Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

When should a nursing assistant weigh a patient who has a daily weight order?

1. Twice a week

2. At the same time each day

3. Only during meal times

4. Before bedtime

The correct answer is: At the same time each day

Weighing a patient with a daily weight order should be done at the same time each day to ensure consistency and accuracy in the measurements. Daily weights are often used to monitor fluid balance, especially for patients with certain medical conditions like heart failure or kidney issues. Weighing at the same time helps account for variable factors such as food and fluid intake throughout the day, which can affect weight. This practice minimizes discrepancies caused by daily factors and provides more reliable data for healthcare providers to assess the patient's condition over time. Consistency in timing can help in tracking changes indicating either weight gain, which may suggest fluid retention, or weight loss, which could identify other underlying health issues.