Which term best describes the ongoing process of creating and updating a resident's plan of care?

• A. Care plan
• B. Treatment plan
• C. Care planning
• D. Nursing assessment

Answer: (C)

Care planning is the ongoing process of creating and updating a resident's plan of care. It involves continuously assessing needs, setting goals, choosing actions to meet those goals, and revising the plan as the resident’s condition or preferences change. This is more than just a single document; it’s a dynamic, collaborative activity that may involve the resident, family, and the care team. The actual written plan that captures agreed-upon actions at a given time is the care plan, while a treatment plan focuses on medical therapies and a nursing assessment is the initial data-gathering step used to inform the plan. In daily practice, you support care planning by noticing changes, communicating with the nurse, and helping implement and adjust interventions as needs evolve.