DSP - Direct Support Professional Person-Centered Planning and Support Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following is the PRIMARY role of a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in the person-centered planning process?

Accepted Answer

To actively listen and learn what is important to the individual, ensuring their preferences are the foundation of the plan.

Answer

To make final decisions about the individual's daily schedule and activities.

Answer

To implement the plan as written by the case manager without deviation.

Answer

To focus solely on the health and safety objectives outlined by the support team.

Question 2

An individual supported by a DSP, expresses a new interest in learning to cook, but their current Individual Support Plan (ISP) focuses on community art classes. What is the most appropriate first step for the DSP to take?

Accepted Answer

Document the individual's new interest and discuss it with them and the support team to see how it can be incorporated into their plan.

Answer

Tell the individual that cooking is not in their plan and they should focus on their current goals.

Answer

Ignore the comment as it is not part of the official plan of care.

Answer

Immediately enroll the individual in a cooking class without further discussion.

Question 3

In the context of person-centered support, what is the significance of balancing what is 'important TO' and what is 'important FOR' a person?

Accepted Answer

Finding a respectful balance that honors the person's wishes and choices while addressing health and safety needs.

Answer

Prioritizing what is 'important FOR' the person (health and safety) over what is 'important TO' them (preferences) at all times.

Answer

Focusing only on what is 'important TO' the person to ensure their happiness, regardless of health and safety.

Answer

Letting the person's family decide the balance between preferences and safety requirements.

Question 4

A DSP is supporting an individual who communicates non-verbally. To effectively contribute to person-centered planning, the DSP should:

Accepted Answer

Pay close attention to the individual's expressions, body language, and responses to different situations to understand their preferences.

Answer

Assume the individual's needs based on their past behaviors and diagnoses.

Answer

Rely solely on the family's interpretation of the individual's wants and needs.

Answer

Make decisions for the individual since they cannot express themselves clearly.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a person-centered Individual Support Plan (ISP)?

Accepted Answer

A living document that outlines an individual's goals and the supports needed to achieve them, guided by their preferences.

Answer

A standardized checklist of tasks for the DSP to complete daily.

Answer

A medical chart focused exclusively on diagnoses and treatment protocols.

Answer

A static, unchangeable contract that is reviewed annually by agency management.

Question 6

The primary purpose of using person-centered thinking tools like 'Relationship Maps' or 'Good Day/Bad Day' is to:

Accepted Answer

Create a structured way to gather information about what is important to a person from their perspective.

Answer

Fulfill a mandatory documentation requirement for billing purposes.

Answer

Allow the DSP to make more efficient decisions for the person they support.

Answer

Assess the person's cognitive abilities and skill deficits.