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When a nurse aide notices new swelling in a resident's ankles, reporting the swelling to the charge nurse is the appropriate course of action. This is important because new swelling can indicate a potential health issue, such as fluid retention, heart problems, or localized conditions that may require medical evaluation and intervention. The nurse aide's role includes monitoring and documenting any changes in a resident's condition, and timely reporting ensures that the resident receives the appropriate care.

While changing the resident's position may provide temporary comfort and relief, it does not address the underlying cause of the swelling. Ignoring the swelling is not an option as it could lead to a deterioration of the resident’s condition or missed critical health information. Applying ice could potentially help alleviate discomfort, but it would not be appropriate without assessing the situation further and could also mask a more serious issue. Therefore, reporting the swelling to the charge nurse is fundamental to ensuring patient safety and receiving necessary medical attention.