Mixed Deck — All Senior Care Topics Flashcards
100 cards from real Senior Care practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Mixed Deck — All Senior Care Topics flashcards as text
A caregiver consistently uses 'sweetie' and 'honey' when addressing residents. This practice is:
Answer: Considered elderspeak and may undermine resident dignity
Using pet names without consent is a form of elderspeak that can feel patronizing and reduce the resident's sense of respect and identity.
What is 'sundowning' in a resident with dementia?
Answer: Increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness in the late afternoon and evening
Sundowning refers to increased behavioral symptoms of dementia that worsen in late afternoon and evening, possibly linked to circadian disruption.
Nocturia (frequent nighttime urination) increases fall risk in seniors because:
Answer: It forces residents to navigate to the bathroom when drowsy, in low light, and with reduced muscle readiness
Nighttime trips to the bathroom combine drowsiness, dim lighting, and reduced neuromuscular coordination, creating ideal conditions for a fall.
What does PRN mean on a medication order?
Answer: Administer as needed
PRN is a Latin abbreviation for 'pro re nata,' meaning the medication is given as needed based on specific criteria.
Personal space in American culture during a caregiver-resident interaction is generally considered to be:
Answer: 18 inches to 4 feet
The personal space zone in U.S. culture is typically 18 inches to 4 feet, which balances closeness with comfort during care interactions.
Why is fiber intake particularly important for older adults?
Answer: It promotes healthy bowel movements and reduces constipation risk
Dietary fiber adds bulk to stool and promotes intestinal motility, helping prevent constipation, which is common in seniors.
A resident tells a caregiver that their family member is taking their personal money. What should the caregiver do?
Answer: Report the disclosure immediately to the charge nurse and document it as a potential financial abuse case
Financial exploitation is a form of elder abuse and must be reported to the nurse and appropriate authorities through proper channels.
Which assessment tool is commonly used to screen for cognitive impairment in seniors?
Answer: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
The MMSE tests orientation, memory, attention, and language and is widely used to screen for and track cognitive impairment.
Which device is most appropriate to assist a resident who has difficulty gripping utensils during meals?
Answer: Built-up handle utensils
Built-up handle utensils have wider, cushioned grips that compensate for reduced hand strength or dexterity.
Which statement best defines elder abuse?
Answer: Intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted person that cause harm or serious risk to a vulnerable adult
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect-based acts that harm or endanger a vulnerable older adult.
Which statement about touch in senior care is MOST accurate?
Answer: Caregivers should ask permission before touching residents outside of care tasks
Asking permission before non-care-related touch respects the resident's autonomy and personal boundaries.
What is the role of the registered dietitian (RD) in senior care?
Answer: To assess nutritional needs, develop therapeutic diet plans, and monitor nutritional status
The registered dietitian conducts nutritional assessments and develops individualized dietary plans to meet each resident's clinical needs.
Which dementia stage is characterized by the resident requiring total care for all ADLs and losing the ability to speak?
Answer: Late (severe) stage
In the late stage of dementia, individuals lose the ability to communicate verbally and require complete assistance with all activities.
Which vitamin deficiency is commonly associated with increased fall risk and bone fragility in seniors?
Answer: Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency weakens muscles and reduces bone density, both of which contribute to falls and fractures in older adults.
What is the correct way to respond if a resident begins to fall while you are assisting them?
Answer: Lower the resident safely to the floor, protecting their head
Guiding the resident to the floor in a controlled manner prevents injury from an uncontrolled fall.
Which medical condition significantly increases an older adult's fall risk?
Answer: Orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drop upon standing)
Orthostatic hypotension causes dizziness and lightheadedness when standing, a leading cause of falls in seniors.
What is reminiscence therapy in senior care?
Answer: An activity that uses long-term memories, photos, and familiar objects to engage and comfort residents with dementia
Reminiscence therapy leverages preserved long-term memories to provide meaningful engagement and emotional comfort in dementia care.
What is the primary purpose of using a gait belt when assisting a resident with walking?
Answer: To provide a secure grip for transfer assistance and fall prevention
A gait belt gives the caregiver a firm hold on the resident during ambulation, reducing the risk of falls.
Which government program provides nutrition assistance to low-income seniors in the US?
Answer: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP provides monthly food benefits to eligible low-income individuals including seniors to help purchase nutritious food.
Which medication class is commonly used for behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease but carries a black box warning for increased mortality in older adults?
Answer: Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, quetiapine)
Antipsychotics carry an FDA black box warning for increased risk of death when used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.