CDP Communication Strategies 2

Question 1

When a person with dementia asks repeatedly for a deceased spouse, the best response is to:

Accepted Answer

Enter their reality and respond with empathy without repeatedly announcing the death

Answer

Entering the person's reality and responding with empathy prevents repeated emotional trauma from re-learning a loss each time.

Question 2

Which principle of validation therapy involves acknowledging the emotional content behind a confused statement rather than correcting the facts?

Accepted Answer

Empathic reflection

Answer

Empathic reflection validates the feeling behind the words, reducing distress without arguing over factual accuracy.

Question 3

A dementia patient is agitated and using aggressive language. The FIRST communication step should be:

Accepted Answer

Lower your own voice, use a calm tone, and ensure personal safety distance

Answer

A calm, low voice reduces emotional escalation and models the de-escalated tone you want the person to mirror.

Question 4

Touch as a communication tool with dementia patients should be used:

Accepted Answer

After obtaining implied or explicit consent and observing the person's response

Answer

Consent and ongoing observation of the person's response ensure touch is therapeutic rather than distressing.

Question 5

Which environmental modification most directly supports successful verbal communication with a person who has dementia?

Accepted Answer

Reducing background noise and ensuring adequate lighting

Answer

Reducing noise and improving lighting removes sensory competition that impairs the person's ability to process verbal input.

(CDP) Certified Dementia Practitioner Practice Test