CDP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CDP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How should a dementia care practitioner respond to a resident who holds food in their mouth (pocketing)? → Gently prompt swallowing and consult a speech therapist
2. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Activities & Engagement Programming for CDP professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
3. When should a dementia care team hold a family meeting specifically about nutrition? → When significant unintentional weight loss or feeding difficulties emerge
4. In Communication Strategies, what is the FIRST step a CDP professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
5. Which practice best preserves the dignity of a person with dementia during assisted feeding? → Sitting at eye level, offering small bites, and following the person's pace
6. In End-of-Life Care Planning, what is the FIRST step a CDP professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
7. What is the primary benefit of small group dining areas compared to large cafeterias for persons with dementia? → They reduce sensory overload, improve social interaction, and increase food intake
8. Which sensory strategy may stimulate appetite in a person with dementia who shows disinterest in eating? → Allowing the person to smell familiar foods before the meal
9. What is the main objective of dementia care practices? → To provide emotional support and enhance life quality
10. A person with late-stage dementia consistently spits out food. The most appropriate response is to: → Try a different food texture or temperature and consult a speech therapist
11. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Activities & Engagement Programming, what should a CDP professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
12. What is the recommended first-line strategy when a person with dementia refuses meals? → Offer small, frequent snacks throughout the day
13. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Behavioral Symptom Management for CDP professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
14. Why is minimizing glare an important environmental consideration in dementia care settings? → Glare can cause visual misperceptions, increase agitation, and contribute to falls
15. What role do familiar personal belongings play in a therapeutic dementia care environment? → They provide memory cues, reinforce identity, and reduce anxiety and agitation
16. Outdoor spaces designed for persons with dementia should primarily feature: → Secure, enclosed areas with circular paths and sensory gardens
17. Why might mirrors be removed or covered in some dementia care settings? → Persons with dementia may not recognize their reflection, causing fear or agitation
18. What is the primary focus of a person-centered approach to patient safety in dementia care? → Tailoring care to the individual’s unique preferences, needs, and history
19. Why is it important to ensure informed consent in dementia care? → It is required to ensure that care is provided with respect and transparency
20. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Behavioral Symptom Management, what should a CDP professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
21. What is the role of confidentiality in dementia care? → It is critical to protect patient privacy and uphold their dignity
22. Which environmental modification is most effective for reducing elopement risk in memory care units? → Painting exit doors the same color as surrounding walls to camouflage them
23. A family member demands access to their parent's medical records, but the parent has not designated them as a healthcare proxy. What should staff do? → Deny access and explain that HIPAA requires legal authorization before disclosure
24. Which federal agency oversees the certification and inspection of Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing facilities? → Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
25. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Person-Centered Care Approaches? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
26. Effective signage for persons with dementia should primarily include: → Simple words combined with clear pictures or symbols placed at eye level
27. What is the role of ethics in dementia care? → To respect patient autonomy, preferences, and dignity
28. What is the role of non-verbal communication in dementia care? → It helps to convey emotions and build rapport with the individual
29. Mandatory reporting laws in the US require dementia care staff to report suspected abuse to: → Adult Protective Services or the state long-term care ombudsman
30. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in End-of-Life Care Planning for CDP professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves