HCA Cognitive and Mental Health 3

Question 1

An elderly client who was previously social now refuses to eat, sleeps most of the day, and says 'nothing matters anymore.' The HCA should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Report these signs of possible depression to the supervisor immediately

Answer

Assume this is normal aging and document nothing

Answer

Encourage the client to 'cheer up' and think positive

Answer

Increase the client's physical activity without consulting the care team

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a visual hallucination?

Accepted Answer

Seeing insects crawling on the walls that are not there

Answer

Believing the government is monitoring you

Answer

Hearing voices when no one is present

Answer

Feeling that one's thoughts are being broadcast to others

Question 3

Sundowning in dementia refers to:

Accepted Answer

Increased confusion and agitation occurring in the late afternoon or evening

Answer

A client's refusal to eat at dinnertime

Answer

A side effect of sunlight exposure in dementia patients

Answer

A sleep disorder caused by dementia medication

Question 4

A client with bipolar disorder is currently in a manic episode. Which behavior would the HCA MOST likely observe?

Accepted Answer

Rapid speech, grandiose thinking, and decreased need for sleep

Answer

Excessive sleeping and loss of interest in activities

Answer

Decreased appetite with weight loss and crying spells

Answer

Flat affect, social withdrawal, and poverty of speech

Question 5

When using therapeutic communication with a client experiencing mental health challenges, the HCA should avoid:

Accepted Answer

False reassurances such as 'Everything will be fine'

Answer

Active listening and paraphrasing

Answer

Open-ended questions

Answer

Reflecting the client's feelings

Question 6

A client's care plan includes 'reality orientation' as an intervention. This technique is MOST appropriate for clients with:

Accepted Answer

Mild to moderate cognitive impairment

Answer

Severe anxiety disorders

Answer

Active psychosis with delusions

Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Question 7

Which of the following actions BEST supports the dignity of a client with mental illness?

Accepted Answer

Using the client's preferred name and treating them with respect

Answer

Discussing the client's diagnosis loudly with coworkers in the hallway

Answer

Referring to the client as 'the schizophrenic in room 4'

Answer

Limiting the client's choices to simplify care routines