Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

When obtaining a resident's weight, what should the nurse aide do first?

1. Use any available scale in the facility

2. Ensure the resident is fully clothed

3. Check what scale is usually used for this resident

4. Weights can be taken at any time of day

The correct answer is: Check what scale is usually used for this resident

The appropriate first step when obtaining a resident's weight is to check what scale is usually used for that resident. This ensures consistency and accuracy in measurement, which is crucial for effective monitoring of the resident's health status. Different scales can have variations, and using the same scale each time can help track weight changes more reliably. Using the correct scale is particularly important for residents who may have specific health issues or conditions that require careful attention to weight fluctuations. This practice also respects the resident's usual care protocols, which contributes to their comfort and trust in the care process. The other options, while they may be relevant at different points in the process, do not prioritize the essential first step of identifying the correct equipment to use. For example, using any available scale might not yield an accurate reflection of the resident's weight if it differs from what they are used to. Ensuring the resident is fully clothed can affect weight measurements, but this step should occur after confirming the correct scale. Additionally, while weights can technically be taken at any time of day, doing so consistently with the same scale and under similar conditions enhances the accuracy and relevance of the readings.