What document should the nurse aide review to understand a client's needs?

The care plan is the essential document that outlines the specific needs, preferences, and goals of the client. It is developed based on comprehensive assessments and includes individualized information about the client’s health conditions, dietary requirements, mobility assistance, personal care needs, and any therapies that may be necessary. By reviewing the care plan, the nurse aide gains insights into the priorities for care, interventions required, and outcome goals that should be aimed for when delivering care to the client.

Other documents, such as the communication log, medication administration record, and daily activity report, provide some relevant information but do not offer the comprehensive view of the client's overall care needs and specific plans that the care plan does. The communication log may detail interactions, but it lacks the structured approach of the care plan in addressing the full spectrum of the client's cares. The medication administration record focuses exclusively on the medications prescribed and when they are given, without addressing the holistic needs of the client. Similarly, the daily activity report may only convey what activities the client engaged in during the day, rather than outlining their overall needs and the strategies to meet them. Thus, the care plan is critical for the nurse aide to deliver safe and effective care.