CNA Emotional and Mental Health Needs Practice Test with Answers

Question 1

When a resident is acting out or having behavioral disturbances, the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is aware of what action should be taken first?

Accepted Answer

Provide for patient and staff safety. The first thing that should be done by the staff is to ensure the safety of the patient and staff. Then an attempt to find what is triggering or causing the resident's negative behavior is necessary. Asking the family to make arrangements for placement in another facility or to move back home would be a last resort. The resident would not be isolated from other residents at this time. If the resident becomes a threat to himself or others, he may need restraints, but this is not the first action to be taken.

Question 2

Which of the following actions should the CNA take to help calm a client who is experiencing delusions?

Accepted Answer

Do not take offense to the delusion; listen to what the client has to say. Arguing with the client, offering a complex explanation of why it is not true, or switching the focus to another person will not calm the elderly client with delusions. The CNA should listen calmly and quietly to what the client has to say without arguing or trying to convince them the delusion is false.

Question 3

The Certified Nursing Assistant is aware that the resident sleeping more than usual, lack of interest in once-loved activities, and withdrawal from family and friends can be a sign of what condition?

Accepted Answer

Depression. Excessive sleeping, lack of interest in previous activities, and withdrawal from family and friends are all symptoms of depression. Anger and frustration with staff would be signs of unhappiness with the situation. Alzheimer's Disease usually causes more cognitive effects such as memory loss and forgetfulness.

Question 4

You have a patient experiencing the end of life. What would you expect the plan of care to include?

Accepted Answer

Ways to provide optimal comfort to the patient and family. At the end of life, patients typically do not eat or drink. Encouraging eating, drinking, or exercise is not needed for the patient in this stage of life. It is normal for the patient at the end of life to have confusion and forgetfulness.

Question 5

You have a patient who is yelling, upset, and crying due to a complaint. How should you approach this matter?

Accepted Answer

Use a calm, reassuring tone to speak to the patient. As the CNA, you should attempt to show the patient that their concern is important. Using a calm voice is a positive response and is more likely to calm the patient. Touch may or may not calm the patient; it is not the preferred action. You will need to report this behavior to the nurse, but not until you've tried to calm the patient. Walking away would not be the safest action for the patient who is upset and needs to be monitored.

Question 6

You have a patient who has just received news that her best friend of 60 years has passed. How would you assist her in the grieving process?

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient if she would like you to sit and talk about her experience. The CNA should ask the patient if she would like you to sit with her. If she agrees, the CNA should actively listen and provide comfort to the patient. It is important not to use the other options because the patient may feel like you are discounting their feelings.

Question 7

A resident has recently begun displaying behaviors that suggest they are seeking extra attention from staff. Which behavior is most consistent with attention-seeking?

Accepted Answer

Excessive use of the call light. Excessive use of the call light is often a way to get extra attention from staff. Going to every social event is a positive action by the resident. Refusing to visit with family or refusing to go to therapy may be signs of depression rather than attention-seeking behavior.

Question 8

The Certified Nursing Assistant is aware that a nursing home must make reasonable adjustments to honor a resident's needs and preferences. An example of this adjustment might be which action?

Accepted Answer

Letting the resident sleep instead of waking up every morning at 6:00 am. Letting the resident decide what time they prefer to get up in the mornings is an example of honoring preferences. The staff should not mandate what the resident wants to eat, play, or watch on television; that should be up to the individual resident.

Question 9

The CNA understands that mental health changes in elderly residents are commonly associated with:

Accepted Answer

Increasing health issues. Major life changes such as increasing health issues or loss of a spouse can contribute to mental health changes in the elderly. Visits from family, participating in social activities, crafts, or faith-based activities will help prevent the decline of mental health rather than cause it.

Question 10

A resident with dementia lives in a secure memory care unit (MCU). The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is aware that one major benefit for the residents living in MCUs is which of the following:

Accepted Answer

Roam about the unit freely throughout the day and night. The main function of a closed memory care unit is that it allows the residents to roam about freely on the unit safely while being monitored by the staff. The rules for watching television all day, sleeping as much as wanted, or visiting with family will depend on the facility and are not specific benefits of memory care units.

Question 11

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is aware that sometimes patients may use manipulation of staff to receive something they desire. The CNA recognizes which behavior by the resident as manipulation?

Accepted Answer

Constant complaints of pain or discomfort each time a new staff member is in their unit. The resident may complain of pain or discomfort to a new staff member in order to receive medications. This is a form of manipulating an unsuspecting nurse. Lying to other residents, refusing medication, or sitting alone are not forms of manipulation directed at staff.

Question 12

The CNA notices that a resident who is pleasant and sociable during daily activities becomes confused and agitated after dark. What is the patient most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Sundowner's Syndrome. It is common for the older adult to experience confusion after dark. The clinical term for this is Sundowner's Syndrome. It literally means confusion "after the sun goes down." While dementia and Alzheimer's disease can include sundowning as a symptom, the specific pattern of confusion occurring after dark is characteristic of Sundowner's Syndrome. Psychosis involves a broader break from reality and is not specifically tied to time of day.

Question 13

During periods when infection-control precautions limit in-person visitation, many residents in long-term care experience changes in mood and behavior. The CNA recognizes that one common effect of reduced family contact is:

Accepted Answer

Increased feelings of isolation from family and friends. When visitation is restricted or limited, residents often feel isolated from family and friends. While some residents may experience worry, fear, or anger related to safety measures, the biggest impact is social isolation.

Question 14

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) understands that volunteering in the community, joining a senior citizen group, and exploring new hobbies and interests can help make the elder person's life more fulfilling. These activities can do what for the resident's outlook?

Accepted Answer

Give a sense of purpose. Volunteering in the community, joining a senior citizen group, and beginning new hobbies and interests can give the older person a sense of purpose for their life. None of the activities respect privacy or make the elder feel younger. Although these activities do bring fulfillment, they may not prevent depression.

Question 15

Seniors like to make their own decisions and can do so unless they are cognitively declining. The Certified Nursing Assistant is aware that one of the best ways to respect the resident's decisions is to do what?

Accepted Answer

Actively listen to the resident. The CNA can demonstrate value and respect for the resident's decisions by actively listening to their wants and needs. The CNA should never suggest legal counsel. The CNA can suggest that the resident speak with the social worker or the family members if the situation warrants, but that may not always be necessary.

Question 16

It is estimated that delirium is noted in at least 40% of nursing home residents in the United States. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is aware the resident with delirium might suffer from what symptom?

Accepted Answer

Sees or hears things that no one else does. Residents suffering from delirium may see or hear things that others do not or fail to recognize those around them. Becoming upset at schedule changes is more characteristic of anxiety or dementia-related behavioral symptoms. Delirium does not typically cause weakness, tiredness, or loss of the ability to speak.

Question 17

A resident tells the CNA that staff members are "plotting against him" and "watching everything he does," even though no evidence supports these beliefs. The CNA recognizes this behavior as:

Accepted Answer

Paranoia. Paranoia is characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance. Paranoia can be seen in dementia, but is not seen in all patients with dementia. Scheming refers to making plans, not experiencing unfounded beliefs. Dreaming occurs during sleep, not as a behavioral pattern during waking hours.

Question 18

A resident in long-term care has recently appeared more tense and uneasy. The CNA knows that anxiety in older adults may be demonstrated by:

Accepted Answer

Irritability or anger that seems out of proportion to the situation. Anxiety in older adults may be noticed as irritability or anger, especially when the resident feels overwhelmed or unable to cope. Increased social engagement and increased appetite are positive behaviors that would not indicate anxiety. Giddiness or unusually elevated mood is not normally a display of anxiety, but may need a nurse assessment for other issues such as mania or medication effects.

Question 19

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is aware of the importance of meeting the elderly resident's emotional needs. This can be accomplished by regularly checking on the resident, keeping the call light within reach, and modifications of equipment and use of devices to prevent falls. All of these measures meet what emotional need of the elder?

Accepted Answer

Safety and security. Each of the examples mentioned in the question meet the elderly person's need for safety. Although important, quality time with the resident, developing a sense of purpose, and offering privacy do not meet safety concerns.

Question 20

A resident has begun spending most of the day alone in their room and is no longer participating in group activities. The CNA knows that social isolation can lead to serious health problems in older adults. In addition to offering opportunities for social interaction, the facility should also:

Accepted Answer

Support the resident in forming meaningful relationships with other residents. To reduce social isolation, staff should promote meaningful connections and friendships among residents. Improved nutrition and spending time outside is good for overall well-being but doesn't help loneliness. The resident remaining isolated can make loneliness worse.

CNA Emotional and Mental Health Needs Practice Test with Answers

Test Details

This Emotional and Mental Health Needs Practice Test Is Built for Real Judgment

Michele J. McCarthy

Kailey R.

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Common Questions We Always Get

What topics fall under emotional and mental health needs on the CNA exam?

What is the biggest mistake CNAs make in mental health scenarios?

How should I respond when a resident is crying after bad news?

What is the best way to handle anger or verbal outbursts?

How do I respond when a resident with dementia says something that is not true?

When should I report mood changes to the nurse?

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What is therapeutic communication in simple terms?

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CNA Emotional and Mental Health Needs Practice Test with Answers

Test Details

This Emotional and Mental Health Needs Practice Test Is Built for Real Judgment

Kailey R.

Wanna Try Unlimited?

Pass the exam — and get certified.

Start a Free 3-Day Trial

Free for 3 days

Pass Guarantee—pass or your money back

1,000+ questions, every NNAAP domain

Reviewed by a nurse educator

100,000+ students prepped with AHC

— Yasmin, U.S.

More CNA Practice Tests

Common Questions We Always Get

What topics fall under emotional and mental health needs on the CNA exam?

What is the biggest mistake CNAs make in mental health scenarios?

How should I respond when a resident is crying after bad news?

What is the best way to handle anger or verbal outbursts?

How do I respond when a resident with dementia says something that is not true?

When should I report mood changes to the nurse?

Can I take this practice test on my phone?

What is therapeutic communication in simple terms?

How do I choose between two answers that both sound kind?

How should I review this practice test to improve as quickly as possible?

Do I need the premium offering to benefit from this practice set?

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