DDA Health Safety & Daily Living Skills 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An individual supported in a community home has been experiencing constipation. Which dietary modification should the DDA discuss with the healthcare team?
- Increasing refined carbohydrate intake
- Decreasing overall fluid intake to reduce bloating
- Increasing fiber-rich foods and adequate hydration (Correct answer)
- Adding more dairy products to the daily diet
Correct answer: Increasing fiber-rich foods and adequate hydration
Adequate dietary fiber combined with proper hydration is the first-line non-pharmacological intervention for constipation.
Question 2: When using a mechanical lift (Hoyer lift) to transfer a non-ambulatory individual, which safety step is CRITICAL before lifting?
- Ensuring the individual is fully awake and cooperative
- Checking the weight capacity and confirming proper sling positioning (Correct answer)
- Removing all clothing to allow correct sling placement
- Locking only one wheel to allow controlled movement
Correct answer: Checking the weight capacity and confirming proper sling positioning
Verifying the lift's weight capacity and confirming the sling is properly positioned prevents falls and equipment failure during transfer.
Question 3: An individual with diabetes begins sweating profusely, shaking, and appears confused. A DDA should FIRST suspect:
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) (Correct answer)
- A diabetic ketoacidosis episode
- An allergic reaction
Correct answer: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Sweating, shakiness, and confusion are classic signs of hypoglycemia, which requires prompt treatment with fast-acting sugar if the person is conscious.
Question 4: Which principle should guide a DDA when helping an individual with developmental disabilities manage money?
- The DDA should manage all finances to prevent mistakes
- The individual should be supported to make their own financial decisions at their capacity level (Correct answer)
- Financial skills are too complex for individuals with DD and should be avoided
- The family should control all spending decisions regardless of the individual's wishes
Correct answer: The individual should be supported to make their own financial decisions at their capacity level
Self-determination principles require that individuals be supported to manage finances at their capacity level, with the least restrictive assistance necessary.
Question 5: A DDA notices bite marks and bruising on an individual that were not present yesterday and the individual seems fearful. The DDA should:
- Ask the individual's family if they noticed the marks
- Document and immediately report the suspected abuse per mandatory reporting laws (Correct answer)
- Wait 24 hours to see if the marks are explained before reporting
- Confront the suspected abuser directly before making a report
Correct answer: Document and immediately report the suspected abuse per mandatory reporting laws
DDAs are mandatory reporters and must immediately document and report suspected abuse to the appropriate authority without investigating or waiting.
Question 6: To promote independence in grooming, the LEAST restrictive support a DDA should provide is:
- Completing the entire grooming routine for the individual to save time
- Providing verbal cues and allowing the individual to complete steps they are capable of (Correct answer)
- Using hand-over-hand assistance for every step to ensure consistency
- Skipping grooming tasks the individual finds difficult
Correct answer: Providing verbal cues and allowing the individual to complete steps they are capable of
Providing verbal cues while allowing the individual to perform tasks within their ability promotes independence and skill development.
Question 7: Which is the CORRECT procedure when a supported individual refuses prescribed medication?
- Crush the medication and hide it in food without informing the individual
- Document the refusal and notify the healthcare provider or supervisor per protocol (Correct answer)
- Force the medication to ensure health compliance
- Skip the dose permanently without documentation
Correct answer: Document the refusal and notify the healthcare provider or supervisor per protocol
Medication refusal must be documented and the healthcare provider or supervisor notified per protocol to determine the appropriate next step.
DDA Health Safety & Daily Living Skills 4
An individual supported in a community home has been experiencing constipation.
Which dietary modification should the DDA discuss with the healthcare team?