California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Who is the member of the long-term health care team that provides the most direct care to residents?

1. The nurse

2. The nurse assistant

3. The physician

4. The physical therapist

The correct answer is: The nurse assistant

The nurse assistant plays a crucial role in providing the most direct care to residents in a long-term health care setting. This individual is responsible for a wide range of daily activities that directly impact the well-being of the residents. These tasks include assisting with personal hygiene, helping with mobility, feeding, and monitoring daily living activities. While nurses also provide care, their responsibilities often include medication administration, assessments, and more complex medical tasks that do not involve the same level of daily interaction and personal care that the nurse assistant provides. Physicians focus on diagnosis and treatment plans rather than day-to-day resident care. Physical therapists are involved in rehabilitation and may work with residents to improve physical function but do not provide comprehensive personal care like the nurse assistant does. Therefore, the nurse assistant’s role is vital as they are in constant contact with residents and work closely to meet their immediate needs and comfort, making them the primary provider of direct care in long-term health care.