Final answer:
A nursing assistant must document care immediately after it is given to maintain accurate medical records and ensure effective patient care.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nursing assistant should document care immediately after the care is given. This is essential to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the patient's medical records. Timely documentation helps in maintaining a clear and chronological medical history, aiding in effective patient care and legal compliance. Nursing assistants must note the name of the procedure, verify counts of needles, sponges, and instruments, ensure specimens are correctly labeled with the patient's name, and report any equipment issues.