Mixed Deck — All DSP Topics Flashcards

'Fading supports' in a person-centered plan means:

Answer: Reducing the intensity of assistance as the person builds independence and skills

Fading supports is a planned, gradual reduction in assistance as the individual demonstrates growing capacity and independence in a given area.

Which of the following is an example of financial exploitation of a person receiving services?

Answer: Borrowing money from a person you support without repayment

Borrowing money from individuals you support is a form of financial exploitation and a serious ethical and legal violation regardless of intent.

Which of the following is a key characteristic that distinguishes HCBS settings from institutional settings under CMS's 2014 HCBS Settings Rule?

Answer: HCBS settings must be integrated in and support access to the broader community

The 2014 CMS HCBS Settings Rule requires that waiver settings be integrated in the community and provide access to community life, not isolated or institutional in character.

Which of the following is an example of a environmental hazard a DSP should identify and correct in a group home?

Answer: Loose rugs on hard floors that could cause falls

Loose rugs are a fall hazard and should be secured or removed to maintain a safe living environment for supported individuals.

The 'integration mandate' under the ADA requires that:

Answer: Services be provided in the most integrated setting appropriate to the individual's needs

The ADA's integration mandate, reinforced by the Olmstead decision, requires that individuals with disabilities receive services in community settings rather than unnecessary institutionalization.

A DSP witnesses a colleague verbally belittling an individual they support. The DSP's obligation is to:

Answer: Report the incident through proper channels immediately

DSPs are mandated reporters and have an ethical duty to report observed abuse or mistreatment immediately through proper agency and legal channels.

During a shift transition, the outgoing DSP mentions only the positive events and omits a behavioral incident. What is the risk of this incomplete handoff?

Answer: The incoming DSP may be unprepared to support the client safely

Incomplete shift communication can leave incoming staff unaware of important events, compromising the safety and continuity of care for the client.

After successfully de-escalating a crisis, a DSP should offer the person an opportunity to:

Answer: Process what happened in a calm, supportive conversation when they are ready

Once calm, a supportive conversation helps the person understand their experience and strengthens the plan to prevent future crises.

A guardian disagrees with a goal the person has chosen for themselves. Person-centered principles suggest the DSP should:

Answer: Support the person's right to self-determination while facilitating respectful dialogue between the person and guardian

DSPs advocate for the person's voice while facilitating respectful communication between the individual and their support network, including guardians.

Which of the following is a key difference between an 'incident report' and a 'progress note' in accredited DSP documentation training?

Answer: An incident report documents an unexpected or harmful event; a progress note documents routine support and individual progress

Incident reports are triggered by specific unexpected events (falls, injuries, missing persons), while progress notes are regular records of support activities and goal progress.

When assisting with medication administration, a DSP's responsibilities include all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Adjusting the dosage of a medication if the person supported seems to be feeling better.

Direct Support Professionals are responsible for administering medication exactly as prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. They must not make any changes to the dosage, frequency, or type of medication. Adjusting a dosage is a medical decision that can only be made by a qualified professional like a doctor or nurse practitioner.

Which of the following medications typically requires special handling as a controlled substance?

Answer: Schedule II opioid pain medications

Schedule II opioids are controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and require strict count, documentation, and security procedures.

In DSP ethics, 'least restrictive alternative' means:

Answer: Using the mildest effective intervention before escalating to more restrictive ones

Least restrictive alternative requires trying the mildest effective intervention before moving to more restrictive approaches.

A core component of 'informed consent' is that the individual:

Answer: Voluntarily agrees to a service after understanding its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Informed consent is a process, not just a signature. It has three key elements: knowledge (understanding the relevant facts), comprehension (having the capacity to understand), and voluntariness (making a free choice without coercion). The person must be given enough information to make a reasoned decision.

Which practice best supports the oral health of individuals with disabilities who resist tooth brushing?

Answer: Use a flavorless toothpaste, a soft brush, and a consistent routine with positive reinforcement

Using preferred products, a gentle approach, and consistent positive reinforcement helps build tolerance for oral hygiene routines.

What information should a DSP have readily accessible during any medical emergency involving a supported individual?

Answer: Emergency contacts, current medications, diagnoses, and insurance information

During a medical emergency, first responders need the individual's emergency contacts, current medications, diagnoses, and insurance information to provide proper care.

Which of the following is an example of person-first language?

Answer: The client who has autism needs assistance

Person-first language places the individual before their diagnosis (e.g., 'person who has autism' rather than 'autistic person'), emphasizing their humanity over their condition.

What does the 'B' represent in the ABC model of behavioral analysis?

Answer: Behavior

ABC stands for Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence — the three components used to analyze and understand behavior.

What does the concept of 'least restrictive environment' require of a DSP when supporting an individual with challenging behavior?

Answer: Starting with the least intrusive supports and escalating only when necessary

The least restrictive environment principle requires DSPs to begin with the least intrusive interventions and only increase restrictions when lower-level approaches are insufficient.

The primary goal of Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) is to:

Answer: Improve an individual's quality of life and reduce challenging behaviors by teaching new skills and modifying environments.

Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) is a proactive approach focused on enhancing a person's quality of life, which in turn reduces the likelihood of challenging behaviors. It involves understanding the reason for the behavior and teaching new, more effective skills while also making environmental changes to support positive outcomes.