DDA Health Safety & Daily Living Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A person with a developmental disability is prescribed a new medication. Which action is the FIRST responsibility of a DDA when administering it?
- Administer it immediately as prescribed
- Verify the five rights of medication administration (Correct answer)
- Ask the individual if they want to take it today
- Call the pharmacy to confirm the dosage
Correct answer: Verify the five rights of medication administration
The five rights — right person, drug, dose, route, and time — must be verified before every medication administration to prevent errors.
Question 2: During a fire evacuation drill, a non-ambulatory individual cannot use the elevator. What is the appropriate action?
- Carry the individual down the stairs immediately
- Leave the individual in place and call for help
- Move the individual to a designated area of rescue assistance (Correct answer)
- Wait for the fire department before moving the individual
Correct answer: Move the individual to a designated area of rescue assistance
Non-ambulatory individuals should be moved to a designated area of rescue assistance where trained responders can safely assist them.
Question 3: Which behavior BEST indicates that a person with a developmental disability may be experiencing pain if they are non-verbal?
- Increased social engagement
- Facial grimacing and self-protective posturing (Correct answer)
- Improved appetite and sleep patterns
- Decreased frequency of stereotypic behaviors
Correct answer: Facial grimacing and self-protective posturing
Non-verbal individuals often express pain through observable behavioral cues such as facial grimacing, guarding, or changes in posture.
Question 4: A DDA notices a supported individual has a red, swollen area around a wound that is warm to the touch. This MOST likely indicates:
- Normal healing process
- Signs of infection requiring medical attention (Correct answer)
- An allergic reaction to bandage adhesive
- Pressure sore formation
Correct answer: Signs of infection requiring medical attention
Redness, swelling, warmth, and possible pus around a wound are classic signs of infection that require prompt medical evaluation.
Question 5: When assisting an individual with bathing, the DDA should FIRST:
- Fill the tub completely before the individual enters
- Test the water temperature with a thermometer or wrist (Correct answer)
- Ask the individual's preference for water temperature
- Set the water heater to the highest setting for thorough cleaning
Correct answer: Test the water temperature with a thermometer or wrist
Water temperature should be tested with a thermometer or the inside of the wrist to prevent burns, as some individuals cannot accurately report discomfort.
Question 6: Which food texture modification is appropriate for an individual with a documented swallowing disorder (dysphagia)?
- Mixed texture foods such as chunky soups
- Thin liquids without any thickening agent
- Pureed or minced foods as specified in the care plan (Correct answer)
- Hard, crunchy foods to encourage chewing
Correct answer: Pureed or minced foods as specified in the care plan
Individuals with dysphagia must follow a prescribed texture-modified diet (e.g., pureed, minced) to reduce aspiration risk, as specified in their care plan.
Question 7: A DDA observes that an individual's lips and fingernails have turned bluish. This symptom is called cyanosis and indicates:
- Low blood sugar requiring immediate juice administration
- Poor circulation or oxygen deficiency requiring emergency response (Correct answer)
- An adverse medication reaction requiring documentation only
- Normal variation in skin tone for certain individuals
Correct answer: Poor circulation or oxygen deficiency requiring emergency response
Cyanosis signals inadequate oxygenation and requires an immediate emergency response including calling 911.
DDA Health Safety & Daily Living Skills 2
A person with a developmental disability is prescribed a new medication.
Which action is the FIRST responsibility of a DDA when administering it?