Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

In what situation is it essential for a nurse aide to be particularly observant when caring for a resident?

1. When the resident reports feeling well

2. When there is a written care plan

3. When the resident exhibits a sudden change in behavior

4. When the resident is asleep

The correct answer is: When the resident exhibits a sudden change in behavior

Being observant when a resident exhibits a sudden change in behavior is crucial because it can be an indicator of a potential health crisis or issue that may require immediate attention. Sudden changes might signal distress, pain, confusion, or other underlying health conditions that could jeopardize the resident’s safety or well-being. A nurse aide's ability to detect these changes promptly plays a significant role in initiating timely interventions, notifying the appropriate healthcare professionals, or adjusting care plans to address the resident’s needs effectively. In contrast, while it is certainly important to monitor residents who report feeling well or when there is a written care plan in place, these situations do not typically indicate an immediate concern that requires heightened observation. Observing a sleeping resident is also necessary but does not carry the same level of urgency as monitoring someone who has displayed an unexpected change in their state. The focus in healthcare must be on identifying and responding to changes that could compromise a resident’s health.