Forget Me Not!
True of False: Dementia is a normal and expected part of aging.
This is the most common cause of dementia and often begins with memory problems.
Alzheimer's Disease
A patient repeatedly asks when their spouse is coming to visit. What is the best way to respond?
Not providing a patient with enough food, water, hygiene, or necessary medical care is considered this.
Neglect
A patient with dementia repeatedly tries to leave the unit. What should the CNA do first?
Keep the patient safe and find out what they need.
A patient with dementia may have trouble remembering things, making decisions, and completing these types of everyday tasks.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
This type of dementia can develop after a person experiences one or more strokes
A patient becomes confused when given too many instructions. What is a better approach for this patient?
Give one simple instruction at a time.
A caregiver takes money from a patient's wallet without permission. What type of abuse is this?
Financial Abuse
A CNA notices a suspicious injury near the end of their shift. What should the CNA do?
Report it immediately.
Looking at these images can help a patient with dementia remember people and events from their past.
Family Photographs
This type of dementia may cause changes in a person's personality, behavior, or language.
Frontotemporal Dementia
A patient insists they need to leave for work, even though they retired years ago. What should the CNA do?
Acknowledge their feelings and gently redirect them to another activity.
A patient has unexplained bruises on their arms and back. This could be a warning sign of what type of abuse?
Physical Abuse
True of False: If a CNA suspects that a patient is being abused, it is their legal responsibility to report it immediately to their supervisor. Failure to do so could lead to consequences such as fines, disciplinary action, licensure/certification forfeiture, and possibly jailtime.
TRUE
True or False: Patients with dementia may have difficulty following directions or completing tasks that involve several steps.
TRUE
A patient with this type of dementia may experience significant cognitive decline over a year after the initial diagnosis.
Parkinson's Disease Dementia
A patient with dementia has trouble finding the right words. What should the CNA do to make communication easier?
Speak slowly and clearly, use short sentences, and give ample time to respond.
A caregiver repeatedly yells at, threatens, or humiliates a patient. What type of abuse is this?
Emotional, or Psychological Abuse
A CNA suspects that another employee is abusing a patient. Does the CNA need permission from a supervisor before making a required report?
NO!
Patients with late-stage Alzheimer's disease will eventually suffer significant cognitive decline and lose the ability to perform basic functioning necessary for everyday life. They will most likely require this type of nursing care.
24-hour Nursing Care
This type of dementia may cause a patient to see things that are not there, have changes in alertness, and experience Parkinson's-like movement problems.
Lewy Body Dementia
Communication with dementia patients will eventually change as they progress through their condition. List at least three common strategies that could be utilized when communicating with a dementia patient?
Use visual aids and gestures,
Allow ample time for response,
Use active listening skills,
Avoiding arguing or correcting,
Explore alternative communication methods.
True or False: A CNA must have proof that abuse occurred before reporting suspected abuse.
FALSE
(Reasonable suspicion is enough to require reporting)
A CNA notices unexplained bruises and changes in a patient's behavior. What three important actions should the CNA take?
Protect the patient,
Document what was observed.
Report the suspected abuse