Mental Health And Social Services Needs 4 Flashcards

A resident with dementia becomes agitated every evening around 5 PM. This pattern is best described as:

Answer: Sundowning

Sundowning refers to increased confusion and agitation in dementia patients during late afternoon or evening hours.

When a resident tells the CNA she feels worthless and has no reason to live, the CNA should FIRST:

Answer: Report the statement to the nurse immediately

Statements expressing hopelessness or suicidal ideation must be reported to the nurse immediately as a safety priority.

Which approach best helps a resident with anxiety during a medical procedure?

Answer: Explain each step before doing it

Explaining each step before performing it gives the resident a sense of control, which reduces anxiety.

A resident who was recently widowed refuses to eat and stays in bed all day. The CNA should:

Answer: Report the changes to the nurse and offer compassionate support

Significant behavioral changes such as refusing food and social withdrawal in a grieving resident must be reported so appropriate support can be arranged.

The term 'reality orientation' refers to:

Answer: Helping confused residents remain aware of person, place, and time

Reality orientation involves repeated cues about person, place, and time to help reduce confusion in residents with cognitive impairment.

A resident with schizophrenia tells the CNA that the TV is sending him secret messages. The CNA should:

Answer: Acknowledge his feelings without reinforcing the delusion, and notify the nurse

The CNA should acknowledge the resident's feelings empathetically without agreeing with or reinforcing the delusional belief, and report to the nurse.

Which of the following is a sign of social isolation in a long-term care resident?

Answer: Withdrawing from activities and declining visitor contact

Withdrawing from activities and avoiding visitors are key signs of social isolation that should be reported and addressed.