Colorado CNA Practice Exam

Who is considered the most important member of the care team?

1. The nurse

2. The nursing assistant

3. The physician

4. The resident

The correct answer is: The nurse

The most important member of the care team is the resident. In any healthcare setting, the primary focus is on the patient or resident receiving care. They are at the center of every decision made and all actions taken by the care team. Their needs, preferences, and well-being drive the strategies and interventions employed by all team members, including nurses, nursing assistants, and physicians. While nurses, nursing assistants, and physicians each play critical roles in providing care and support, it is the resident whose interests guide the practice of everyone on the team. Effective communication and collaboration within the team also revolve around ensuring that the resident’s voice is heard and prioritized. By centering care on the resident, better health outcomes can be achieved, making them a fundamental aspect of the healthcare team.