Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Which of the following senses is NOT used in making observations?

1. Hearing

2. Touch

3. Taste

4. Sight

The correct answer is: Taste

The sense that is not typically used in making observations in a healthcare context is taste. When healthcare professionals, including Certified Nursing Assistants, make observations about a patient’s condition, they rely primarily on their ability to see, hear, and touch. For instance, sight is crucial for noting skin color, swelling, and other visible signs of health. Hearing allows caregivers to listen for vital signs, such as heartbeats or abnormal lung sounds. Touch helps assess temperature and texture, particularly in examining skin or checking for pulses. While taste might provide some information in specific situations, it is not a standard method for assessing a patient's health status. Overall, the reliance on sight, hearing, and touch is central to effective patient care and observation in a clinical setting.