DSP - Direct Support Professional Health and Wellness Support Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A person you support, who is non-verbal, has become increasingly agitated, is refusing their favorite foods, and has started rocking more intensely than usual. What is the MOST appropriate initial action for a DSP to take?
- Document the behavior and wait to see if it resolves on its own within 24 hours.
- Assume the person is seeking attention and implement a behavior plan to ignore the new behaviors.
- Consider these behavioral changes as potential signs of pain or illness and report them to a supervisor or healthcare provider for assessment. (Correct answer)
- Offer a different preferred activity to distract the person from their agitation.
Correct answer: Consider these behavioral changes as potential signs of pain or illness and report them to a supervisor or healthcare provider for assessment.
Changes in behavior, such as increased agitation, changes in eating habits, and increased repetitive behaviors, can be significant indicators of underlying pain or illness in individuals who are non-verbal. It is a DSP's responsibility to recognize these potential health concerns and report them promptly for medical evaluation to rule out any physical causes before addressing them as purely behavioral issues.
Question 2: Which of the following is a key principle of person-centered support when assisting an individual with their nutritional goals?
- Creating a strict diet plan and ensuring the individual adheres to it without deviation.
- Involving the individual in meal planning and preparation, considering their preferences and cultural background. (Correct answer)
- Making all food choices for the individual to ensure they only consume healthy options.
- Preparing the same meals for everyone in the residence to ensure fairness and efficiency.
Correct answer: Involving the individual in meal planning and preparation, considering their preferences and cultural background.
Person-centered support emphasizes individual choice, preferences, and involvement. When it comes to nutrition, this means working with the person to create a healthy eating plan that they are interested in and that respects their cultural background and personal tastes. Involving them in planning and cooking can also increase their skills and autonomy.
Question 3: When assisting with medication administration, a DSP's responsibilities include all of the following EXCEPT:
- Adjusting the dosage of a medication if the person supported seems to be feeling better. (Correct answer)
- Accurately documenting each time a medication is administered.
- Observing the person for any adverse reactions or side effects after taking medication.
- Ensuring the medication is given at the correct time and in the prescribed manner.
Correct answer: Adjusting the dosage of a medication if the person supported seems to be feeling better.
Direct Support Professionals are responsible for administering medication exactly as prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. They must not make any changes to the dosage, frequency, or type of medication. Adjusting a dosage is a medical decision that can only be made by a qualified professional like a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Question 4: A DSP is supporting an individual who wants to become more physically active. What is the BEST approach to promote their wellness?
- Sign them up for a gym membership and expect them to go on their own.
- Tell them they must walk on a treadmill for 30 minutes every day.
- Explore different types of physical activities with the individual to find something they genuinely enjoy and that fits their routine. (Correct answer)
- Only focus on diet, as exercise is secondary to weight management.
Correct answer: Explore different types of physical activities with the individual to find something they genuinely enjoy and that fits their routine.
Promoting health and wellness should be a collaborative and person-centered process. The most effective way to encourage physical activity is to find activities the person is interested in and enjoys, as this increases the likelihood they will continue with them. This approach respects their autonomy and preferences while supporting their health goals.
Question 5: To prevent the spread of infection within a residential setting, what is the single most effective action a DSP can take?
- Opening windows to air out the rooms daily.
- Ensuring all individuals have received their annual flu shot.
- Routinely cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
- Performing proper and frequent handwashing. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Performing proper and frequent handwashing.
According to health organizations like the CDC, consistent and thorough handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. While other measures like cleaning, disinfection, and vaccination are important components of infection control, hand hygiene is a fundamental practice for all healthcare personnel.
Question 6: An individual supported by a DSP has a new prescription for a PRN (as-needed) medication. Before administering the first dose, the DSP must ensure that:
- The individual has tried at least two other non-medical interventions first.
- A family member has given their verbal consent for the medication.
- There is a clear, written order from a doctor detailing the specific conditions for its use. (Correct answer)
- The medication is stored separately from regularly scheduled medications.
Correct answer: There is a clear, written order from a doctor detailing the specific conditions for its use.
All medications, including PRN medications, require a valid, signed order from a licensed prescriber (e.g., a doctor). The order for a PRN medication must specify the reason for its use, the dosage, the frequency, and any other specific parameters to guide the DSP in making a safe and appropriate decision to administer it.
DSP - Direct Support Professional Health and Wellness Support Questions and Answers 1
A person you support, who is non-verbal, has become increasingly agitated, is refusing their favorite foods, and has started rocking more intensely than usual.
What is the MOST appropriate initial action for a DSP to take?