How many quarterly assessments must be kept in a resident's active record?

The correct answer states that the facility must keep the last five quarterly assessments in a resident's active record. This requirement aligns with the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) regulations that mandate facilities to maintain comprehensive documentation related to resident assessments. By retaining the last five quarterly assessments, the facility ensures continuity of care and proper tracking of a resident's progress and needs over time. This is particularly important for evaluating changes in health status, providing necessary interventions, and supporting quality of care.

The emphasis on keeping multiple assessments rather than just the current one or a single previous one helps ensure that a broader context of the resident's health history can be accessed by caregivers and staff. Understanding trends in a resident's health can be crucial for effective treatment planning.

In contrast, options that suggest fewer assessments, merely the latest one, or relying solely on state guidelines do not adhere to the federal standards established by OBRA. Hence, they fail to ensure that a comprehensive view of the resident's health can be maintained effectively, which is crucial for delivering quality care.