Identify the role of the CNA's four senses in communication.

Identification includes

• sight
• look for changes in client/resident/patient
• report changes to the charge nurse
• hearing—listen to client/resident/patient and family
• touch
• touch and feel for any changes in client/resident/patient body
• report any changes to charge nurse
• smell—report any unusual odor.

Refer to Unit II in Nurse Aide Curriculum Links to an external site., Virginia Board of Nursing, Virginia Department of Health Professions, 2018.

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why is it important for a CNA to recognize changes in a client’s/resident’s/patient’s body?
• Why is it important to immediately report these changes?
• How should these changes be documented?