Mental Health Foundations
Mental health and social needs questions typically comprise 10% (8% Emotional/Mental Health + 2% Spiritual/Cultural) of your exam. Here’s what you need to know:
Common Mental Health Conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Behavioral Symptoms:
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Withdrawal
- Combativeness
- Wandering
- Sundowning
- Mood changes
Communication Techniques:
- Active listening
- Validation therapy
- Reality orientation
- Redirection
- Non-verbal communication
- Clear speech
- Therapeutic communication
Social Needs Assessment:
- Social interaction
- Activities participation
- Family involvement
- Cultural needs
- Religious preferences
- Emotional support
- Personal interests
Resident Rights:
- Privacy
- Dignity
- Choice
- Social interaction
- Religious practice
- Cultural expression
- Personal relationships
Behavioral Interventions:
- De-escalation techniques
- Activity engagement
- Environmental modification
- Routine maintenance
- Positive reinforcement
- Distraction methods
- Comfort measures
Documentation Requirements:
- Behavioral observations
- Mood changes
- Social interactions
- Activity participation
- Intervention effectiveness
- Response to care
- Changes in condition
Safety Considerations:
- Suicide risk
- Wandering prevention
- Fall risk
- Abuse prevention
- Environmental safety
- Elopement risk
- Crisis intervention
Key Exam Focus Points:
Behavioral Management:
- Recognition of symptoms
- Appropriate responses
- Safety measures
- Communication techniques
- Documentation requirements
Social Support:
- Activity promotion
- Family involvement
- Cultural sensitivity
- Religious respect
- Independence support
Quality Care Indicators:
- Dignity preservation
- Rights protection
- Safety maintenance
- Proper documentation
- Appropriate interventions
Remember These Important Points:
- Safety is priority
- Maintain dignity
- Respect preferences
- Document changes
- Report concerns promptly
The Exam Will Test Your Ability To:
- Recognize symptoms
- Respond appropriately
- Maintain safety
- Support social needs
- Document accurately
- Communicate effectively
Critical Concepts to Master:
- Mental health conditions
- Behavioral interventions
- Communication techniques
- Social support methods
- Safety measures
- Documentation requirements
Special Considerations:
- Cultural differences
- Religious preferences
- Individual needs
- Family dynamics
- Environmental factors
- Safety risks
This overview covers the fundamental mental health and social needs concepts you’ll encounter on your CNA exam. Questions will often present scenarios requiring you to demonstrate your understanding of appropriate responses and interventions.
Great understanding of basics! Learn from common errors in ‘Mental Health Care Mistakes’.