CNA Care for Residents with Cognitive Impairment

Question 1

When communicating with a resident who has Alzheimer's disease and moderate cognitive impairment, the CNA should:

Accepted Answer

Use short, simple sentences and speak slowly, one step at a time

Answer

Speak quickly and give several instructions at once to maximize efficiency

Answer

Remind the resident frequently that they have Alzheimer's and may not remember things

Answer

Avoid eye contact to reduce overstimulation of the resident

Question 2

A resident with dementia repeatedly asks where their deceased spouse is. Which approach is most therapeutic?

Accepted Answer

Redirect the resident to a pleasant activity while acknowledging their feelings

Answer

Firmly remind the resident that their spouse has been dead for years

Answer

Tell the resident their spouse is at work and will return later

Answer

Ignore the question and change the subject abruptly

Question 3

A CNA notices that a resident with dementia has been consistently trying to leave the facility (elopement risk). What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Report the observation to the nurse immediately so safety measures can be implemented

Answer

Lock the resident in their room to prevent them from wandering

Answer

Tell the resident they are not allowed to leave and they must stay in their room

Answer

Ignore the behavior as wandering is normal for residents with dementia

Question 4

Sundowning is a phenomenon observed in many residents with dementia. Which description best defines sundowning?

Accepted Answer

Increased confusion, agitation, and behavioral disturbance that occurs in the late afternoon and evening

Answer

A period of calm and improved cognition that occurs in late afternoon

Answer

The resident's pattern of sleeping more during morning hours

Answer

A type of aggressive behavior that occurs primarily at night in the ICU

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a reality orientation technique appropriate for a resident with mild cognitive impairment?

Accepted Answer

Placing a large-print calendar and clock in the resident's room and verbally reorienting them to date and place

Answer

Agreeing with a resident who believes they are living in 1955 to avoid upsetting them

Answer

Asking the resident not to talk about the past because it confuses them further

Answer

Moving the resident to a different room to provide a new, stimulating environment

Question 6

A CNA is assigned to care for a resident with moderate dementia who refuses to take a shower. The resident becomes upset and says, 'Get away from me!' What is the best initial response by the CNA?

Accepted Answer

Step back, speak in a calm voice, and say 'I can see you don't want to do that right now. That's okay.'

Answer

Call for help and use a mechanical lift to place the resident in the shower

Answer

Firmly tell the resident that a shower is required for their health and proceed

Answer

Document the refusal and leave the resident without completing any hygiene care that day