ACC - Alzheimers Caregiver Managing Behavioral Symptoms Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A person with Alzheimer's disease becomes increasingly agitated and confused in the late afternoon and early evening. This behavior is commonly referred to as:
- Nocturnal delirium
- Sundowning (Correct answer)
- Circadian dysrhythmia
- Evening-onset anxiety
Correct answer: Sundowning
Sundowning is the term used to describe the worsening of confusion, agitation, and irritability that begins or intensifies as daylight begins to fade and continues into the night.
Question 2: Mr. Chen, who has dementia, frequently paces the hallways of his home and often tries to open the front door, stating he needs to 'go to work.' Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial response by the caregiver?
- Lock the door and tell him he is retired and cannot go outside.
- Give him a puzzle to work on in his favorite chair.
- Gently redirect him by asking him to tell you about his job and then suggest a walk in the secure backyard. (Correct answer)
- Administer his prescribed anti-anxiety medication immediately.
Correct answer: Gently redirect him by asking him to tell you about his job and then suggest a walk in the secure backyard.
This response validates Mr. Chen's reality, avoids confrontation, and redirects his energy towards a safe and related activity. Engaging him in conversation about his past work shows respect, and suggesting a walk provides a safe outlet for his need to be active.
Question 3: Which of the following is a non-pharmacological strategy for managing wandering behavior in a person with dementia?
- Securing the environment with door alarms and locks. (Correct answer)
- Administering a sedative at the first sign of restlessness.
- Restricting fluid intake in the evening.
- Insisting the person remains seated for long periods.
Correct answer: Securing the environment with door alarms and locks.
Environmental modifications, such as using door alarms or camouflaging doors, are key non-pharmacological interventions to ensure safety and manage wandering. This approach focuses on prevention and safety without medication.
Question 4: A client with Alzheimer's disease becomes verbally aggressive during bath time, a common trigger for agitation. What is the BEST communication technique for the caregiver to use in this situation?
- Speak loudly and firmly to assert control over the situation.
- Explain in detail why bathing is necessary for health and hygiene.
- Ignore the verbal outburst and continue with the bath as quickly as possible.
- Use a calm, reassuring tone and break the task into simple, single steps. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Use a calm, reassuring tone and break the task into simple, single steps.
Using a calm and reassuring tone of voice can help de-escalate the situation. Breaking down the task into simple steps makes it less overwhelming for the person with dementia.
Question 5: Mrs. Jones, a resident with dementia, has started to show signs of apathy, including a lack of interest in her favorite hobbies and social activities. Which of the following is the most effective initial strategy for a caregiver to use?
- Allow her to disengage, as forcing activities will only cause more stress.
- Re-introduce a simple, familiar activity she previously enjoyed, like folding laundry or listening to music. (Correct answer)
- Tell her family that she is depressed and needs antidepressant medication.
- Schedule multiple new and exciting activities to try and spark her interest.
Correct answer: Re-introduce a simple, familiar activity she previously enjoyed, like folding laundry or listening to music.
Re-engaging a person with apathy often works best by starting with simple, familiar, and failure-free activities. These tasks can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment without being overwhelming.
Question 6: When a person with dementia exhibits aggressive behavior, what is the primary reason it's important for a caregiver to first try and identify the cause or trigger?
- To document the incident accurately for the physician.
- To punish the person appropriately for the behavior.
- To prevent the behavior from happening in the future by addressing the root cause. (Correct answer)
- To explain to the person why their behavior is wrong.
Correct answer: To prevent the behavior from happening in the future by addressing the root cause.
Aggression in dementia is often a form of communication for an unmet need, such as pain, fear, or discomfort. By identifying and addressing the underlying trigger, caregivers can often prevent or minimize future aggressive episodes.
ACC - Alzheimers Caregiver Managing Behavioral Symptoms Questions and Answers 1
A person with Alzheimer's disease becomes increasingly agitated and confused in the late afternoon and early evening.
This behavior is commonly referred to as: