Free CNA-Aide Care for Residents with Cognitive Impairment Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with Alzheimer's disease is agitated and repeatedly trying to leave the facility, stating they need to go home. What is the CNA's best initial response?
- Tell them they can't leave and restrain them in a chair.
- Gently redirect the resident's attention to a familiar activity, like folding laundry. (Correct answer)
- Argue with the resident, explaining that this is their home now.
- Ignore the behavior, as it will eventually stop.
Correct answer: Gently redirect the resident's attention to a familiar activity, like folding laundry.
Redirection is a therapeutic communication technique used to distract a resident from a distressing thought or behavior. Arguing or using restraints can increase agitation, and ignoring the resident's distress is neglectful and unsafe.
Question 2: When communicating with a resident who has moderate dementia, which technique is most effective?
- Speaking loudly and quickly to get their attention.
- Asking multiple questions at once to save time.
- Using simple, short sentences and allowing time for a response. (Correct answer)
- Standing over the resident while speaking to them.
Correct answer: Using simple, short sentences and allowing time for a response.
Residents with cognitive impairment process information more slowly. Using clear, simple language and giving them ample time to respond promotes understanding and reduces anxiety.
Question 3: A resident with cognitive impairment is experiencing "sundowning." This means their confusion and agitation:
- Are most severe in the morning.
- Occur only when they are hungry.
- Worsen in the late afternoon and evening. (Correct answer)
- Are a sign of a new medical illness.
Correct answer: Worsen in the late afternoon and evening.
Sundowning is a symptom of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It's characterized by increased confusion, anxiety, agitation, and restlessness that begins or worsens as daylight begins to fade.
Question 4: To promote a safe environment for a resident who wanders due to cognitive impairment, the nurse aide should:
- Keep the resident's room dark and quiet at all times.
- Ensure the resident is wearing an identification bracelet. (Correct answer)
- Lock the resident in their room to prevent them from leaving.
- Encourage the resident to stay in bed as much as possible.
Correct answer: Ensure the resident is wearing an identification bracelet.
An identification bracelet is a vital safety precaution for residents who wander. Locking a resident in their room is illegal and dangerous, and a safe environment should be well-lit and free of hazards.
Question 5: A resident with dementia is having trouble feeding themselves. The best approach for the CNA is to:
- Feed the resident quickly to make sure they get enough calories.
- Place the food in front of them and leave, assuming they will eat when ready.
- Offer gentle encouragement and use hand-over-hand assistance to guide the utensil. (Correct answer)
- Insist they eat everything on their plate before they can have dessert.
Correct answer: Offer gentle encouragement and use hand-over-hand assistance to guide the utensil.
Hand-over-hand assistance is a technique that allows the resident to maintain a sense of control and independence while receiving the help they need. It is a patient and respectful way to assist with activities of daily living.
Question 6: Validation therapy is a communication technique used with residents who have cognitive impairment. It involves:
- Correcting the resident's false beliefs with facts.
- Acknowledging and respecting the resident's feelings in their personal reality. (Correct answer)
- Distracting the resident with a completely different topic.
- Testing the resident's memory to see if it has improved.
Correct answer: Acknowledging and respecting the resident's feelings in their personal reality.
Validation therapy focuses on acknowledging the emotions and reality of the person with dementia, rather than trying to force them into our reality. This helps reduce stress and provides a sense of dignity and respect.
Free CNA-Aide Care for Residents with Cognitive Impairment Questions and Answers 1
A resident with Alzheimer's disease is agitated and repeatedly trying to leave the facility, stating they need to go home.
What is the CNA's best initial response?