Signs and Symptoms
2 symptoms of anxiety
What is restlessness
What is increased heart rate, shortness of breath
What is nervousness
Define Therapeutic communication
What is communication that promotes trust & client expression
If a client expresses suicidal thoughts, what is your first action?
What is “Notify nurse immediately and stay with client”
True or False: HCAs can assess vital signs in a mental health check
What is "True"
This condition is commonly associated with excessive worry and fear
What is anxiety disorder
3 symptoms of depression
What is loss of interest, sadness, hopelessness,
sleep changes, poor appetite
What would be a therapeutic response to a dementia patient worried about war.
What is “tell me more about that", "what's worrying you", "it sounds like this is causing you a lot of fear"
Client says "Everyone would be better off without me" HCA's best response
Take statement seriously, stay with client if safe to do so
Immediately report your concerns to supervising nurse
What are calming techniques
What is companionship
What is active listening
Hallucinations and delusions are commonly associated with this disorder
Behavioral change that might suggest worsening mental health
What is withdrawal
What is aggression
What is decreased ADL’s
One active listening skill
What is paraphrasing
What is reflective listeningWhich action helps reduce the risk of escalating an aggressive situation?
Speak calmly
Give the client personal space
Use a non-threatening posture
Name one thing that is not within the HCA scope when caring for a client with mental health challenges
What is making diagnoses
What is prescribing medications
What disorder can involve extreme shifts in mood, episodies of mania (highs) and depression (lows)
What is bipolar disorder
Dementia client suddenly becomes confused and disoriented—what symptom does this suggest
What is delirium
Why is it important to give the client time to respond in conversation
What is “to show respect and understanding”
A client is hiding medication under pillow and asks you not to tell —what should you do?
Remain calm, avoid confrontation.
Do not force client to take medication
Report observation promptly
Follow facility policy for documentation
A dementia client becomes aggressive during bathing, name two safe approaches you could try
What is using a calm approach
What is simplify task
What is allow choices, encourage independence
This disorder develops after exposure to traumatic events
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
3 behavioral signs of Bulimia
Binge eating
Going to bathroom immediately following a meal
Evidence of self induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives
Secretive eating or hiding food
A client says "you are the only one who understands me, don't tell anyone what we talked about" The HCA should respond by maintaining this professional responsibility.
What are professional boundaries (and appropriate confidentiality)
Name one safety concern when caring for a client with severe anxiety
What is hyperventilation, falls, poor concentration, risk of panic
A client with depression is refusing personal care. What is an appropriate HCA response?
What is "be supportive, gently encourage, respect dignity, and report refusal if ongoing"
Eating disorder that involves severe calorie restriction and a very low body weight
What is anorexia nervosa