Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

When should a nursing assistant report changes in a resident's condition?

1. Only when asked by a nurse

2. As soon as possible

3. At the end of their shift

4. When the resident complains

The correct answer is: As soon as possible

Reporting changes in a resident's condition as soon as possible is crucial for effective patient care. Timely communication allows the healthcare team to promptly assess the situation, determine if any interventions are required, and implement necessary changes to the care plan. Early detection of changes can lead to better outcomes for the resident, as it enables healthcare professionals to respond quickly to any potential complications or worsening of the resident's health status. Relying on a request from a nurse to report changes could lead to delays in needed care and may allow a condition to deteriorate further. Reporting at the end of a shift would not be timely enough for critical situations, and only reporting when a resident expresses a complaint may overlook subtle but significant changes that are not immediately apparent to the resident. Consistent and proactive communication is a key part of a nursing assistant's responsibilities in providing quality care.