CNA Care for Residents with Cognitive Impairment

Question 1

A resident with Alzheimer's disease becomes agitated when the CNA tries to help with bathing. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Stop, calmly reassure the resident, and try again later or use a different approach

Answer

When a cognitively impaired resident becomes agitated, the CNA should stop, use a calm and reassuring tone, and try again later or modify the approach. Forcing care escalates distress and is never appropriate.

Question 2

Which communication technique is most effective when speaking with a resident who has moderate dementia?

Accepted Answer

Speak in short, simple sentences and use a calm, gentle tone

Answer

Short, simple sentences with a calm tone are most effective for residents with dementia. Avoid complex language, arguing about facts, or raising your voice, as these approaches increase confusion and agitation.

Question 3

A resident with dementia says they need to go to work and tries to leave the facility. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Elopement behavior

Answer

Elopement behavior occurs when a cognitively impaired resident attempts to leave the facility, often acting on beliefs from their past (such as needing to go to work). This is a serious safety concern that must be reported.

Question 4

What is 'sundowning' in residents with dementia?

Accepted Answer

Increased confusion, agitation, or behavioral changes that occur in the late afternoon or evening

Answer

Sundowning refers to increased confusion, restlessness, agitation, or wandering that occurs in the late afternoon or evening in people with dementia. Structured routines and calm environments can help manage it.

Question 5

When orienting a resident with mild dementia, which approach is most therapeutic?

Accepted Answer

Using reality orientation gently by providing time, place, and person cues in a non-confrontational way

Answer

Gentle reality orientation involves providing calm, factual cues about time, place, and person. It should be non-confrontational and supportive — not argumentative. The goal is to reduce confusion without causing distress.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Care for Residents with Cognitive Impairment