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 statements about mental illness in the elderly is accurate?
Answer: Mental health conditions in the elderly are often underdiagnosed and undertreated
Mental health conditions in the elderly are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated due to stigma, atypical presentations, and misattribution to normal aging.
A resident with a history of bipolar disorder is becoming unusually talkative, elated, and not sleeping. Which phase of bipolar disorder might this indicate?
Answer: Manic or hypomanic episode
Elevated mood, increased talkativeness, decreased need for sleep, and elevated energy are hallmark features of a manic or hypomanic episode in bipolar disorder.
What is the most appropriate way for a caregiver to respond if a resident uses racial or ethnic slurs?
Answer: Calmly set a limit on the language used and report the incident to a supervisor
Calmly setting a limit on inappropriate language and reporting to a supervisor addresses the behavior professionally and protects both staff and other residents.
Which of the following is a risk factor for suicide in elderly men?
Answer: Living alone, recent loss of a spouse, and chronic pain
Social isolation, recent bereavement, and chronic pain are significant risk factors for suicide in elderly men, who have the highest suicide completion rate of any demographic.
A caregiver enters a room and finds a resident quietly crying. What is the most appropriate first response?
Answer: Sit with the resident, acknowledge their distress, and ask if they would like to talk
Sitting with the resident and acknowledging their distress before asking if they want to talk demonstrates empathy and establishes a supportive therapeutic presence.
What does 'least restrictive environment' mean in the context of caring for residents with mental health needs?
Answer: Care should be provided in the setting and manner that allows the greatest possible freedom and independence while ensuring safety
Least restrictive environment means providing care that allows the greatest freedom and independence while maintaining safety, avoiding unnecessary restrictions.
A caregiver notices that a resident who was previously talkative has become withdrawn and is refusing meals. What is the most important action?
Answer: Document the observed changes and report them to the nurse as a potential mental health concern
Documenting behavioral changes and reporting to the nurse is the priority as these changes may indicate depression, a medical problem, or other significant concerns requiring assessment.
Which of the following is an example of a healthy coping strategy that a caregiver can encourage for a resident experiencing mild anxiety?
Answer: Help the resident identify and practice deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation
Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation are evidence-based, non-pharmacological strategies that effectively reduce physiological anxiety symptoms.