CNA Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents 1 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following environmental modifications BEST helps a cognitively impaired resident feel safe and oriented?
- Rearranging furniture frequently to provide novelty
- Keeping the environment consistent and clutter-free (Correct answer)
- Using bright flashing lights in hallways to direct movement
- Playing loud music throughout the day to stimulate alertness
Correct answer: Keeping the environment consistent and clutter-free
A consistent, clutter-free environment reduces confusion and promotes a sense of safety in residents with cognitive impairment.
Question 2: A resident with moderate dementia is resistant to eating meals. Which intervention should the CNA try FIRST?
- Force-feed the resident using a syringe
- Offer finger foods that the resident can eat independently (Correct answer)
- Skip the meal and document poor appetite
- Threaten to take away privileges if the resident refuses
Correct answer: Offer finger foods that the resident can eat independently
Finger foods promote independence and may be more acceptable to residents who resist being fed or using utensils.
Question 3: A cognitively impaired resident is found wandering outside of her assigned room at night. What is the MOST important safety concern?
- The resident may wake other residents
- The resident is at risk for falls, elopement, or injury (Correct answer)
- The resident may disturb nursing staff on rounds
- The resident could misplace personal belongings
Correct answer: The resident is at risk for falls, elopement, or injury
Wandering places cognitively impaired residents at high risk for falls, elopement from the facility, and physical injury.
Question 4: Which of the following is the PRIMARY goal when using reality orientation with a mildly cognitively impaired resident?
- Encourage the resident to accept delusions
- Help the resident remain connected to person, place, and time (Correct answer)
- Keep the resident entertained throughout the day
- Discourage the resident from asking repetitive questions
Correct answer: Help the resident remain connected to person, place, and time
Reality orientation techniques help mildly impaired residents maintain awareness of person, place, and time.
Question 5: A resident with dementia repeatedly asks when her husband is coming to visit. The resident's husband passed away several years ago. What is the BEST response?
- Remind her that her husband has died each time she asks
- Redirect her by asking about a fond memory of her husband (Correct answer)
- Tell her he will arrive soon to prevent distress
- Ignore the question and change the subject without acknowledging it
Correct answer: Redirect her by asking about a fond memory of her husband
Redirecting to a positive memory honors the resident's feelings without repeatedly causing grief from learning about the death again.
Question 6: Which action by the CNA BEST promotes dignity for a resident with advanced dementia during personal care?
- Perform care as quickly as possible to minimize time
- Explain each step of care before and during the procedure (Correct answer)
- Leave the door open to allow easy staff access
- Ask the resident to step aside while preparing supplies
Correct answer: Explain each step of care before and during the procedure
Explaining each step before and during care preserves dignity and helps reduce anxiety in residents who may not fully understand what is happening.
Question 7: A resident with dementia becomes physically aggressive during morning care. The CNA should FIRST:
- Restrain the resident to complete the task safely
- Step back, ensure safety, and notify the charge nurse (Correct answer)
- Continue the task quickly to minimize the episode
- Ask another CNA to hold the resident still
Correct answer: Step back, ensure safety, and notify the charge nurse
When aggression occurs, the CNA should immediately step back to ensure safety for both parties and notify the charge nurse.
CNA Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents 1 4
Which of the following environmental modifications BEST helps a cognitively impaired resident feel safe and oriented?