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

Redirecting a person with dementia to a pleasant activity is therapeutic and avoids repeated distress from re-learning a loss.

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

In the severe late stage of Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to communicate verbally and require complete assistance with ADLs.

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

A delusion of reference is a false belief that ordinary events or objects are specifically directed at or connected to oneself.

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

A calm, reassuring presence helps de-escalate a panic attack and prevents the client from feeling abandoned during an acute anxiety episode.

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

Delirium is characterized by acute onset and fluctuating levels of consciousness, distinguishing it from the gradual progression of dementia.

(HCA) Health Care Assistant Certification Practice Test