HCA Cognitive and Mental Health 2

Question 1

A resident with dementia repeatedly asks where her deceased husband is. What is the BEST response from the HCA?

Accepted Answer

Redirect her attention to a pleasant activity or topic

Answer

Tell her he passed away and show her the death certificate

Answer

Ignore the question and walk away

Answer

Remind her every hour that he is gone

Question 2

Which stage of Alzheimer's disease is typically characterized by the need for full assistance with all activities of daily living?

Accepted Answer

Severe (late) stage

Answer

Mild (early) stage

Answer

Moderate (middle) stage

Answer

Pre-clinical stage

Question 3

A client with schizophrenia tells you that the television is sending secret messages meant for him. This symptom is called a:

Accepted Answer

Delusion of reference

Answer

Hallucination

Answer

Compulsion

Answer

Flight of ideas

Question 4

When assisting a client who is experiencing a panic attack, the HCA should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Stay calm, remain with the client, and speak in a slow reassuring voice

Answer

Leave the room and call 911 immediately

Answer

Offer the client a large glass of water and a snack

Answer

Ask the client to explain what triggered the attack

Question 5

Which of the following is a characteristic of delirium that distinguishes it from dementia?

Accepted Answer

It has an acute onset and fluctuating consciousness

Answer

It develops gradually over months

Answer

It is always caused by Alzheimer's disease

Answer

It primarily affects long-term memory first

Question 6

A person with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) insists on checking the door lock 20 times before leaving. The HCA should:

Accepted Answer

Allow the ritual while encouraging treatment discussion with the care team

Answer

Force the client to leave after the first check

Answer

Mock the behavior to discourage it

Answer

Lock the door yourself without telling the client

Question 7

Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with depression when present in insufficient levels?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine only

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

GABA