What action should a CNA take if a patient is experiencing entrapment in their siderails?

When a patient is experiencing entrapment in their siderails, the most appropriate action is to alert a nurse and assist the patient. This is crucial because entrapment can lead to serious injury or distress for the patient, and immediate intervention is necessary.

Alerting a nurse ensures that trained medical personnel are aware of the situation and can assess the patient's condition and provide the required care. Assisting the patient may involve helping them to free themselves from the siderails or ensuring their safety until further assistance arrives. Quick action can prevent any exacerbation of the situation and helps to maintain the patient's well-being.

Other options would not be suitable responses. For example, calling a family member for assistance does not address the immediate risk to the patient. Leaving the situation to resolve itself could result in further danger or harm to the patient. Documenting the incident for future reference, while important in its own right, should not be prioritized over providing immediate assistance and notifying healthcare professionals who can help.