Ignoring the fever can lead to serious complications, as a fever could indicate a need for immediate medical attention. Hence, active monitoring followed by appropriate communication is key to effective patient care.