California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

Which documentation is essential when a resident experiences a notable health change?

1. Incident log

2. Care plan revision

3. New health assessment

4. Updated resident biography

The correct answer is: New health assessment

When a resident experiences a notable health change, conducting a new health assessment is essential as it provides a comprehensive evaluation of the resident's current condition. This assessment not only documents the changes in the resident's health but also helps to identify new needs or adjustments in care that may be required. It serves as the foundation for informing all subsequent care plans and interventions, ensuring that the resident receives the most appropriate and personalized care based on their updated health status. In the context of the other options, while an incident log documents specific incidents that occur, it does not necessarily provide a holistic view of the resident's overall health changes. A care plan revision may follow after a health assessment but is not a standalone document that captures the immediate health status. An updated resident biography can be useful for maintaining personal information about the resident, but it doesn't focus directly on health changes or their implications for care. Thus, the new health assessment is critical in addressing and documenting any significant shifts in a resident's health.