Dementia Care Techniques: Safety Quiz & Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are 10 actions that a nursing assistant can take when helping care for a resident who is confused?

Do not leave the resident alone 2. Stay calm. Provide a quiet environment 3. Speak in a low tone of voice. Speak clearly/slowly 4. Introduce yourself each time you see the resident 5. Remind resident of his location, name and the date 6. Explain what you are doing, using simple words 7. Be patient. Do not rush the resident 8. Talk to the resident about the plans for the day. Keep a routine 9. Promote self-care and independence 10. Report observations to the nurse.

Name 4 possible causes of delirium.

Infections 2. Disease 3. Fluid imbalances 4. Poor nutrition

Dementia is the loss of mental abilities such as thinking, remembering, reasoning, and communicating.

True

Dementia is something that happens as every person gets older.

False Signup and view all the answers

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly.

True Signup and view all the answers

Men are more likely to have Alzheimer's disease than women.

False Signup and view all the answers

Alzheimer's disease causes tangled nerve fibers and protein deposits to form in the brain, eventually causing dementia.

True Signup and view all the answers

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.

True Signup and view all the answers

There is one simple exam that is performed to diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

True Signup and view all the answers

Each person with Alzheimer's disease will show different signs at different times.

True Signup and view all the answers

Most Alzheimer's disease victims will eventually need constant care.

True Signup and view all the answers

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease typically appear suddenly.

False Signup and view all the answers

When communicating with a resident with Alzheimer's disease, the nursing assistant should?

Speak slowly, using a lower tone of voice than normal. Signup and view all the answers

If a resident is frightened or anxious, which of the following should the nursing assistant do?

Check his body language so he does not appear tense or hurried. Signup and view all the answers

If a resident perseverates, this means he is?

Repeating words, phrases, questions, or actions. Signup and view all the answers

If a resident does not remember how to perform basic tasks, the nursing assistant should?

Encourage the resident to do what he can. Signup and view all the answers

Use nonslip mats, tub seats, and hand holds to ensure safety during bathing.

True Signup and view all the answers

Always bathe the resident at the same time every day, even if she is agitated.

False Signup and view all the answers

Break tasks down into simple steps, explaining one step at a time.

True Signup and view all the answers

Do not attempt to groom the resident; most people with Alzheimer's disease do not care about their appearance.

False Signup and view all the answers

Choose clothes that are simple to put on.

True Signup and view all the answers

If the resident is incontinent, do not give him fluids, as this will make the problem worse.

False Signup and view all the answers

Mark the bathroom with a sign or picture as a reminder of when to use it and where it is.

True Signup and view all the answers

Check the skin regularly for signs of irritation.

True Signup and view all the answers

Follow standard precautions when caring for the resident.

True Signup and view all the answers

Do not encourage exercise, as this will make the resident more agitated.

False Signup and view all the answers

Serve finger foods if the resident tends to wander during meals.

False Signup and view all the answers

Schedule meals at the same time every day.

True Signup and view all the answers

Serve new kinds of foods as often as possible to stimulate the resident.

False Signup and view all the answers

Put only one kind of food on the plate at a time.

True Signup and view all the answers

Use plain white dishes for serving food to residents.

True Signup and view all the answers

Do not encourage independence, as this can lead to aggressive behavior.

False Signup and view all the answers

Reward positive behavior with smiles and warm touches.

True Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Donne gets upset at about 9:00 every night. She repeatedly asks for snacks or drinks and refuses to go to bed. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

The resident is displaying Sundowning. One way to deal with it is to recognize when sundowning occurs; a calming activity can be done just before. Signup and view all the answers

Mr. Noble is playing chess with a friend and becomes angry when he loses. He shoves his friend, and when the NA approaches them, he tells her he is going to hit her. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

The resident is displaying violent behavior. The NA should call for help if needed or try to remove the triggers. Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Martin gets very upset every time she sees the president on television. She yells at the screen and tells everyone how poor a state our country is in. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

The resident is displaying agitation. One way to deal with it is to try to remove triggers, keep a routine, and avoid frustration. Redirecting attention to something else can help. Signup and view all the answers

Ms. Desmond used to enjoy talking to people and reading, but lately she does not seem to enjoy anything. She sleeps most of the day and never talks to anyone unless she is asked to. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

The resident is displaying depression. One way to deal with it is to listen to the resident if she wants to share her feelings or talk about her mood. Signup and view all the answers

Whenever Mr. Fejer does not like what is being served for dinner, he bangs on the table with his fists and shouts about how much he hates his food. When people try to get him to stop, he only grows louder. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

The resident is displaying disruptiveness. One way to deal with it is to gently direct the resident to a private area. Signup and view all the answers

Ms. Storey is walking around the facility asking everyone she meets what time it is. Even though she has been told several times, she still seems unsatisfied and keeps asking the question. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

The resident is displaying perseveration or repetitive phrasing. One way to deal with it is to be patient and try not to silence or stop the resident. Signup and view all the answers

About an hour before dinner every night, Ms. Foley starts walking up and down the halls as quickly as she can. She does not speak to or acknowledge anyone else while she is doing this. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

The resident is displaying pacing. One way to deal with it is to let the resident pace and wander in a safe and secure (locked) area. Staff should keep an eye on him. Signup and view all the answers

Whenever a female resident comes into the television room, Mr. Radcliffe tells her that he loves her and starts removing his clothes. If she stays in the room long enough, he will ask her to take off her clothes too. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

The resident is displaying inappropriate sexual behavior. One way to deal with it is to stay calm and get the Charge Nurse. Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Rowling loves the color red. She has a lot of red clothing that she enjoys wearing. Whenever she sees a piece of red clothing, even in another resident's room, she picks it up and takes it back to her room. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

The resident is displaying rummaging/hoarding. One way to deal with it is to label all personal belongings with the resident's name and room number. That way there is no confusion about what belongs to whom. Signup and view all the answers

Mr. Bullis tells his NA that his wife has just called him. She is coming to pick him up, and they are going to dinner at the place they went on their first date. The NA knows his wife has been dead for several years and their favorite restaurant has long since closed down. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

The resident is displaying hallucinations or delusions. One way to deal with it is to not argue with the resident who is imagining things. She should acknowledge his hallucinations but redirect his thoughts elsewhere. Signup and view all the answers

Ms. Lee misses her husband, who has been dead for 10 years, very much. Keisha, an NA, who works with her, always asks about her life with her husband and what it was like. Ms. Lee seems to enjoy telling Keisha stories about what they did when they were young and how happy she was when they were together. What type of therapy is being used?

Reminiscence Therapy. Signup and view all the answers

Mr. Elking tells Keisha that he has a date with Rose, the pretty girl who lives across the street. He is going to take her dancing and out to a movie. Keisha knows that Rose lived in his neighborhood when he was a teenager and that he has not seen her for years. Keisha knows that Mr. Elking rarely gets out of bed. Instead of correcting him, Keisha asks him what kind of movie they are going to see and what he thinks he should wear. What type of therapy is being used?

Validating Therapy. Signup and view all the answers

Mr. Tennant sometimes gets depressed, especially in the evenings. Keisha knows that he loves classical music, so she starts playing it for him in the evenings a little before he usually starts feeling sad. He sorts through albums and places them in stacks. What type of therapy is being used?

Activity Therapy (music therapy). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Confusion and Care Techniques

Do not leave confused residents alone; provide consistent supervision.
Maintain a calm demeanor and create a quiet, soothing environment.
Use a low tone, speaking clearly and slowly to aid understanding.
Introduce yourself each time you interact with the resident to establish familiarity.
Regularly remind residents of their surroundings, name, and current date.
Clearly explain tasks using simple language to enhance comprehension.
Exercise patience and avoid rushing, allowing residents time to process information.
Discuss daily plans to maintain routines, which help reduce confusion.
Encourage self-care to promote feelings of independence and self-worth.
Report any unusual observations to nursing staff for appropriate interventions.

Causes of Delirium

Common causes include infections, underlying diseases, fluid imbalances, and poor nutrition.

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

Dementia results in the loss of mental abilities: thinking, remembering, reasoning, and communication.
It is not a natural part of aging, contradicting the belief that it occurs universally with age.
Alzheimer's Disease is the leading cause of dementia among the elderly population.
Women are at a higher risk than men for developing Alzheimer's Disease.
The disease leads to the formation of tangled nerve fibers and protein deposits in the brain.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease; symptoms can often be diagnosed only post-mortem through autopsy.
Individual experiences with Alzheimer's vary; different patients exhibit unique symptoms and behaviors at different stages.
Most individuals with Alzheimer's will eventually require constant care due to the progression of the disease.

Communication Strategies and Supporting Residents

Speak slowly and use a lower tone when interacting with residents who have Alzheimer's.
Be sensitive to residents' body language and ensure a non-threatening approach when they seem anxious.
If a resident perseverates, respond with patience and avoid interrupting their repetitive behavior.
Encourage residents to perform tasks independently when possible, supporting their abilities rather than doing everything for them.

Safety and Routine Practices

Utilize nonslip mats and supportive bathing aids to enhance safety for residents during activities like bathing.
Avoid forcing routines (e.g., bathing at the same time despite agitation) that may exacerbate distress; instead, adapt to their needs.
Break tasks into manageable steps and explain each part sequentially to sustain engagement and understanding.
Encourage grooming and appearance maintenance, as these aspects contribute positively to self-esteem.
Maintain a structured schedule for meals and other activities to provide stability and reduce confusion.

Dealing with Behavioral Challenges

Respond appropriately to symptoms like sundowning by engaging residents in calming activities prior to the time of day they become distressed.
Address aggression or violent behavior by seeking help and identifying triggers to de-escalate the situation.
Manage agitation by removing potential triggers, enforcing routines, and redirecting the resident's attention.
If a resident displays depression, offer a supportive ear and encourage them to express their feelings as a therapeutic outlet.
Handle disruptive behaviors by gently guiding the resident away from public areas to help minimize disturbances.
For frequent questions or repetitive inquiries, practice patience and provide reassurance without frustration.

Recognizing and Addressing Complex Behavioral Symptoms

Address inappropriate sexual behavior calmly while ensuring safety and alerting necessary personnel like the Charge Nurse.
Label personal belongings to prevent confusion over property and reduce rummaging or hoarding tendencies.
Acknowledge residents' hallucinations or delusions without confrontation, redirecting their illusions gently to maintain comfort.
Apply reminiscence therapy to help engage residents in recalling positive past experiences, fostering emotional connections and enjoyment.
Utilize validating therapy by engaging residents in discussions about their memories, enhancing their well-being through active participation.
Support residents’ emotional health through activity therapy, such as music therapy, tailored to their preferences to promote positive moods.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

This quiz covers essential techniques for caring for residents with confusion, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. Participants will learn to provide effective support and recognize the common causes of delirium. Enhance your understanding of these critical topics in a healthcare setting.

Dementia and Care Techniques Overview

Questions and Answers

What are 10 actions that a nursing assistant can take when helping care for a resident who is confused?

Name 4 possible causes of delirium.

Dementia is the loss of mental abilities such as thinking, remembering, reasoning, and communicating.

Dementia is something that happens as every person gets older.

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly.

Men are more likely to have Alzheimer's disease than women.

Alzheimer's disease causes tangled nerve fibers and protein deposits to form in the brain, eventually causing dementia.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.

There is one simple exam that is performed to diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

Each person with Alzheimer's disease will show different signs at different times.

Most Alzheimer's disease victims will eventually need constant care.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease typically appear suddenly.

When communicating with a resident with Alzheimer's disease, the nursing assistant should?

If a resident is frightened or anxious, which of the following should the nursing assistant do?

If a resident perseverates, this means he is?

If a resident does not remember how to perform basic tasks, the nursing assistant should?

Use nonslip mats, tub seats, and hand holds to ensure safety during bathing.

Always bathe the resident at the same time every day, even if she is agitated.

Break tasks down into simple steps, explaining one step at a time.

Do not attempt to groom the resident; most people with Alzheimer's disease do not care about their appearance.

Choose clothes that are simple to put on.

If the resident is incontinent, do not give him fluids, as this will make the problem worse.

Mark the bathroom with a sign or picture as a reminder of when to use it and where it is.

Check the skin regularly for signs of irritation.

Follow standard precautions when caring for the resident.

Do not encourage exercise, as this will make the resident more agitated.

Serve finger foods if the resident tends to wander during meals.

Schedule meals at the same time every day.

Serve new kinds of foods as often as possible to stimulate the resident.

Put only one kind of food on the plate at a time.

Use plain white dishes for serving food to residents.

Do not encourage independence, as this can lead to aggressive behavior.

Reward positive behavior with smiles and warm touches.

Mrs. Donne gets upset at about 9:00 every night. She repeatedly asks for snacks or drinks and refuses to go to bed. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

Mr. Noble is playing chess with a friend and becomes angry when he loses. He shoves his friend, and when the NA approaches them, he tells her he is going to hit her. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

Mrs. Martin gets very upset every time she sees the president on television. She yells at the screen and tells everyone how poor a state our country is in. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

Ms. Desmond used to enjoy talking to people and reading, but lately she does not seem to enjoy anything. She sleeps most of the day and never talks to anyone unless she is asked to. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

Whenever Mr. Fejer does not like what is being served for dinner, he bangs on the table with his fists and shouts about how much he hates his food. When people try to get him to stop, he only grows louder. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

Ms. Storey is walking around the facility asking everyone she meets what time it is. Even though she has been told several times, she still seems unsatisfied and keeps asking the question. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

About an hour before dinner every night, Ms. Foley starts walking up and down the halls as quickly as she can. She does not speak to or acknowledge anyone else while she is doing this. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

Whenever a female resident comes into the television room, Mr. Radcliffe tells her that he loves her and starts removing his clothes. If she stays in the room long enough, he will ask her to take off her clothes too. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

Mrs. Rowling loves the color red. She has a lot of red clothing that she enjoys wearing. Whenever she sees a piece of red clothing, even in another resident's room, she picks it up and takes it back to her room. What AD behavior is this? How would an NA deal with it?

Mr. Tennant sometimes gets depressed, especially in the evenings. Keisha knows that he loves classical music, so she starts playing it for him in the evenings a little before he usually starts feeling sad. He sorts through albums and places them in stacks. What type of therapy is being used?

Study Notes

Confusion and Care Techniques

Causes of Delirium

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

Communication Strategies and Supporting Residents

Safety and Routine Practices

Dealing with Behavioral Challenges

Recognizing and Addressing Complex Behavioral Symptoms

Studying That Suits You

Description

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