California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What documents detail a resident's treatment preferences when they cannot communicate?

1. Medical records

2. Advanced Directives

3. Resident Bill of Rights

4. Policies and Procedures

The correct answer is: Advanced Directives

Advanced Directives are legal documents that allow individuals to outline their treatment preferences in advance, particularly when they may become unable to communicate those wishes due to illness or incapacity. These documents can include a living will, which specifies the types of medical treatments and interventions a person wishes to receive or avoid under certain conditions, and a healthcare proxy, which designates someone to make medical decisions on their behalf. The significance of Advanced Directives in a healthcare setting lies in their ability to guide healthcare providers, including Certified Nursing Assistants, in delivering care that aligns with the individual's wishes, thereby respecting their autonomy and ensuring that their treatment preferences are honored even in challenging circumstances. Other options, while important in their own right, do not serve this specific function. Medical records primarily document the clinical history and health status of a resident but do not explicitly outline their preferences. The Resident Bill of Rights focuses on the rights and dignities of residents but does not specify treatment preferences. Policies and Procedures provide guidelines for operations and standard practices within a facility but are not individual directives pertaining to patient care.