Mental Health and Social Service Needs Flashcards
7 cards from real STNA 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 and Social Service Needs flashcards as text
A resident frequently talks about feeling worthless and hopeless. Which action should the nursing assistant take first?
Answer: Report the statements to the nurse immediately
Statements indicating worthlessness and hopelessness may signal depression or suicidal ideation and must be reported to the nurse immediately for proper assessment.
Which behavior is a common sign of depression in an elderly resident?
Answer: Withdrawal from activities and social interaction
Withdrawal from activities and social interaction is a hallmark sign of depression, particularly in elderly residents.
A resident with dementia becomes agitated during evening hours. This behavior pattern is known as:
Answer: Sundowning
Sundowning refers to increased confusion, agitation, and behavioral changes that occur in late afternoon or evening in residents with dementia.
When communicating with a resident who has severe anxiety, the nursing assistant should:
Answer: Remain calm and use a slow, reassuring tone
A calm, slow, and reassuring tone helps reduce anxiety by providing the resident with a sense of safety and stability.
A resident refuses to eat, bathe, or participate in any activities for several days. The nursing assistant should:
Answer: Report the behavior change to the nurse
A sudden change in behavior such as refusing care and activities may indicate a mental health issue and must be reported to the nurse for evaluation.
Which approach is most effective when caring for a resident experiencing a panic attack?
Answer: Stay with the resident, speak calmly, and encourage slow breathing
Staying with the resident, speaking calmly, and guiding slow breathing helps reduce the intensity of a panic attack by providing reassurance and regulation techniques.
A resident with schizophrenia tells the nursing assistant that the television is sending them secret messages. The nursing assistant should:
Answer: Acknowledge the resident's feelings without reinforcing the delusion
Acknowledging feelings without agreeing or arguing respects the resident and avoids reinforcing the delusion while maintaining a therapeutic relationship.