Care for Cognitive and Sensory Impairments Flashcards

When communicating with a patient who has a hearing impairment, the PCT should:

Answer: Face the patient and speak clearly

To facilitate effective communication with a hearing-impaired patient, the caregiver should face the patient directly, speak clearly and slowly, and ensure their mouth is visible. Shouting can distort sounds and make lip-reading more difficult. It's also important to reduce background noise.

A patient with dementia becomes agitated during mealtime. What is the best initial action for the PCT to take?

Answer: Move the patient to a quiet, less distracting area

Agitation in patients with dementia can be caused by overstimulation. Creating a calm, quiet environment by reducing noise and distractions can help soothe the patient and encourage them to eat. Offering one food item at a time can also reduce confusion.

To ensure the safety of a patient with visual impairment, the PCT should:

Answer: Keep pathways clear and orient the patient to the room

For a visually impaired patient, a predictable and clutter-free environment is essential for safety. The PCT should keep pathways clear, orient the patient to the room layout, and avoid rearranging furniture without informing the patient. This helps prevent falls and injuries.

A patient with Alzheimer's disease is searching for her husband who died years ago. The most therapeutic response is:

Answer: Ask her, 'Tell me about your husband.'

Validation therapy involves acknowledging the patient's feelings and reality without correcting them, which can cause further distress. Asking about her husband validates her feelings and allows her to share memories, which can be comforting. This approach focuses on the emotion behind the statement, not the factual inaccuracy.

When caring for a patient with expressive aphasia (difficulty speaking), which communication technique is most effective?

Answer: Using a picture board and asking yes/no questions

Patients with expressive aphasia understand language but have trouble forming words and sentences. Using simple, yes/no questions and allowing them ample time to respond can reduce frustration. Picture boards and gestures are also excellent tools to aid communication.

What is the term for the phenomenon where a person with dementia becomes more confused and agitated in the late afternoon and evening?

Answer: Sundowning

Sundowning is a state of increased confusion, anxiety, and agitation that begins in the late afternoon and can extend into the night. The exact cause is unknown but may be related to fatigue, changes in the body's internal clock, and reduced lighting. Maintaining a routine and a calm environment can help manage these symptoms.

When setting up a meal tray for a patient with vision loss, the best way to describe the food placement is to:

Answer: Relate the food positions to the numbers on a clock

Using the clock face method is a standard and effective way to help a visually impaired person locate food on their plate independently. For example, 'The chicken is at 6 o'clock, the potatoes are at 3 o'clock, and the green beans are at 9 o'clock.' This provides a clear and consistent frame of reference.