DSP Health and Wellness Support 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A person you support refuses to take their prescribed medication. What is the DSP's first appropriate action?
- Crush the medication and hide it in food
- Document the refusal and notify the supervisor or nurse (Correct answer)
- Force the individual to take the medication
- Skip the dose and try again tomorrow without reporting
Correct answer: Document the refusal and notify the supervisor or nurse
Medication refusal must be documented and reported to a supervisor or nurse so appropriate clinical decisions can be made.
Question 2: Which vital sign measurement requires a DSP to recognize a dangerously high reading that may indicate hypertensive crisis?
- Temperature above 98.6°F
- Blood pressure above 180/120 mmHg (Correct answer)
- Pulse of 72 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
Correct answer: Blood pressure above 180/120 mmHg
A blood pressure above 180/120 mmHg is considered hypertensive crisis and requires immediate medical attention.
Question 3: A person with diabetes tells you they feel shaky, sweaty, and confused. What condition should a DSP suspect first?
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) (Correct answer)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Insulin overdose from yesterday
Correct answer: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Shakiness, sweating, and confusion are classic signs of hypoglycemia, requiring prompt treatment with fast-acting sugar.
Question 4: When supporting a person with epilepsy during a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, a DSP should:
- Hold the person still to prevent injury
- Place something in their mouth to protect their tongue
- Time the seizure, protect the head, and turn them on their side after convulsions stop (Correct answer)
- Give the person water immediately when the seizure ends
Correct answer: Time the seizure, protect the head, and turn them on their side after convulsions stop
The correct response is to time the seizure, cushion the head, and place the person in recovery position after convulsions cease.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the DSP's role in supporting preventive health care?
- Diagnosing minor illnesses to avoid unnecessary doctor visits
- Scheduling and accompanying individuals to routine medical appointments (Correct answer)
- Deciding which medications are no longer needed
- Performing physical exams when nurses are unavailable
Correct answer: Scheduling and accompanying individuals to routine medical appointments
DSPs support preventive care by helping schedule and attend routine medical appointments, not by providing clinical diagnoses.
Question 6: A person you support has a pressure ulcer (bed sore) that appears to be worsening. What is the correct DSP action?
- Apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and monitor
- Increase repositioning frequency and notify the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Cover with a bandage and document it in one week
- Ask the individual if they want it treated before reporting
Correct answer: Increase repositioning frequency and notify the nurse immediately
Worsening pressure ulcers require prompt repositioning and immediate nurse notification since they can become serious infections.
Question 7: Which practice best supports the oral health of individuals with disabilities who resist tooth brushing?
- Skip brushing until the person cooperates fully
- Use a flavorless toothpaste, a soft brush, and a consistent routine with positive reinforcement (Correct answer)
- Brush teeth forcefully to complete the task efficiently
- Only brush teeth during medical appointments
Correct answer: Use a flavorless toothpaste, a soft brush, and a consistent routine with positive reinforcement
Using preferred products, a gentle approach, and consistent positive reinforcement helps build tolerance for oral hygiene routines.
DSP Health and Wellness Support 2
A person you support refuses to take their prescribed medication.
What is the DSP's first appropriate action?