Questions and Answers
What is the loss of ability to think logically and clearly called?
cognitive impairment
What does cognitive impairment affect?
concentration and memory
How can nursing assistants help elderly residents with memory loss?
encouraging them to make lists of things to remember
What are 10 actions a nursing assistant can take when helping a resident who is confused?
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Name four possible causes of delirium.
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Dementia is the loss of mental abilities such as thinking, remembering, reasoning, and communicating.
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Dementia is something that happens as every person gets older.
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An irreversible disease can usually be cured with medication and/or surgery.
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Degenerative diseases get continually worse, causing a greater loss of health and abilities.
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Parkinson's disease may cause dementia.
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Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly.
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Men are more likely to have Alzheimer's disease than women.
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Alzheimer's disease is a normal part of aging, and everyone will develop it at some point in their lives.
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Alzheimer's disease causes tangled nerve fibers and protein deposits to form in the brain, eventually causing dementia.
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There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.
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There is a simple exam that is performed to diagnose Alzheimer's disease.
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Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease typically appear suddenly.
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Each person with Alzheimer's disease will show different signs at different times.
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Skills that a person has learned recently are usually kept longer after the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
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Eventually, Alzheimer's disease victims will be dependent on others for care.
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Generally speaking, middle-stage Alzheimer's disease lasts the longest of the three stages.
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Once a resident is in late-stage Alzheimer's disease, the nursing assistant should no longer encourage independence.
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What does a nursing assistant need to do to take care of their energy and health?
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How should the nursing assistant encourage a resident with early-stage Alzheimer's disease to open up?
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What should the nursing assistant do when a resident expresses negativity about their situation?
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What should a nursing assistant do if a resident makes derogatory comments about them?
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What should the nursing assistant do when Mr. Kotter changes his behavior from lively to negative?
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How should the nursing assistant respond to Miss Hayes, who does not recognize her room?
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What should nursing assistant Blake do when Mr. Collins asks, 'Who are you?' repeatedly?
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What should the nursing assistant do when Mr. Collins does not understand a request?
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How should the nursing assistant communicate with a resident with Alzheimer's disease?
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If a resident is frightened or anxious, what should the nursing assistant do?
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If a resident perseverates, this means he is doing what?
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What should the nursing assistant do if a resident does not remember how to perform basic tasks?
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What should the nursing assistant do when a resident repeatedly asks if he can go home?
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Develop a _____________ and stick to it.
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Being _____________ is important for residents who are confused and easily upset.
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Promote ________________ to help residents ____________ with a difficult disease like Alzheimer's disease.
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Take care of yourself, both _____________ and physically.
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Using nonslip mats, timesheets, and handholds during bathing is a good idea.
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Always be the resident at the same time every day even if she is agitated is a bad idea.
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Breaking tasks down into simple steps and explaining one step at a time is a good idea.
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Do not attempt to groom the resident; he most likely does not care about his appearance anyway is a bad idea.
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Choosing clothes that are simple to put on is a good idea.
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If the resident is incontinent, do not give him fluids because it makes the problem worse is a bad idea.
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Marking the bathroom with a sign or picture as a reminder is a good idea.
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Checking the skin regularly for signs of irritation is a good idea.
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Following standard precautions when caring for the resident is a good idea.
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Not encouraging exercise, as this will make the resident more agitated is a bad idea.
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Serving finger foods if the resident tends to wander during meals is a good idea.
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Scheduling meals at the same time every day is a good idea.
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Serving new kinds of foods as often as possible to stimulate the resident is a bad idea.
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Putting only one kind of food on the plate at a time is a good idea.
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Using plain white dishes for serving food is a good idea.
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Not encouraging independence, as this can lead to aggressive behavior is a bad idea.
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Promoting privacy by keeping the resident covered, even if he is unaware of what is happening is a good idea.
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Rewarding positive behavior with smiles and warm touches is a good idea.
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What should you provide to Mrs. Donne, who is upset every night at about 9:00?
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What should the nursing assistant do when Mr. Noble becomes angry after losing a chess game?
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How should you respond to Miss Martin, who gets upset at seeing the president on television?
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What should you do to help Miss Desmond, who seems to have lost interest in everything?
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How can you calm Mr. Henderson when he becomes loud and disruptive?
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What should you do when Miss Story keeps asking the time?
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What should you do about Miss Lourdes, who walks around the facility before dinner?
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How should the nursing assistant handle Mr. Radcliffe's inappropriate behavior?
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What should you do if Miss Lyons picks up clothing that isn't hers?
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How should the nursing assistant respond to Mr. Montoya, who believes his wife is coming to pick him up?
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What type of therapy is used when Miss Lee enjoys recalling stories about her late husband?
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What type of therapy is used when Mr. Elle King engages in memories of dating Nora?
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What type of therapy is Lisa using when she plays classical music for Mr. Tenant?
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Why might it be difficult for families of people who have Alzheimer's disease?
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What two major resources affect the ability of the residents' family to cope with Alzheimer's disease?
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List four resources available to families who have been affected by Alzheimer's disease.
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Study Notes
Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
- Cognitive impairment refers to the loss of ability to think logically and clearly, affecting concentration and memory.
- Nursing assistants can aid elderly residents with memory loss by encouraging the use of lists as memory aids.
Care for Confused Residents
- Actions to assist confused residents include:
- Staying with them and maintaining a calm environment.
- Introducing oneself and explaining actions regularly.
- Encouraging the use of eyeglasses and promoting self-care.
- Speaking in lower tones and ensuring supplies are out of reach.
Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
- Dementia leads to loss of mental abilities like reasoning and communication; it is not a normal part of aging nor universally inevitable.
- Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia; it causes brain changes including tangled nerve fibers.
- There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, and symptoms typically worsen over time.
Individual Symptoms and Stages
- Alzheimer's symptoms vary among individuals and manifest over time, not suddenly.
- Each Alzheimer's patient may show signs at different stages, making unique care plans essential.
- Generally, middle-stage Alzheimer's lasts the longest, and individuals in late-stage still deserve encouragement towards independence.
Communication Strategies
- Nursing assistants should communicate slowly and clearly, using simple words and gestures.
- Persistent questions or confusion should be managed with patience and reassurance, acknowledging and redirecting the resident without arguing.
Balancing Care and Personal Well-being
- Nursing assistants should prioritize self-care; physical and mental health is crucial for effective caregiving.
- Establishing a consistent routine benefits residents who are confused and distressed.
Therapeutic Approaches
- Reminiscence therapy involves engaging residents in conversations about their past, prompting positive emotions.
- Music therapy can alleviate feelings of depression, particularly in evening hours.
Family Dynamics and Support
- Families of Alzheimer’s patients often experience stress and emotional strain due to their loved one's condition.
- Key resources for family support include organizations, books, counseling, and support groups; financial and emotional resources play significant roles in coping.
Safety and Behavior Management
- Safety measures during bathing include using nonslip mats and ensuring reminders for bathroom use.
- Quick actions like serving finger foods can benefit residents who tend to wander during meal times.
Encouraging Positive Interaction
- Reinforce positive behaviors with warmth and attention, while addressing negative behaviors without confrontation.
- Recognize triggers of distress and act to minimize them, providing a calming influence when interactions become challenging.
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Description
Test your knowledge on cognitive impairment, its effects, and ways nursing assistants can support elderly residents dealing with memory loss. This quiz will cover key terms and definitions from Chapter 19 focusing on confusion, dementia, and Alzheimer's care.