Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

When a resident coughs repeatedly after drinking fluids, stopping the feeding is the most appropriate action. Coughing can be a sign of aspiration or choking, which poses a significant risk to the resident's safety. By stopping the intake of fluids and reporting the incident to the charge nurse immediately, you ensure that the resident can receive a proper assessment and any necessary interventions. This prompt action also allows healthcare professionals to evaluate the situation and determine if further medical attention is needed.

While observing for additional signs and changing the resident's position might be helpful in monitoring the situation, they do not address the immediate safety concern of ongoing coughing. Encouraging the resident to continue drinking could compound the risk of choking or aspiration, creating a more dangerous situation. Thus, reporting the coughing and stopping the feeding protects the resident's well-being effectively.