Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

How should a nursing assistant correct a mistake in handwritten documentation?

1. By erasing it

2. By crossing it out with a thick line

3. By drawing a single line through it and writing the correct information

4. By writing a note to explain the error

The correct answer is: By drawing a single line through it and writing the correct information

When correcting a mistake in handwritten documentation, it is important to maintain the integrity of the record while ensuring that the correction is clear and understandable. Drawing a single line through the incorrect entry and writing the correct information next to it achieves this goal. This method allows anyone reading the documentation to see what was originally written while clearly indicating the correct information. It maintains a clear audit trail that reflects changes without obscuring prior information, which is essential in medical records to ensure accuracy in patient care. Other methods, such as erasing, crossing out with a thick line, or writing a note to explain the error, can create confusion or lead to misinterpretations of the record. Erasing removes the original information entirely, which is not permissible in a legal document. Crossing out with a thick line may make it difficult to read the original entry. Additionally, while writing a note may provide clarification, it does not directly correct the documentation in an immediate and clear manner, which could lead to miscommunication in a medical context. Therefore, drawing a single line through the mistake while writing the correct information exemplifies proper documentation practice.