HCA - Health Care Assistant Cognitive and Mental Health Questions and Answers

Question 1

A resident who is normally alert and oriented suddenly becomes confused, inattentive, and agitated over the course of one day.
Which of the following conditions is MOST likely characterized by this sudden onset of symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Delirium

Answer

Alzheimer's Disease

Answer

Clinical Depression

Answer

Sundowning

Question 2

Mr. Evans, a resident with advanced dementia, is searching his room and becomes distressed, stating, 'I need to find my wife, she's waiting for me.' The HCA knows that Mr. Evans's wife passed away several years ago. Which response uses the principle of validation therapy?

Accepted Answer

"You must miss your wife very much. Can you tell me about her?"

Answer

"Mr. Evans, your wife died five years ago. You are in a long-term care facility."

Answer

"Let's go to the activity room; maybe she is in there waiting for you."

Answer

"Please don't worry about that right now, it's almost time for dinner."

Question 3

A Health Care Assistant is caring for a new 82-year-old resident in a long-term care facility. Which of the following observations should be reported to the nurse as a potential sign of depression?

Accepted Answer

The resident has a loss of appetite and complains of persistent fatigue.

Answer

The resident shares old photographs and stories about their family.

Answer

The resident occasionally misplaces their reading glasses.

Answer

The resident enjoys participating in a daily group exercise class.

Question 4

A client with a history of anxiety becomes verbally aggressive and starts pacing rapidly in the hallway. What is the Health Care Assistant's FIRST priority in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the safety of the client and others by maintaining a safe distance and creating space.

Answer

Immediately attempt to restrain the client to prevent potential harm.

Answer

Firmly tell the client to calm down and stop shouting.

Answer

Leave the area immediately to find the charge nurse.

Question 5

A resident with schizophrenia tells the HCA, 'The kitchen staff is trying to poison my food. I can't eat this.' Which of the following is the most therapeutic response?

Accepted Answer

"That must be a very frightening feeling. I will sit with you while you eat."

Answer

"That's not true. The food here is perfectly safe and everyone eats it."

Answer

"If you don't eat your meal, you will not get a dessert later."

Answer

"I ate the same food for lunch, and I am fine. There is no poison."

Question 6

A resident with Alzheimer's disease consistently becomes more confused, agitated, and restless in the late afternoon and early evening. This specific pattern of behavior is known as:

Accepted Answer

Sundowning

Answer

A catastrophic reaction

Answer

Aphasia

Answer

Delirium

A resident who is normally alert and oriented suddenly becomes confused, inattentive, and agitated over the course of one day.Which of the following conditions is MOST likely characterized by this sudden onset of symptoms?

A resident who is normally alert and oriented suddenly becomes confused, inattentive, and agitated over the course of one day.
Which of the following conditions is MOST likely characterized by this sudden onset of symptoms?