Under what circumstances should a CNA report a resident's weight change?

A CNA should report a resident's weight change when it is significant and may indicate potential health issues. Weight fluctuations can be critical indicators of a resident's overall health status. For instance, rapid weight loss could suggest dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, or other underlying health problems, while sudden weight gain could indicate fluid retention or serious conditions such as heart failure.

Monitoring weight is an essential component of resident care, as it provides valuable information to nursing staff regarding the patient's well-being. Reporting significant weight changes allows for timely medical intervention and appropriate adjustments to care plans, ultimately enhancing the resident's health outcomes.

The other options do not align with best practices in patient care; weight changes should not be solely reported based on what the resident mentions, ignored altogether, or only reported upon specific instruction from a nurse, as proactive communication of health indicators is part of a CNA's responsibilities.