Cognitive and Dementia Care Flashcards
8 cards from real CAREGIVER practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 8 Cognitive and Dementia Care flashcards as text
A resident with Alzheimer's disease repeatedly asks where her mother is, even though her mother died decades ago. What is the best response?
Answer: Ask her to tell you about her mother and what she was like
Validation therapy involves entering the resident's emotional reality rather than correcting it. Asking about her mother acknowledges her feelings and provides meaningful engagement.
Which of the following behaviors is most commonly associated with sundowning in a person with dementia?
Answer: Increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon or evening
Sundowning refers to increased confusion, agitation, or behavioral changes that occur in the late afternoon or evening hours in people with dementia.
When communicating with a resident who has moderate dementia, which approach is most effective?
Answer: Use short, simple sentences and maintain eye contact
Short, simple sentences with eye contact reduce cognitive load and help the person with dementia process and respond to communication more effectively.
A caregiver notices a resident with dementia is becoming increasingly agitated and is pacing the hallway. What is the most appropriate first intervention?
Answer: Calmly approach the resident, make eye contact, and speak softly
A calm, gentle approach allows the caregiver to assess the cause of agitation and de-escalate the situation without using restrictive or chemical restraints.
Which stage of Alzheimer's disease is characterized by significant memory loss, difficulty with familiar tasks, and the need for assistance with ADLs?
Answer: Middle stage (moderate)
The middle stage of Alzheimer's is the longest stage and is characterized by increasing memory loss, confusion, and the need for help with daily activities.
Reality orientation is most appropriate for which type of dementia patient?
Answer: A resident with mild cognitive impairment who benefits from reminders
Reality orientation is most beneficial for those with mild to moderate cognitive impairment who can process and use corrective information without significant distress.
To create a safe environment for a resident with dementia who wanders, which modification is most appropriate?
Answer: Install door alarms or camouflage exit doors
Door alarms and exit camouflage are effective, non-restrictive environmental modifications that reduce wandering risk while preserving the resident's dignity and freedom of movement.
A caregiver is assisting a resident with dementia who is resisting personal care. Which is the best approach?
Answer: Pause, explain each step simply, and offer choices where possible
Pausing, explaining simply, and offering choices respects the resident's dignity, reduces fear, and often results in better cooperation with personal care.