CNA Mental Health and Social Services Needs 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with dementia becomes agitated every evening around 5 PM. This pattern is best described as:
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Sundowning syndrome (Correct answer)
- Delirium tremens
- Nocturnal confusion disorder
Correct answer: Sundowning syndrome
Sundowning syndrome refers to increased confusion, agitation, and behavioral changes that occur in the late afternoon or evening in residents with dementia.
Question 2: When a resident tells the CNA that their family never visits and they feel forgotten, the BEST response is:
- 'I'm sure they're just busy, don't worry about it.'
- 'Would you like to tell me more about how you're feeling?' (Correct answer)
- 'You should call them and let them know how you feel.'
- 'Other residents don't have visitors either, so you're not alone.'
Correct answer: 'Would you like to tell me more about how you're feeling?'
Open-ended responses that invite the resident to share more demonstrate empathy and active listening, which are key therapeutic communication techniques.
Question 3: A resident diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the CNA that government agents are watching through the TV. The CNA should:
- Agree with the resident to avoid conflict
- Firmly explain that this belief is not real
- Acknowledge the resident's distress without reinforcing the delusion (Correct answer)
- Turn off the TV and leave the room
Correct answer: Acknowledge the resident's distress without reinforcing the delusion
CNAs should neither agree with nor directly challenge delusions, but instead acknowledge the resident's feelings and report observations to the nurse.
Question 4: Which of the following is a sign that a resident may be experiencing depression rather than normal sadness?
- Crying after hearing bad news from family
- Persistent loss of interest in activities lasting more than two weeks (Correct answer)
- Feeling sad on the anniversary of a loved one's death
- Temporary withdrawal after a difficult medical procedure
Correct answer: Persistent loss of interest in activities lasting more than two weeks
Depression is characterized by persistent symptoms lasting at least two weeks, including loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Question 5: A resident who previously enjoyed group activities now refuses to leave their room and stops eating regularly. The CNA should FIRST:
- Respect the resident's wishes and leave them alone
- Report these behavioral changes to the charge nurse (Correct answer)
- Encourage the resident by offering their favorite food
- Ask family members to intervene immediately
Correct answer: Report these behavioral changes to the charge nurse
Significant behavioral changes such as social withdrawal and appetite loss are important observations that must be reported to the nurse promptly.
Question 6: When assisting a resident who has experienced a recent loss, which action by the CNA is MOST therapeutic?
- Keeping the resident distracted with activities at all times
- Telling the resident that their loved one is in a better place
- Sitting quietly with the resident and offering a comforting presence (Correct answer)
- Encouraging the resident to think positive thoughts
Correct answer: Sitting quietly with the resident and offering a comforting presence
Simply being present and offering quiet companionship validates grief and provides comfort without minimizing the resident's feelings.
Question 7: A resident with a history of alcohol use disorder is admitted to a long-term care facility. The CNA notices the resident is sweating, trembling, and appears anxious on day two. The CNA should:
- Offer the resident a warm drink to calm their nerves
- Assume the resident is nervous about the new environment
- Report these symptoms to the nurse immediately as they may indicate withdrawal (Correct answer)
- Encourage the resident to exercise to reduce anxiety
Correct answer: Report these symptoms to the nurse immediately as they may indicate withdrawal
Sweating, trembling, and anxiety in a resident with alcohol use disorder may indicate alcohol withdrawal, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt nursing assessment.
CNA Mental Health and Social Services Needs 5
A resident with dementia becomes agitated every evening around 5 PM.
This pattern is best described as: