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

These are classic warning signs of depression in older adults and must be reported promptly so the care team can assess and intervene appropriately.

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

A visual hallucination is a false sensory perception involving sight, such as seeing objects or people that do not exist.

Question 3

Sundowning in dementia refers to:

Accepted Answer

Increased confusion and agitation occurring in the late afternoon or evening

Answer

Sundowning describes a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, and behavioral changes that typically worsen in the late afternoon and evening hours.

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

Mania is characterized by elevated mood, rapid speech, grandiosity, impulsivity, and a markedly reduced need for sleep.

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

False reassurances undermine trust and minimize the client's real concerns; honest, empathetic responses are more therapeutic.

(HCA) Health Care Assistant Certification Practice Test

(HCA) Health Care Assistant Certification Practice Test

HCA Cognitive and Mental Health 3