A resident complains of dizziness after taking a new medication. What is the CMA's action?

• A. Ignore it.
• B. Notify the supervising nurse, monitor the resident, and document the event.
• C. Administer anti-dizziness medication.
• D. Tell resident to rest.

Answer: (B)

When a resident reports dizziness after starting a new medication, the priority is safety and timely communication. The best action is to notify the supervising nurse, keep the resident safe, and document what happened. This allows the nurse to assess whether the dizziness is an adverse drug reaction or a sign of a more serious issue, decide on any needed actions (such as further assessment or medication adjustments), and provide orders if necessary. While the resident is monitored, you would stay with them, help them move or stand cautiously, ensure they can call for help, and observe for changes in symptoms while checking vital signs if you’re trained to do so. Documenting the event precisely—what medication was involved, when the dizziness began, what symptoms occurred, what actions were taken, and how the resident responded—helps ensure continuity of care and informs the prescribing clinician. Administering anti-dizziness medication requires a nurse’s order and is not within a CMA’s scope. Simply telling the resident to rest does not address the potential medication issue or safety concerns.