ACC Activities of Daily Living 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An Alzheimer's patient resists taking a bath. What is the most effective first approach?
- Force the patient into the bath immediately
- Explain the bath is doctor's orders
- Offer a choice between a bath or a sponge bath (Correct answer)
- Skip bathing that day without attempting alternatives
Correct answer: Offer a choice between a bath or a sponge bath
Offering choices preserves dignity and reduces resistance by giving the person with Alzheimer's a sense of control.
Question 2: Which technique best supports dressing independence in a person with moderate Alzheimer's?
- Lay out all clothing items and let them dress fully alone
- Dress the person completely to save time
- Lay out one item at a time and give simple, step-by-step cues (Correct answer)
- Choose clothing based on caregiver preference only
Correct answer: Lay out one item at a time and give simple, step-by-step cues
Presenting one garment at a time with simple verbal cues reduces cognitive overload and supports remaining independence.
Question 3: A caregiver notices a person with Alzheimer's is pocketing food instead of swallowing during meals. This behavior most likely indicates:
- The person dislikes the food
- A swallowing difficulty that requires evaluation (Correct answer)
- A deliberate attempt to save food for later
- A sign that the portion size is too large
Correct answer: A swallowing difficulty that requires evaluation
Pocketing food is a common sign of dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) and should be reported to a healthcare provider.
Question 4: To promote safe toileting for a person with Alzheimer's who has frequent accidents, a caregiver should:
- Restrict fluid intake to reduce accidents
- Use incontinence briefs and never attempt toileting schedules
- Establish a regular toileting schedule every 2–3 hours (Correct answer)
- Wait for the person to request bathroom assistance
Correct answer: Establish a regular toileting schedule every 2–3 hours
A scheduled toileting routine every 2–3 hours proactively reduces accidents while respecting the person's dignity.
Question 5: Which environmental modification most directly improves grooming safety for a person with Alzheimer's?
- Removing all mirrors from the bathroom
- Installing grab bars near the sink (Correct answer)
- Keeping grooming supplies locked away
- Using only manual razors to reduce cost
Correct answer: Installing grab bars near the sink
Grab bars near the sink provide stability and prevent falls during grooming activities.
Question 6: When assisting a person with late-stage Alzheimer's with oral care, what is the safest position?
- Lying flat on their back
- Sitting upright at a 90-degree angle (Correct answer)
- Tilted back in a recliner chair
- Standing at the sink independently
Correct answer: Sitting upright at a 90-degree angle
An upright seated position reduces the risk of aspiration during oral care when swallowing reflexes may be compromised.
Question 7: A person with Alzheimer's repeatedly puts on multiple layers of clothing regardless of the temperature. The caregiver should:
- Lock the closet to prevent access to extra clothing
- Redirect with a simple activity and quietly remove excess layers later (Correct answer)
- Argue that they are wearing too much and remove clothes immediately
- Allow unlimited layering to avoid conflict
Correct answer: Redirect with a simple activity and quietly remove excess layers later
Redirection followed by calm assistance respects dignity and avoids power struggles while addressing the safety concern.
ACC Activities of Daily Living 2
An Alzheimer's patient resists taking a bath.
What is the most effective first approach?