ACC Ethical and Legal Considerations 2

Question 1

A person with moderate Alzheimer's refuses to take a prescribed medication. What is the caregiver's most appropriate first response?

Accepted Answer

Respect the refusal, document it, and notify the healthcare provider

Answer

Documenting and notifying the healthcare provider respects autonomy while ensuring the care team can address the refusal appropriately.

Question 2

Which legal document specifically designates someone to make financial decisions on behalf of a person who can no longer do so themselves?

Accepted Answer

Durable power of attorney for finances

Answer

A durable power of attorney for finances grants a designated agent authority to manage financial matters when the principal lacks capacity.

Question 3

A caregiver notices that a family member has been withdrawing large sums of money from an Alzheimer's patient's account. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Financial exploitation and elder abuse

Answer

Unauthorized or exploitative withdrawal of funds from a vulnerable adult's account constitutes financial elder abuse.

Question 4

What is 'therapeutic fibbing' in Alzheimer's care?

Accepted Answer

Using gentle, reality-based redirection to avoid unnecessary distress

Answer

Therapeutic fibbing involves using compassionate redirection rather than harsh reality correction to reduce distress without causing harm.

Question 5

When a person with Alzheimer's disease lacks decision-making capacity, who has the legal authority to consent to medical treatment?

Accepted Answer

The person's legally authorized representative or surrogate decision-maker

Answer

A legally authorized representative—such as a healthcare proxy or legal guardian—holds authority to consent to treatment when capacity is lost.

(ACC) Alzheimers Caregiver Certification Practice Test