Before weighing a resident, what must the nurse aide confirm about the scale?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of the scale being balanced or calibrated before weighing a resident. This is crucial to ensure accurate weight readings. A properly balanced scale guarantees that the measurements taken are reliable and that any changes in a resident's weight can be accurately monitored over time, which is particularly important in healthcare settings.

When a scale is not calibrated, it can result in misleading weight information, which may affect treatment plans and the assessment of a resident's health status. Regular calibration is a standard practice in healthcare to maintain the integrity of measurements.

While cleanliness is also important for hygiene, and ensuring the scale is set to zero is necessary for accuracy, calibrating the scale takes precedence since it directly influences the weight outcome, which is vital for proper care. Having prior weight history can be beneficial for comparison but is not a prerequisite for the actual act of weighing.