What should a CNA assess in a patient with swelling?

In a situation where a patient is experiencing swelling, assessing skin temperature and color is critical to understanding the underlying cause and potential severity of the condition. Swelling can indicate various medical issues, such as inflammation, fluid retention, or an allergic reaction, and changes in temperature or color of the skin can provide vital information.

For instance, if the skin over the swollen area is warm or red, it may suggest an active inflammatory process or infection. Conversely, cool or pale skin might indicate reduced blood flow or more serious conditions requiring further medical attention. Gathering this information allows health professionals to make informed decisions regarding care or alert a nurse or physician as necessary.

The other options—assessing the emotional state, appearance and range of motion, and dietary preferences—are important aspects of patient care, but they do not provide the immediate and relevant information needed to address the specific concern of swelling. While these areas can contribute to a holistic view of the patient's health, they are less pertinent than skin temperature and color when directly evaluating the implications of swelling.