CNA Care Of Cognitively Impaired Residents 4 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with dementia accuses the CNA of stealing their jewelry. The BEST response is to:
- Argue that the accusation is false and ask for an apology
- Remain calm, acknowledge the resident's concern, and offer to help search for the item together (Correct answer)
- Involve security immediately
- Ignore the accusation and walk away
Correct answer: Remain calm, acknowledge the resident's concern, and offer to help search for the item together
Paranoid accusations are a dementia symptom; staying calm and helping search validates feelings without escalating conflict.
Question 2: Which activity is MOST appropriate for a resident in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease?
- Complex jigsaw puzzles with 1,000 pieces
- Simple familiar activities such as folding laundry or sorting objects (Correct answer)
- High-stimulation group exercise classes
- Advanced computer skill workshops
Correct answer: Simple familiar activities such as folding laundry or sorting objects
Familiar, simple tasks use preserved procedural memory and provide a sense of accomplishment in early Alzheimer's disease.
Question 3: When a resident with dementia becomes physically aggressive during care, the CNA should:
- Restrain the resident until they calm down
- Stop the task, step back, ensure safety, and report to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Continue the task quickly to get it done
- Threaten to withhold privileges to gain cooperation
Correct answer: Stop the task, step back, ensure safety, and report to the nurse
Stopping and ensuring safety is the priority; the nurse must be informed to assess triggers and update the care plan.
Question 4: How does dementia DIFFER from normal age-related memory changes?
- Normal aging causes severe memory loss that interferes with daily functioning
- Dementia involves progressive cognitive decline that significantly impairs daily activities (Correct answer)
- Normal aging and dementia produce identical memory symptoms
- Dementia only affects physical functioning, not memory
Correct answer: Dementia involves progressive cognitive decline that significantly impairs daily activities
Dementia causes progressive, function-impairing cognitive decline, while normal aging may cause mild forgetfulness that does not disrupt daily life.
Question 5: A resident with dementia is found attempting to eat non-food items. This behavior is called:
- Dysphagia
- Pica (Correct answer)
- Perseveration
- Apraxia
Correct answer: Pica
Pica is the ingestion of non-food substances and can occur in advanced dementia, posing serious safety risks.
Question 6: Which approach is MOST effective for reducing nighttime wandering in residents with dementia?
- Keeping the resident awake all day to ensure nighttime fatigue
- Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and providing adequate daytime activity (Correct answer)
- Administering sleep medications at every shift
- Confining the resident to bed with a full side-rail
Correct answer: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and providing adequate daytime activity
A structured daily routine with adequate daytime stimulation promotes better sleep and reduces nocturnal wandering.
Question 7: A CNA notices a cognitively impaired resident has suddenly become much more confused than usual. The PRIORITY action is to:
- Assume it is normal progression of dementia and continue routine care
- Report the change immediately to the nurse, as sudden confusion may indicate delirium or a medical problem (Correct answer)
- Increase orientation reminders every 30 minutes
- Reduce the resident's activity schedule for the day
Correct answer: Report the change immediately to the nurse, as sudden confusion may indicate delirium or a medical problem
Sudden worsening of confusion is a key sign of delirium, which may signal infection, medication reaction, or another acute medical issue requiring prompt evaluation.
CNA Care Of Cognitively Impaired Residents 4 5
A resident with dementia accuses the CNA of stealing their jewelry.
The BEST response is to: