CNA Mental Health And Social Services Needs 4 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with dementia becomes agitated every evening around 5 PM. This pattern is best described as:
- Delirium
- Sundowning (Correct answer)
- Psychosis
- Sleep disorder
Correct answer: Sundowning
Sundowning refers to increased confusion and agitation in dementia patients during late afternoon or evening hours.
Question 2: When a resident tells the CNA she feels worthless and has no reason to live, the CNA should FIRST:
- Tell her to think positive thoughts
- Report the statement to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Distract her with an activity
- Document it and monitor her
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which approach best helps a resident with anxiety during a medical procedure?
- Complete the procedure quickly without explaining
- Explain each step before doing it (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident to close their eyes
- Have the nurse perform the procedure instead
Correct answer: Explain each step before doing it
Explaining each step before performing it gives the resident a sense of control, which reduces anxiety.
Question 4: A resident who was recently widowed refuses to eat and stays in bed all day. The CNA should:
- Force the resident to get up and join activities
- Respect the behavior and say nothing to the nurse
- Report the changes to the nurse and offer compassionate support (Correct answer)
- Tell the resident grief is normal and they will feel better soon
Correct 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.
Question 5: The term 'reality orientation' refers to:
- Teaching residents about their diagnoses
- Helping confused residents remain aware of person, place, and time (Correct answer)
- Orienting new staff to the facility
- Reviewing a resident's care plan goals
Correct 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.
Question 6: A resident with schizophrenia tells the CNA that the TV is sending him secret messages. The CNA should:
- Agree with the resident to avoid upsetting him
- Tell him the TV cannot send messages and ignore his concern
- Acknowledge his feelings without reinforcing the delusion, and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Turn off the TV and change the subject
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which of the following is a sign of social isolation in a long-term care resident?
- Participating in group activities daily
- Requesting to eat meals in the dining room
- Withdrawing from activities and declining visitor contact (Correct answer)
- Asking staff for company frequently
Correct 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.
CNA Mental Health And Social Services Needs 4 3
A resident with dementia becomes agitated every evening around 5 PM.
This pattern is best described as: