Behavioral Management Flashcards

A resident with dementia becomes agitated every evening around 4-6 PM. This pattern is best described as:

Answer: Sundowner's syndrome

Sundowning refers to increased confusion, agitation, and behavioral disturbances that occur in the late afternoon and evening hours.

When a person with dementia repeatedly asks the same question despite being answered, the best response is to:

Answer: Answer calmly each time as if it were the first time

Answering patiently each time respects the person's experience since they genuinely do not remember asking, reducing distress.

Which environmental modification most effectively reduces wandering in a memory care unit?

Answer: Disguising exit doors with murals or camouflage panels

Camouflaging exit doors with murals or mirrors reduces the visual cue that triggers elopement attempts in people with dementia.

A non-pharmacological first-line intervention for sleep disturbances in dementia includes:

Answer: Increasing daytime physical activity and light exposure

Structured daytime activity and natural light exposure help regulate circadian rhythms and improve nighttime sleep.

Which of the following best describes a 'catastrophic reaction' in dementia care?

Answer: An overwhelming emotional outburst triggered by overstimulation or frustration

A catastrophic reaction is an intense emotional or behavioral response disproportionate to the trigger, caused by the person's inability to process overwhelming demands.

The DICE approach (Describe, Investigate, Create, Evaluate) is primarily used to:

Answer: Structure a problem-solving process for behavioral symptoms of dementia

DICE is a structured clinical framework developed to identify causes of behavioral symptoms and implement individualized non-pharmacological interventions.

A person with dementia refuses to bathe and becomes combative when approached. The most appropriate initial intervention is to:

Answer: Assess for pain, discomfort, or fear that may be driving the refusal

Identifying underlying causes such as pain, cold, or fear allows caregivers to modify the approach and reduce resistance during personal care.