CALA Resident Care & Services 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with a DNR order experiences a witnessed cardiac arrest. What should staff do?
- Begin CPR immediately while locating the DNR
- Call 911 and wait for paramedics
- Honor the DNR, provide comfort measures, and notify appropriate parties (Correct answer)
- Contact the family before taking any action
Correct answer: Honor the DNR, provide comfort measures, and notify appropriate parties
A valid DNR order must be honored; staff should provide comfort care and notify the physician and family.
Question 2: Which type of advance directive designates a person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of a resident who lacks decision-making capacity?
- Living will
- Durable power of attorney for health care (Correct answer)
- POLST form
- Do-not-resuscitate order
Correct answer: Durable power of attorney for health care
A durable power of attorney for health care (healthcare proxy) designates a surrogate decision-maker.
Question 3: A resident with Parkinson's disease has an increased fall risk. Which environmental modification is most appropriate?
- Restrict the resident to their room
- Remove grab bars to reduce trip hazards
- Install non-slip flooring and ensure adequate lighting (Correct answer)
- Place the resident in a wheelchair at all times
Correct answer: Install non-slip flooring and ensure adequate lighting
Environmental modifications like non-slip surfaces and proper lighting reduce fall risk while preserving mobility.
Question 4: What is the primary goal of restorative care in an assisted living setting?
- To treat acute medical conditions
- To maintain or improve residents' functional abilities (Correct answer)
- To reduce medication costs
- To prepare residents for discharge to independent living
Correct answer: To maintain or improve residents' functional abilities
Restorative care focuses on helping residents maintain or regain functional abilities to maximize independence.
Question 5: A resident's family member insists on being present during all personal care routines. The resident has not consented to this. What should the administrator do?
- Allow the family member to be present to avoid conflict
- Explain that the resident's privacy rights take precedence and require resident consent (Correct answer)
- Ask the family member to sign a waiver
- Transfer the resident to a different unit
Correct answer: Explain that the resident's privacy rights take precedence and require resident consent
A competent resident's right to privacy during personal care supersedes family preferences without the resident's explicit consent.
Question 6: Which skin condition is most commonly associated with prolonged immobility in residents?
- Cellulitis
- Pressure injuries (pressure ulcers) (Correct answer)
- Psoriasis
- Contact dermatitis
Correct answer: Pressure injuries (pressure ulcers)
Prolonged pressure from immobility restricts blood flow, leading to tissue breakdown and pressure injuries.
Question 7: A resident's care conference is scheduled. Who should ideally participate?
- Administrator and billing staff only
- Resident, family (if desired), and interdisciplinary care team (Correct answer)
- Direct care staff and the attending physician only
- The administrator and the resident's physician
Correct answer: Resident, family (if desired), and interdisciplinary care team
An effective care conference includes the resident, family (with resident consent), and all relevant care team members.
CALA Resident Care & Services 3
A resident with a DNR order experiences a witnessed cardiac arrest.
What should staff do?