CNA Data Analysis & Reporting 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of chart is most appropriate for displaying a resident's temperature readings taken every 4 hours over a 24-hour period?
- Pie chart
- Line graph (Correct answer)
- Bar chart comparing multiple residents
- Scatter plot showing unrelated variables
Correct answer: Line graph
A line graph best shows changes in a single measurement over time, making it ideal for tracking sequential vital sign readings.
Question 2: A CNA is completing a 24-hour intake and output record. The resident drank 240 mL of water, 120 mL of juice, and urinated 350 mL. What is the fluid balance?
- +10 mL (positive balance)
- +360 mL intake recorded separately
- -350 mL negative balance
- Intake: 360 mL; Output: 350 mL; balance +10 mL (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Intake: 360 mL; Output: 350 mL; balance +10 mL
Total intake is 360 mL (240+120), output is 350 mL, resulting in a positive balance of +10 mL.
Question 3: In a facility report showing that 30% of residents on a unit experienced falls last quarter, what does this percentage represent?
- A rate that requires no action if below 50%
- A prevalence rate used to identify a safety concern (Correct answer)
- An incidence rate counting only new falls
- A benchmarking figure showing the facility is average
Correct answer: A prevalence rate used to identify a safety concern
The percentage of residents who experienced falls is a prevalence rate that highlights a patient safety concern regardless of the number.
Question 4: A resident's care plan states their goal is to walk 50 feet independently by month's end. After two weeks, the CNA documents 35 feet with standby assistance. What does this data tell the care team?
- The goal has been met and can be discontinued
- Progress is being made but the goal has not yet been reached (Correct answer)
- The resident has declined and the goal should be abandoned
- The documentation is unnecessary since the goal isn't met
Correct answer: Progress is being made but the goal has not yet been reached
Walking 35 feet with standby assistance shows measurable progress toward the 50-foot independent walking goal.
Question 5: Which abbreviation is commonly used in documentation to indicate a measurement was taken from the left arm?
- LA or (L)
- LT or left
- Both A and B are acceptable per facility policy (Correct answer)
- Abbreviations should never be used
Correct answer: Both A and B are acceptable per facility policy
Facilities have approved abbreviation lists; both 'LA' and '(L)' may be acceptable depending on facility policy.
Question 6: A CNA is reviewing a flow sheet and notices that the previous shift's column for a resident's bowel movement is blank. What should the CNA do?
- Assume no bowel movement occurred and leave it blank
- Falsify the record by marking 'none'
- Ask the prior shift CNA to clarify and document the correct information (Correct answer)
- Delete the blank entry and start a new form
Correct answer: Ask the prior shift CNA to clarify and document the correct information
A blank entry is ambiguous; the appropriate action is to follow up with the responsible caregiver to ensure accurate documentation.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of tracking and trending resident data over time in a long-term care facility?
- To increase paperwork requirements for CNAs
- To identify changes in condition early and guide care plan updates (Correct answer)
- To replace physician assessments
- To determine staffing ratios for the next quarter
Correct answer: To identify changes in condition early and guide care plan updates
Trending data allows early detection of declining or improving conditions, enabling timely adjustments to the resident's care plan.
CNA Data Analysis & Reporting 3
Which type of chart is most appropriate for displaying a resident's temperature readings taken every 4 hours over a 24-hour period?