Managing Behavioral Symptoms Flashcards
7 cards from real ACC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Managing Behavioral Symptoms flashcards as text
Which communication strategy is MOST helpful when a person with Alzheimer's is experiencing paranoia?
Answer: Using a calm tone and avoiding arguing about reality
A calm, non-confrontational tone reduces anxiety and avoids escalating paranoid episodes, as arguing rarely resolves delusional thinking.
The goal of validation therapy in dementia care is to:
Answer: Acknowledge and respect the person's feelings and reality
Validation therapy acknowledges the person's emotional reality and feelings rather than correcting factual errors, reducing distress.
A person with Alzheimer's frequently removes their clothing in common areas. The MOST appropriate initial response is to:
Answer: Assess for physical discomfort such as heat, pain, or ill-fitting clothing
Inappropriate undressing often has a physical trigger such as discomfort, overheating, or poorly fitting garments that should be assessed first.
Which activity is MOST likely to reduce agitation in a person with late-stage Alzheimer's disease?
Answer: Gentle sensory stimulation such as hand massage or soft music
In late-stage Alzheimer's, sensory-based activities like gentle touch or familiar music provide comfort without requiring cognitive engagement.
Which statement about using antipsychotic medications for behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's is ACCURATE?
Answer: They carry a black-box warning for increased mortality in elderly dementia patients
Antipsychotics carry an FDA black-box warning for increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia and should be used only when non-pharmacological approaches fail.
A person with Alzheimer's becomes upset when their daily routine is disrupted. The BEST strategy is to:
Answer: Minimize routine disruptions and provide advance, simple notice when changes occur
Consistent routines reduce anxiety in Alzheimer's; when changes are unavoidable, simple, calm advance notice helps ease the transition.
Rummaging and hoarding behaviors in Alzheimer's are BEST managed by:
Answer: Providing a designated safe area with meaningful objects for sorting
Providing a safe, designated rummaging area channels the behavior constructively, reducing risk while honoring the person's need to explore.