NCCAP Gerontology & Resident Needs Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes 'secondary aging' in gerontology?
- Inevitable biological changes that occur with age
- Disease-related changes that are not universal to all older adults (Correct answer)
- Psychological changes caused by retirement
- Social isolation resulting from reduced mobility
Correct answer: Disease-related changes that are not universal to all older adults
Secondary aging refers to changes caused by disease or environmental factors, distinguishing them from primary aging which is universal and inevitable.
Question 2: When conducting a needs assessment for a resident with mild cognitive impairment, the activity professional should FIRST:
- Administer a standardized cognitive screening tool
- Review the resident's medical history and care plan (Correct answer)
- Observe the resident during a group activity
- Consult with the resident's family members
Correct answer: Review the resident's medical history and care plan
Reviewing the existing medical history and care plan provides essential baseline information before conducting additional assessments.
Question 3: The MDS 3.0 Section F addresses which domain relevant to activity professionals?
- Cognitive patterns and memory
- Preferences for customary routine and activities (Correct answer)
- Physical functioning and mobility
- Mood and behavior patterns
Correct answer: Preferences for customary routine and activities
MDS 3.0 Section F specifically captures preferences for customary routine and activities, which directly informs activity programming.
Question 4: Which theory of aging suggests that older adults who remain active and engaged maintain higher life satisfaction?
- Disengagement theory
- Continuity theory
- Activity theory (Correct answer)
- Socioemotional selectivity theory
Correct answer: Activity theory
Activity theory proposes that older adults maintain life satisfaction by staying active and replacing lost roles with new ones.
Question 5: A resident's Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score of 6 indicates:
- Complete dependence in all six ADLs
- Independence in all six ADLs (Correct answer)
- Moderate dependence requiring assistance
- Severe cognitive impairment
Correct answer: Independence in all six ADLs
A score of 6 on the Katz Index represents full independence in all six basic ADLs (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, feeding).
Question 6: Which age-related sensory change most commonly affects participation in group discussion activities among older adults?
- Decreased taste and smell
- Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) (Correct answer)
- Reduced proprioception
- Decreased visual contrast sensitivity
Correct answer: Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss)
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, most significantly impacts participation in group discussions and social activities.
Question 7: When a resident refuses to participate in any activity programming, the MOST appropriate initial response is to:
- Document refusal and discontinue contact
- Notify the family and request their intervention
- Explore the resident's preferences and past interests through conversation (Correct answer)
- Schedule the resident for mandatory therapeutic recreation sessions
Correct answer: Explore the resident's preferences and past interests through conversation
Building rapport by exploring individual preferences and history is the foundation for engaging resistant residents in meaningful activities.
NCCAP Gerontology & Resident Needs Assessment 2
Which of the following best describes 'secondary aging' in gerontology?