CNA Mental Health And Social Services Needs 3 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A client with Alzheimer’s disease wanders from room to room moving the belongings of other clients to different locations. Alert and oriented clients are angry that their things have been moved. The nurse aide SHOULD

return the client to the client’s room and close the door.
assure the other clients that the client with Alzheimer’s disease will not harm them.
walk with the client to keep from wandering.
find the missing articles and return them. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: find the missing articles and return them.

For a client with Alzheimer's disease who wanders and moves items, the most appropriate action is to address the immediate consequence of their behavior. Finding and returning the missing articles respects the property of other residents and helps de-escalate their anger. This approach manages the situation without punishing the client with Alzheimer's, whose actions are due to their condition.

Question 2: When caring for a client from another country, the nurse aide SHOULD

orient the client to the cultural practices of the facility.
decline to care for the client.
promote group activity participation.
be sensitive to the client’s cultural needs. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: be sensitive to the client’s cultural needs.

Providing culturally competent care is a fundamental aspect of healthcare. A CNA should always strive to understand and respect a client's cultural background, beliefs, and practices, as these can significantly influence their preferences, communication, and overall well-being. Being sensitive to cultural needs promotes trust, comfort, and better care outcomes for the client.

Question 3: A resident who is disoriented

probably will become violent.
is confused as to time and place. (Correct answer)
is over 70 years old.
likely has developmental delays.

Correct answer: is confused as to time and place.

Disorientation specifically refers to a state of confusion regarding person, place, or time. A disoriented resident may not know where they are, what day it is, or even who they are. This indicates a cognitive impairment that requires careful observation, clear communication, and a supportive environment to help them feel secure.

Question 4: Which of the following statements might strongly support that a client is considering suicide?

“We all have to go sometime.”
“It would be better if I were dead.” (Correct answer)
“I don’t really care what you think.”
“I think I need to see a psychiatrist.”

Correct answer: “It would be better if I were dead.”

The statement 'It would be better if I were dead' is a direct and alarming expression of suicidal ideation. Any direct or indirect expression of wanting to die should be taken extremely seriously and reported immediately to the nurse. This signals a high risk for self-harm and requires urgent professional intervention.

Question 5: A resident with dementia needs

freedom from rules and regulations.
a structured, environment. (Correct answer)
to be isolated from others.
increased activity to stay alert.

Correct answer: a structured, environment.

Residents with dementia often benefit greatly from a structured and predictable environment. Routine and consistency help reduce confusion, anxiety, and agitation, providing a sense of security and familiarity. A structured environment can improve their overall well-being and ability to function by minimizing unexpected changes.

Question 6: A good listening approach to use when communicating with residents is to

stand about 6 feet away from the resident.
avoid direct eye contact.
sit beside the resident. (Correct answer)
always offer some advice.

Correct answer: sit beside the resident.

Sitting beside a resident demonstrates respect, creates a more intimate and less intimidating atmosphere, and facilitates better communication. It allows for eye-level interaction and conveys that the CNA is present and focused on listening. This approach is crucial for building rapport and understanding the resident's needs effectively.

Question 7: The normal aging process is BEST defined as the time when

normal body functions and senses decline. (Correct answer)
people become dependent and childlike.
Alzheimer’s disease begins.
people are over sixty-five years of age.

Correct answer: normal body functions and senses decline.

The normal aging process involves a gradual and natural decline in various physiological functions and sensory capabilities. This includes changes in vision, hearing, muscle strength, and organ efficiency. It is a universal and expected aspect of aging, distinct from specific diseases or conditions.

Question 8: If a resident refuses to eat a certain food because of a religious preference, the CNA should

ask the family to bring in special foods.
tell the resident that all meals are the same.
notify the dietician of the dietary restriction. (Correct answer)
make a meal from other clients' food trays.

Correct answer: notify the dietician of the dietary restriction.

Religious dietary preferences are an important aspect of a resident's care plan and must be respected. The CNA's role is to report this information to the nurse, who will then communicate with the dietician. This ensures the resident receives appropriate meals that align with their religious beliefs, promoting comfort and compliance.

Question 9: If an alert and oriented client touches a nurse aide inappropriately, the nurse aide’s BEST response is to

warn the client that the behavior may be punished.
refuse to care for the client.
step back and ask the client not to do it again. (Correct answer)
slap the client’s hand.

Correct answer: step back and ask the client not to do it again.

If an alert and oriented client touches a nurse aide inappropriately, the immediate and professional response is to set clear boundaries. Stepping back creates physical distance, and verbally asking them to stop clearly communicates that the behavior is unacceptable. This action maintains professionalism, ensures personal safety, and reinforces appropriate conduct.

Question 10: Mr. Tyler states that he wants to commit suicide. What should the CNA do?

Ignore his statement and ask if he wants a snack.
Tell him things are not as bad as they seem.
Call his family and ask them to deal with him.
Stay and talk with him and call for help. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stay and talk with him and call for help.

When a resident expresses suicidal intent, the immediate priority is to ensure their safety and get professional help. Staying with them provides immediate supervision and support, preventing self-harm. Simultaneously calling for help (e.g., the nurse or emergency services) ensures they receive the necessary mental health intervention and support.

Question 11: Mrs. Branden is a resident at your LTC facility. She is diagnosed with depression. The best way for you to help Mrs. Branden is to

avoid spending much time with her because it doesn’t seem to help her.
listen to her troubles and concerns, being very sympathetic and agreeable with her perceptions.
remind her of all the things she should be thankful for.
spend time with her, just listening or sitting quietly. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: spend time with her, just listening or sitting quietly.

For residents with depression, simply being present and offering a non-judgmental, supportive presence can be incredibly beneficial. Spending time with them, whether listening or sitting quietly, validates their feelings, reduces feelings of isolation, and shows that they are valued. This approach is often more helpful than offering advice or trying to cheer them up.

Question 12: A resident’s daughter expresses concern because her father, who has Parkinson’s disease, appears “stuck” at times and stands still, unable to walk. The nurse aide should tell the daughter that

her father has likely had a stroke.
he might not feel like walking.
this is a common sign of Parkinson’s disease. (Correct answer)
when he is confused, he doesn't move.

Correct answer: this is a common sign of Parkinson’s disease.

'Freezing' or 'getting stuck' (gait freezing) is a characteristic motor symptom of Parkinson's disease, where individuals suddenly become unable to move forward despite the intention to walk. Educating the family about this common symptom helps them understand the disease progression and manage expectations. It is a known manifestation of the condition.

Question 13: If a nurse aide finds a client who is sad and crying, the nurse aide should

call the client’s family to come.
tell the client to cheer up.
tell the client to stop crying.
ask the client if something is wrong. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: ask the client if something is wrong.

When a client is visibly distressed, the most empathetic and appropriate first step is to gently inquire about their well-being. Asking if something is wrong opens a line of communication, allowing the client to express their feelings and helping the CNA understand the cause of their sadness. This enables the CNA to offer appropriate support or report to the nurse.

Question 14: Which statement is true about residents who are restrained?

They are at greater risk for developing pressure sores. (Correct answer)
They are not at risk for falling out of their beds or wheelchairs.
They are at lower risk of developing pneumonia.
They have improved posture and alignment.

Correct answer: They are at greater risk for developing pressure sores.

Restraints severely restrict a resident's movement, making it difficult for them to reposition themselves independently. This prolonged pressure on certain body areas, combined with potential friction and shearing, significantly increases their risk of developing pressure sores (decubitus ulcers). These are serious complications that can lead to infection and other health issues.

Question 15: The doctor has told a resident that his cancer is growing and there are no more treatment options. When the resident tells the nurse aide that there is a mistake, the nurse aide should

Understand that denial is a normal reaction. (Correct answer)
Remind the resident the doctor would not lie.
Suggest the resident get another doctor and more tests.
Ask gently if the resident is afraid of dying soon.

Correct answer: Understand that denial is a normal reaction.

When a resident receives a terminal diagnosis, denial is a common and normal stage of grief, as described by Kübler-Ross. The nurse aide's role is to offer empathetic support and understanding, acknowledging the resident's feelings without challenging them. Suggesting other doctors or questioning the diagnosis is outside the CNA's scope and can be unhelpful or misleading.

Question 16: One of the major causes of depression in the elderly is

living with their children.
lack of money and resources.
going to nursing home activities.
inability to run their own lives. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: inability to run their own lives.

A significant cause of depression in the elderly is the loss of independence and control over their own lives. When older adults can no longer make decisions about their daily routines, finances, or living situations, it can lead to feelings of helplessness, sadness, and a diminished sense of self-worth. This loss of autonomy is a major psychological stressor that contributes to depressive symptoms.

CNA Mental Health And Social Services Needs 3

A client with Alzheimer’s disease wanders from room to room moving the belongings of other clients to different locations.
Alert and oriented clients are angry that their things have been moved.
The nurse aide SHOULD