Behavioral Symptom Management Flashcards

A person with dementia repeatedly asks to 'go home' even while at home. Which response reflects best practice?

Answer: Explore the feeling behind the request and offer comfort

The 'go home' request often reflects an emotional need for safety or familiarity, so exploring feelings and providing comfort is more therapeutic than correcting or redirecting.

Which environmental modification most directly reduces sundowning behaviors in dementia care settings?

Answer: Maintaining consistent bright natural or full-spectrum lighting throughout the day

Consistent bright light exposure during daytime hours helps regulate the circadian rhythm, reducing the agitation and confusion associated with sundowning.

A resident with moderate Alzheimer's disease becomes aggressive during morning care. The FIRST step the care team should take is to:

Answer: Conduct an ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) analysis

An ABC analysis identifies triggers and consequences of the behavior, forming the evidence base for any individualized non-pharmacological intervention plan.

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

Answer: A sudden, disproportionate emotional outburst in response to a minor stressor

A catastrophic reaction is a sudden, intense emotional or behavioral response triggered by an overwhelming stimulus or demand that exceeds the person's reduced coping capacity.

When using validation therapy with a person who insists their deceased spouse is coming to dinner, the caregiver should:

Answer: Enter the person's reality and respond to the underlying emotion

Validation therapy involves accepting the person's perceived reality and addressing the emotions expressed rather than correcting the content of their belief.

A person with dementia hoards food in their room. The care team's MOST appropriate initial intervention is to:

Answer: Assess for underlying causes such as past food insecurity or hunger

Hoarding often reflects unmet needs such as hunger, anxiety, or past experiences; assessing the underlying cause guides an individualized, respectful intervention.

Which nonpharmacological intervention has the strongest evidence for reducing physical aggression during personal care in dementia?

Answer: Person-centered, individualized care approaches with preferred music

Person-centered care combined with preferred music and individualized approaches has robust evidence for reducing aggression by decreasing anxiety and increasing cooperation.