HCA - Health Care Assistant Cognitive and Mental Health Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What is 'sundowning' in a resident with dementia, and how should an HCA respond?

Accepted Answer

Increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon or evening; maintain a calm environment and consistent routine

Answer

A morning confusion episode caused by low blood sugar; offer breakfast immediately

Answer

Fatigue after sun exposure; ensure the resident is moved indoors

Answer

A scheduled medication side effect that only occurs in the evening

Question 2

A resident with schizophrenia tells you that the staff are putting poison in their food. What is the most appropriate HCA response?

Accepted Answer

Listen calmly, do not argue with the belief, and report the statement to the nurse

Answer

Argue logically that staff would never do this to disprove the delusion

Answer

Agree with the resident to reduce distress and avoid conflict

Answer

Tell the resident their thinking is abnormal and they need more medication

Question 3

Which of the following is a risk factor for elder abuse in a care setting that an HCA should recognize?

Accepted Answer

Caregiver burnout and high workload combined with inadequate supervision

Answer

A resident who expresses satisfaction with care

Answer

Family members who visit frequently

Answer

A care team with consistent staffing ratios

Question 4

Which approach best supports a resident with depression who refuses to participate in activities?

Accepted Answer

Offer choices and start with low-demand, enjoyable activities; be consistently warm and available without pressure

Answer

Insist the resident participate to avoid social isolation

Answer

Leave the resident alone completely to respect their wishes

Answer

Tell the resident others have harder lives to put their feelings in perspective

Question 5

What is the HCA's role when a resident is experiencing a mental health crisis such as acute suicidal ideation?

Accepted Answer

Stay with the resident, remain calm, and call for the nurse immediately while ensuring a safe environment

Answer

Leave the resident alone to avoid increasing their distress

Answer

Attempt to talk the resident out of their feelings independently

Answer

Contact the resident's family before notifying the nurse

Question 6

A resident with dementia is undressing in the common area. How should the HCA manage this situation?

Accepted Answer

Calmly and discreetly redirect the resident to their room, assist with redressing, and report the behaviour to the nurse

Answer

Scold the resident loudly to stop the behaviour immediately

Answer

Announce the situation over the intercom and ask other staff to assist

Answer

Document the behaviour only and do not intervene to respect autonomy