UNAR Mental Health and Behavioral Support 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with dementia repeatedly asks to go home every few minutes. What is the BEST nursing assistant response?
- Tell her firmly that this IS her home now
- Use therapeutic fibbing and say 'We'll go soon' then redirect her attention (Correct answer)
- Ignore the request until she stops asking
- Lock her room door so she cannot wander
Correct answer: Use therapeutic fibbing and say 'We'll go soon' then redirect her attention
Therapeutic redirection and compassionate responses reduce distress in dementia patients better than confrontation or restraint.
Question 2: Which of the following is a common sign of depression in elderly residents?
- Increased appetite and energy
- Withdrawal from social activities and loss of interest in usual hobbies (Correct answer)
- Excessive talking and laughter
- Improved sleep patterns
Correct answer: Withdrawal from social activities and loss of interest in usual hobbies
Withdrawal, loss of interest, and low energy are hallmark signs of depression that nursing assistants should report.
Question 3: A resident becomes agitated and starts pacing the hallway. What should the nursing assistant do FIRST?
- Physically restrain the resident immediately
- Calmly approach the resident, speak softly, and try to identify the cause (Correct answer)
- Leave the resident alone until they calm down on their own
- Administer a PRN sedative from the medication cart
Correct answer: Calmly approach the resident, speak softly, and try to identify the cause
A calm, non-threatening approach helps de-escalate agitation and allows the nursing assistant to identify triggering causes.
Question 4: What does the term 'sundowning' refer to in residents with dementia?
- Sleeping excessively during daytime hours
- Increased confusion, agitation, or behavioral changes that worsen in the late afternoon or evening (Correct answer)
- A scheduled outdoor activity program at sunset
- Refusing meals in the evening
Correct answer: Increased confusion, agitation, or behavioral changes that worsen in the late afternoon or evening
Sundowning describes the worsening of dementia-related behaviors that typically occurs in the late afternoon and evening.
Question 5: A resident with schizophrenia tells you that the food is poisoned. How should the nursing assistant respond?
- Agree with the resident to avoid conflict
- Argue that the food is safe and list all the ingredients
- Acknowledge the resident's concern calmly and report the statement to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Refuse to serve the resident any more meals
Correct answer: Acknowledge the resident's concern calmly and report the statement to the nurse
Nursing assistants should acknowledge concerns without reinforcing delusions and report unusual statements to the nurse.
Question 6: Which communication technique is MOST helpful when speaking with a resident who has anxiety?
- Speak quickly to get through information before they become upset
- Use a calm, slow voice and simple, clear sentences (Correct answer)
- Avoid eye contact so they do not feel pressured
- Discuss multiple topics at once to keep their mind occupied
Correct answer: Use a calm, slow voice and simple, clear sentences
Calm, slow speech with simple language helps reduce anxiety and improves communication effectiveness.
Question 7: A resident who was previously social suddenly refuses meals and stops leaving their room. The nursing assistant should FIRST:
- Respect the resident's wishes and document nothing
- Force the resident to join group activities immediately
- Report the behavioral change to the nurse as a potential sign of depression or illness (Correct answer)
- Assume the resident is just tired and will improve on their own
Correct answer: Report the behavioral change to the nurse as a potential sign of depression or illness
Sudden withdrawal and refusal to eat are significant behavioral changes that must be reported to the nurse promptly.
UNAR Mental Health and Behavioral Support 2
A resident with dementia repeatedly asks to go home every few minutes.
What is the BEST nursing assistant response?