Mixed Deck — All ACC Topics Flashcards

A caregiver notes that a person with Alzheimer's drools and has increased difficulty swallowing liquids. The recommended modification is:

Answer: Add a thickening agent to liquids per the speech therapist's recommendation

Thickened liquids, as prescribed by a speech therapist, slow liquid flow and reduce aspiration risk in dysphagia.

Which statement about early-onset Alzheimer's disease is ACCURATE?

Answer: It is diagnosed in people under age 65 and is less common than late-onset

Early-onset Alzheimer's is diagnosed before age 65 and represents about 5–6% of all Alzheimer's cases, though it can be more aggressive in its progression.

Which legal document is MOST critical for a caregiver to help a person with early-stage Alzheimer's establish while decision-making capacity still exists?

Answer: Durable power of attorney for healthcare and finances

A durable power of attorney designates a trusted person to make healthcare and financial decisions, and must be established while the individual still has legal capacity.

Which behavior during dressing may indicate that a person with Alzheimer's is experiencing pain?

Answer: Crying, grimacing, or pulling away when arms are moved

Crying, grimacing, or withdrawing during dressing are non-verbal pain indicators that should prompt a pain assessment.

During which stage of Alzheimer's does a person typically first lose the ability to live independently?

Answer: Moderate (middle) stage

In the moderate (middle) stage, memory and cognitive losses become severe enough that the person can no longer manage daily life without assistance.

Which of the following is considered a basic Activity of Daily Living (ADL)?

Answer: Bathing and showering

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are fundamental self-care tasks. Bathing and showering are core hygiene activities essential for personal care. Managing finances, shopping, and preparing meals are considered Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), which are more complex tasks necessary for independent living within a community.

A family member is upset because their loved one with Alzheimer's no longer recognizes them. The caregiver's most supportive response is to:

Answer: Acknowledge the family's grief and suggest ways to connect beyond recognition

Acknowledging grief while offering constructive connection strategies supports the family member emotionally and preserves meaningful visits.

What is the BEST tool to help ensure an Alzheimer's patient takes the correct medication at the correct time?

Answer: Using a locked, automated pill dispenser with alarms

Automated locked pill dispensers with timed alarms reduce errors and prevent access to multiple doses at once.

Which statement about male Alzheimer's caregivers is supported by research?

Answer: Men are less likely to seek formal support services despite comparable burden levels

Research consistently shows male caregivers experience similar levels of burden but are significantly less likely to seek support services due to cultural norms.

An Alzheimer's patient resists taking a bath. What is the most effective first approach?

Answer: Offer a choice between a bath or a sponge bath

Offering choices preserves dignity and reduces resistance by giving the person with Alzheimer's a sense of control.

A client with dementia has started wandering at night and attempting to leave the house. Which of the following strategies is a recommended first step to enhance their safety?

Answer: Placing a new deadbolt high or low on exterior doors, out of the person's usual line of sight.

Placing locks in unexpected locations (very high or very low) can prevent a person with dementia from opening a door without creating a fire safety hazard. Locking a person in a room is a form of restraint and is unsafe. Locks requiring keys on both sides can be a fire hazard. While hiding items might be a temporary deterrent, it doesn't physically prevent exit-seeking.

What is the BEST approach when an Alzheimer's patient insists it is not mealtime and refuses to come to the table?

Answer: Use gentle redirection and offer a familiar cue such as a favorite smell

Gentle redirection using sensory cues like the aroma of food can engage patients with Alzheimer's without causing distress.

In the late stage of Alzheimer's disease, a caregiver should anticipate the need for extensive, around-the-clock assistance. Which of the following is a primary reason for this level of care?

Answer: A complete loss of physical function, including the ability to swallow, communicate, and control movement.

Late-stage Alzheimer's is characterized by severe cognitive and physical decline. Individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, carry on a conversation, and control movement. They require total assistance with all aspects of daily personal care, including eating and swallowing, and become vulnerable to infections.

A person with mild Alzheimer's disease wants to update their will. What is the legal standard that determines if they can do so?

Answer: They must demonstrate testamentary capacity at the time of signing

Testamentary capacity requires the person to understand what a will is, know their property, recognize their heirs, and understand how the document distributes assets at the specific time of signing.

Which communication technique is most effective when speaking with someone in the later stages of Alzheimer's?

Answer: Speaking with simple words, a calm tone, and direct eye contact

Simple language, a calm tone, and eye contact help maintain connection even when verbal comprehension is limited.

What is a common sign that an Alzheimer's patient may be developing a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Answer: Sudden increase in confusion or behavioral changes

UTIs frequently manifest as sudden worsening confusion or behavioral changes in older adults with dementia rather than typical urinary symptoms.

What is an effective communication strategy when dealing with a patient with Alzheimer's?

Answer: Use a combination of verbal and non-verbal cues

Non-verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, is important when words may be difficult to understand.

Rummaging and hoarding behaviors in Alzheimer's are BEST managed by:

Answer: Providing a designated safe area with meaningful objects for sorting

Providing a safe, designated rummaging area channels the behavior constructively, reducing risk while honoring the person's need to explore.

Which of the following drinks is MOST appropriate for encouraging hydration in an Alzheimer's patient who refuses plain water?

Answer: Diluted fruit juice or herbal tea

Diluted fruit juice and herbal teas provide palatable hydration without the diuretic effects of caffeine or alcohol.

Which strategy best helps a person with Alzheimer's maintain remaining abilities (cognitive reserve)?

Answer: Engaging the person in simple, familiar tasks within their current ability level

Meaningful engagement in activities matched to current ability maintains function and provides a sense of purpose.