Dementia Training Certification Dementia Training Communication Techniques & Behavioral Strategies 2

Question 1

A resident with dementia repeatedly asks for her deceased husband. Which response best demonstrates therapeutic fibbing?

Accepted Answer

Say 'He just stepped out — he'll be back soon' to reduce distress

Answer

Therapeutic fibbing uses a compassionate, non-harmful untruth to prevent repeated grief and agitation in someone who cannot retain the truth.

Question 2

Which nonverbal communication strategy is MOST effective when approaching a person with advanced dementia?

Accepted Answer

Maintain a calm facial expression and approach from the front at eye level

Answer

Approaching calmly from the front at eye level signals safety and respect, reducing the risk of a fear-based response.

Question 3

Sundowning refers to increased confusion and agitation that typically occurs:

Accepted Answer

In the late afternoon and evening hours

Answer

Sundowning is a pattern of worsening dementia symptoms — confusion, agitation, or restlessness — that peaks in late afternoon and evening.

Question 4

When using validation therapy with a person who believes they are late for work, the caregiver should:

Accepted Answer

Explore the feeling behind the belief by asking about their job

Answer

Validation therapy acknowledges the emotional reality of the person's experience rather than correcting factual errors.

Question 5

A person with dementia becomes aggressive during bathing. The FIRST intervention should be:

Accepted Answer

Stop the bath, step back, and assess for pain or fear triggers

Answer

Pausing and assessing for underlying triggers such as pain, cold water, or fear is the priority before attempting any de-escalation.

Dementia Training Certification Practice Test