Mental Health & Emotional Support Flashcards
7 cards from real PCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Mental Health & Emotional Support flashcards as text
A client with schizophrenia tells the PCA that people are following them. The BEST response is:
Answer: Acknowledge their fear without reinforcing the delusion
Acknowledging the client's emotional distress without confirming or arguing against the delusion is the safest therapeutic approach.
Which behavior would a PCA MOST likely observe in a client during a manic phase of bipolar disorder?
Answer: Elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior
Manic episodes are characterized by elevated or irritable mood, reduced sleep, increased energy, and poor impulse control.
'Sundowning' in clients with dementia refers to:
Answer: Increased confusion and agitation that worsens in late afternoon or evening
Sundowning describes a pattern in dementia where confusion, agitation, and behavioral symptoms intensify later in the day.
A client with OCD insists on repeating rituals that take up significant time each day. The PCA should:
Answer: Allow the rituals while ensuring safety and reporting any escalation
Forcing clients to stop rituals can cause severe distress — PCAs should allow them safely and report significant changes to the supervisor.
Which is a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in clients?
Answer: Excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday matters
GAD is defined by persistent, difficult-to-control worry about a wide range of everyday topics lasting at least six months.
A client with depression refuses to eat meals or participate in activities. The PCA should:
Answer: Gently encourage participation, offer choices, and report to a supervisor
Gentle encouragement, offering small choices, and proper reporting support the client's dignity while keeping the care team informed.
Which of the following BEST describes trauma-informed care as it applies to PCA work?
Answer: Assuming all clients have experienced trauma and providing care that avoids retraumatization
Trauma-informed care assumes trauma may be present and prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment in all interactions regardless of disclosure.