Recognizing and reporting changes in a resident’s physical condition, such as loss of appetite or skin breakdown, is the key to preventing a potential problem from becoming worse. Because nurse aides are in close contact with residents every day, they are the ones most likely to notice when the residents’ physical condition changes or begins to decline. Failure to report changes can lead to litigation, survey deficiencies or charges of neglect and abuse. The changes that a caregiver reports can be used to make necessary adjustments to a resident’s care plan.

After completing this course, the learner should be able to: