- Health Care Assistant Cognitive and Mental Health Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real HCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 - Health Care Assistant Cognitive and Mental Health Questions and Answers flashcards as text
Which type of memory is typically preserved longest in a person with Alzheimer's disease?
Answer: Long-term procedural and emotional memories from early life
Alzheimer's typically impairs recent memory first; early procedural memories and emotional memories are often preserved much longer.
A resident with cognitive impairment is found attempting to leave the facility at night, appearing confused. What is the HCA's first priority?
Answer: Ensure the resident's immediate safety by accompanying them and alerting the nursing staff
Resident safety is the immediate priority; accompanying them and alerting staff prevents elopement and injury.
How can HCAs use 'validation therapy' to support a resident with dementia who insists their deceased spouse is still alive?
Answer: Enter the resident's emotional reality by acknowledging the feeling ('You miss him very much') without correcting the belief
Validation therapy acknowledges emotions without reinforcing false beliefs or causing distress from repeated correction.
What is the significance of a 'life history profile' in planning care for a resident with dementia?
Answer: It provides information about the resident's past to personalize activities, communication, and daily routines
Life history information enables person-centred care by connecting care to the resident's unique identity, preferences, and meaningful experiences.
An HCA is working with a resident who experiences panic attacks. Which action is most appropriate during an attack?
Answer: Stay calm, speak slowly and gently, encourage slow deep breathing, and stay with the resident until the attack passes
Calm presence, slow breathing guidance, and staying with the resident are safe supportive interventions within HCA scope.
What does 'person-centred dementia care' mean in day-to-day HCA practice?
Answer: Caring for each resident as an individual by focusing on their unique needs, preferences, history, and remaining abilities
Person-centred care acknowledges individuality and builds care around the unique person, not their diagnosis.