CNA Mental Health And Social Services Needs 4 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident's family member asks the CNA why their loved one seems so confused after a urinary tract infection. The CNA's best response is:
- 'The infection must have spread to the brain.'
- 'Confusion can be a sign of infection in older adults — the nurse can explain more.' (Correct answer)
- 'He is probably just tired from the infection.'
- 'This is a normal part of aging.'
Correct answer: 'Confusion can be a sign of infection in older adults — the nurse can explain more.'
UTIs frequently cause sudden confusion (delirium) in older adults, and the CNA should acknowledge this and refer detailed explanation to the nurse.
Question 2: Validation therapy is most appropriate for residents who:
- Have mild depression
- Are oriented to time and place
- Have moderate to severe dementia and cannot be reoriented (Correct answer)
- Are recovering from substance abuse
Correct answer: Have moderate to severe dementia and cannot be reoriented
Validation therapy meets the resident in their reality rather than correcting them, making it suitable for those with moderate to severe dementia.
Question 3: A resident with depression tells the CNA she has been giving away her jewelry to roommates. The CNA should recognize this as a possible:
- Generous personality trait
- Sign of cognitive decline only
- Warning sign of suicidal intent and report it immediately (Correct answer)
- Normal behavior when residents bond with each other
Correct answer: Warning sign of suicidal intent and report it immediately
Giving away valued possessions is a recognized warning sign of suicidal ideation and must be reported to the nurse immediately.
Question 4: When caring for a resident who is crying, the most therapeutic response is to:
- Leave the room to give the resident privacy
- Tell the resident there is nothing to cry about
- Sit with the resident, offer a tissue, and listen (Correct answer)
- Redirect the resident to an activity immediately
Correct answer: Sit with the resident, offer a tissue, and listen
Sitting with a crying resident, offering a tissue, and actively listening demonstrates empathy and provides emotional support.
Question 5: Which behavior by the CNA promotes the psychological concept of 'dignity' for a resident with mental illness?
- Discussing the resident's diagnosis with other residents
- Knocking before entering and using the resident's preferred name (Correct answer)
- Assigning simple tasks to keep the resident occupied
- Encouraging family members to make all decisions for the resident
Correct answer: Knocking before entering and using the resident's preferred name
Knocking before entering and using a resident's preferred name respects their individuality and personal boundaries, preserving dignity.
Question 6: A resident becomes physically aggressive while the CNA is assisting with a bath. The CNA should:
- Restrain the resident to finish the bath quickly
- Stop the procedure, ensure safety, and report to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Raise their voice to regain control of the situation
- Continue the bath and document the behavior later
Correct answer: Stop the procedure, ensure safety, and report to the nurse
When a resident becomes aggressive, the CNA must stop the activity, ensure everyone's safety, and report the behavior to the nurse.
Question 7: The social worker requests a care conference to discuss a resident's emotional needs. The CNA's role at this meeting is to:
- Determine the resident's care plan goals
- Share observations about the resident's daily behavior and mood (Correct answer)
- Prescribe a new treatment approach
- Remain silent unless directly questioned
Correct answer: Share observations about the resident's daily behavior and mood
The CNA contributes valuable firsthand observations about the resident's daily behavior and emotional state to the interdisciplinary team.
CNA Mental Health And Social Services Needs 4 4
A resident's family member asks the CNA why their loved one seems so confused after a urinary tract infection.
The CNA's best response is: