CNA Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents 1 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a common early warning sign that a cognitively impaired resident's condition may be acutely worsening?
- Mild forgetfulness about recent events
- Sudden increase in confusion beyond baseline (Correct answer)
- Preference for solitary activities
- Slower response to questions than usual
Correct answer: Sudden increase in confusion beyond baseline
A sudden change in confusion or behavior beyond the resident's baseline may indicate delirium, infection, or another acute medical problem requiring prompt reporting.
Question 2: When assisting a resident with dementia with grooming, which approach is MOST therapeutic?
- Complete all tasks for the resident to save time
- Allow the resident to perform as many steps as possible independently (Correct answer)
- Only perform grooming when family members are present
- Avoid grooming tasks since they often trigger agitation
Correct answer: Allow the resident to perform as many steps as possible independently
Supporting the resident's remaining abilities promotes self-esteem and slows functional decline.
Question 3: A resident with Alzheimer's disease accuses the CNA of stealing her jewelry. The CNA did not take anything. What is the MOST appropriate response?
- Argue with the resident until she believes the CNA
- Calmly help the resident search for the missing item (Correct answer)
- Leave the room and file a formal complaint against the resident
- Laugh off the accusation and ignore the resident's distress
Correct answer: Calmly help the resident search for the missing item
Calmly assisting in the search addresses the resident's concern, avoids confrontation, and often resolves the immediate distress.
Question 4: The care plan states that a resident with dementia responds well to music from the 1950s. How should the CNA use this information?
- Share the information only with family members
- Play music from the 1950s during care to calm and engage the resident (Correct answer)
- Disregard it since music preferences change daily
- Use the music only during scheduled activity times
Correct answer: Play music from the 1950s during care to calm and engage the resident
Individualized interventions from the care plan, such as preferred music, should be incorporated into daily care routines to improve cooperation and quality of life.
Question 5: Which of the following is the BEST way a CNA can prevent elopement in a resident with dementia?
- Keep all exit doors locked at all times
- Ensure the resident wears an identification bracelet or elopement alert device (Correct answer)
- Assign the resident to a room closest to the nurses' station only
- Discourage the resident from walking in hallways
Correct answer: Ensure the resident wears an identification bracelet or elopement alert device
Identification bracelets and elopement alert devices allow staff to be alerted and identify the resident if they attempt to leave.
Question 6: A resident with dementia displays repetitive behaviors such as tapping, folding towels, or pacing. How should the CNA respond?
- Physically stop the behavior to prevent injury
- Allow or channel the behavior into a safe, purposeful activity (Correct answer)
- Sedate the resident to stop disruptive repetitive actions
- Isolate the resident from others to prevent disturbance
Correct answer: Allow or channel the behavior into a safe, purposeful activity
Repetitive behaviors often reflect a need for activity or stimulation; channeling them into safe, structured tasks is a therapeutic response.
Question 7: A cognitively impaired resident uses profanity and makes sexually inappropriate comments during care. The CNA should:
- Scold the resident and document misconduct in the chart
- Understand this may be a symptom of the disease and report it to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Refuse to provide care until the behavior stops
- Publicly address the behavior in front of other residents to discourage it
Correct answer: Understand this may be a symptom of the disease and report it to the nurse
Inappropriate verbal behavior is a recognized symptom of dementia; CNAs should remain professional, not take it personally, and report it so the care team can address it.
CNA Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents 1 5
Which of the following is a common early warning sign that a cognitively impaired resident's condition may be acutely worsening?