Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

What should a nurse aide monitor in a patient with a history of falls?

1. Daily weight changes

2. Medication compliance

3. Frequency of participation in activities

4. Potential changes in mobility and balance

The correct answer is: Potential changes in mobility and balance

Monitoring potential changes in mobility and balance is crucial for a patient with a history of falls. This focus allows the nurse aide to identify any deterioration or improvement in the patient's physical abilities, which can directly influence the risk of subsequent falls. Observing these changes can help ensure timely interventions, such as adjustments in mobility aids, physical therapy referrals, or modifications to the patient's environment to enhance safety. While monitoring daily weight changes, medication compliance, and activity participation can provide valuable information about the patient's overall health and lifestyle, they do not specifically target the primary issue of fall risk. A proactive approach to assessing mobility and balance enables a nurse aide to address one of the main contributing factors to falls, thereby fostering a safer care environment for the patient.