RCFE - Residential Care Facility for the Elderly Resident Assessment and Care Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to California Title 22 regulations, a pre-admission appraisal for a potential RCFE resident must include an evaluation of their functional capabilities, mental condition, and which other key area?
- Financial stability
- Family and social support network
- Social factors (Correct answer)
- Dietary preferences
Correct answer: Social factors
California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Section 87457 mandates that a pre-admission appraisal must document an evaluation of the prospective resident's functional capabilities, mental condition, and social factors to determine their suitability for the facility.
Question 2: A new resident, Mr. Smith, moves into an RCFE. He has a history of falls. During the initial assessment, the administrator notes he has difficulty getting out of his chair and walking to the bathroom. What is the MOST critical immediate action for the facility to take?
- Contact his family to ask about his normal routine.
- Document the observation in his file for the next scheduled care plan review.
- Recommend he use a wheelchair at all times.
- Incorporate specific interventions for fall risk into his individual Needs and Services Plan. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Incorporate specific interventions for fall risk into his individual Needs and Services Plan.
Upon identifying a specific need or risk, such as difficulty with transferring and ambulation, the facility must immediately develop and implement an individualized Needs and Services Plan that addresses the issue. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring resident safety and providing appropriate care from the moment of admission.
Question 3: A resident's reappraisal must be conducted at least every 12 months, or when which of the following occurs?
- The resident requests a room change.
- A new staff member is assigned to their care.
- There is a significant change in their physical or mental condition. (Correct answer)
- The facility updates its activities calendar.
Correct answer: There is a significant change in their physical or mental condition.
Title 22 requires that a resident's appraisal be updated at least annually and, crucially, whenever there is a significant change in the resident's physical, mental, or social condition to ensure their needs continue to be met by the facility.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of a 'functional capability' that must be assessed in a resident according to Title 22?
- Ability to manage personal finances.
- Willingness to participate in group activities.
- The need for assistance with dressing and grooming. (Correct answer)
- Knowledge of current events.
Correct answer: The need for assistance with dressing and grooming.
Title 22, Section 87459, explicitly lists the assessment of a person's ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as a key part of evaluating functional capabilities. This includes activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, and eating.
Question 5: A resident develops a new, persistent cough and shows signs of confusion. The RCFE staff has observed these changes over the past 48 hours. What is the required next step regarding the resident's care plan and assessment?
- Wait one week to see if the symptoms resolve on their own.
- Initiate a reappraisal to document the change in condition and notify the resident's physician. (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident's family if this has happened before.
- Administer over-the-counter cough medicine immediately.
Correct answer: Initiate a reappraisal to document the change in condition and notify the resident's physician.
A new cough and confusion constitute a significant change in a resident's physical and mental condition. Regulations require the facility to perform a reappraisal to assess the new needs and report the change to the resident's physician to determine if the facility can continue to meet those needs.
Question 6: When assisting a resident with self-administration of medication, which of the following actions by a staff member is permitted under RCFE regulations?
- Crushing a pill and mixing it into applesauce without the resident's knowledge.
- Administering an injection if the resident is unable to do it themselves.
- Reminding the resident to take their prescribed medication and handing them the container. (Correct answer)
- Deciding to withhold a PRN (as-needed) medication against the resident's request.
Correct answer: Reminding the resident to take their prescribed medication and handing them the container.
RCFE staff may assist residents with the self-administration of medications, which includes actions like reminding them, opening containers, and bringing them the medication. Staff are prohibited from administering injections (unless they are a licensed professional) and from infringing on a resident's right to refuse medication or camouflaging medication without consent.
