Wisconsin CNA State Exam Vocabulary Practice

What does a "scale" typically measure?

1. The state of being private and away from other people.

2. An instrument or machine for weighing.

3. Any attribute, characteristic or exposure of an individual that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or injury.

4. Any attribute, characteristic or exposure of an individual that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or injury.

The correct answer is: An instrument or machine for weighing.

A "scale" is primarily recognized as an instrument or machine specifically designed for weighing objects, typically measuring weight in units such as pounds or kilograms. In a healthcare context, scales are essential tools used by nurses and healthcare professionals to assess patients’ body weight, which is a critical indicator of health status and can provide valuable insights into a patient's nutritional needs, the effects of medications, or potential health issues like obesity or malnutrition. The other options provided describe concepts that do not relate to the primary function of a scale. Privacy, as mentioned in the first choice, pertains to individual space and confidentiality rather than measurement. The last two options, while relevant to health, describe epidemiological risk factors rather than a weighing instrument. Thus, the term "scale," when used in a general sense, is unmistakably tied to the measurement of weight.