Mental Health and Behavioral Support Flashcards
8 cards from real CAREGIVER practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 8 Mental Health and Behavioral Support flashcards as text
Which of the following behaviors might indicate that an elderly resident is experiencing delirium rather than dementia?
Answer: Sudden onset confusion with fluctuating levels of consciousness over hours to days
Delirium is characterized by sudden onset, fluctuating confusion, and altered level of consciousness, in contrast to dementia which develops gradually.
A resident with anxiety is hyperventilating and showing signs of a panic attack. What should the caregiver do?
Answer: Stay with the resident, speak calmly, and encourage slow, controlled breathing
Staying with the resident, speaking calmly, and guiding slow breathing provides reassurance and helps interrupt the physiological panic response.
What does the acronym SLUMS stand for in mental health assessment?
Answer: Saint Louis University Mental Status examination
SLUMS stands for Saint Louis University Mental Status examination, a cognitive screening tool used to detect mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
A resident refuses to participate in any group activities and states, 'No one wants me here anyway.' Which response from the caregiver is most therapeutic?
Answer: Sit with the resident, listen, and explore their feelings further with open-ended questions
Sitting with the resident and exploring their feelings with open-ended questions uses therapeutic communication and addresses the potential isolation or depression underlying the statement.
Which of the following is a potential side effect of antipsychotic medications that caregivers should monitor for in elderly residents?
Answer: Tardive dyskinesia (repetitive involuntary movements)
Tardive dyskinesia is a serious potential side effect of antipsychotic medications characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, particularly of the face and extremities.
What is the goal of structured activities for residents experiencing agitation or restlessness?
Answer: To address unmet needs for stimulation, purpose, and social connection through engagement
Structured activities address underlying unmet needs that drive agitation, including the need for stimulation, purpose, social connection, and meaningful occupation.
A resident with a history of depression starts refusing to get out of bed each day. What is the most appropriate caregiver response?
Answer: Document the behavior change, report to the nurse, and provide gentle encouragement
Documenting the behavioral change, reporting to the nurse, and offering gentle encouragement is the appropriate, person-centered response that balances autonomy with clinical concern.
What is the primary purpose of a behavior care plan for a resident with challenging behaviors?
Answer: To identify triggers, effective interventions, and consistent strategies tailored to the individual resident
A behavior care plan identifies individual triggers, effective interventions, and consistent strategies so all staff respond to the resident in a therapeutic and consistent manner.