Psychology of Patient Care
Here are proven strategies to help you master this portion of your exam:
Behavioral Response Memory Tool
🧘 Use “CALM” Method:
- Consider the trigger
- Approach carefully
- Listen actively
- Maintain safety
Communication Strategy
🗨️ Remember “SPEAK”:
- Slow and clear
- Patient approach
- Eye contact appropriate
- Active listening
- Kind tone
Social Needs Framework
❤️ Use “CARE” Technique:
- Cultural awareness
- Activity engagement
- Respect preferences
- Emotional support
Crisis Intervention Guide
⚡ “REACT” Strategy:
- Recognize warning signs
- Evaluate situation
- Approach safely
- Call for help
- Take protective measures
Documentation Tips
📊 “CHART” Method:
- Changes observed
- How resident responded
- Actions taken
- Results of intervention
- Time and date noted
Question Analysis Strategy
🧠 Use “MENTAL” Approach:
- Main issue identification
- Evaluate all options
- Notice safety concerns
- Think resident rights
- Analyze best response
- Look for proper procedure
High-Priority Study Areas
⭐ Focus on:
- Common mental conditions
- Behavioral interventions
- Communication techniques
- Safety measures
- Cultural sensitivity
- Documentation requirements
Practice Scenario Tips
💭 Create Scenarios About:
- Confused residents
- Aggressive behaviors
- Depression signs
- Anxiety management
- Social isolation
- Cultural needs
Test-Taking Success Tips
✅ Remember “SAFE”:
- Safety first
- Assess situation
- Follow protocol
- Execute properly
Key Concepts Review:
🎯 Focus Areas:
- Mental Health Conditions
- Common symptoms
- Appropriate responses
- Warning signs
- Intervention techniques
- Communication Skills
- Therapeutic approaches
- Non-verbal cues
- Cultural sensitivity
- Clear communication
- Safety Measures
- Risk assessment
- Prevention strategies
- Emergency response
- Documentation
- Social Support
- Activity engagement
- Cultural respect
- Family involvement
- Independence promotion
Memory Aids for Common Conditions:
🧠 Remember:
- Depression signs
- Anxiety symptoms
- Dementia behaviors
- Confusion indicators
Final Preparation Tips:
🎯 Focus on:
- Understanding behaviors
- Proper responses
- Safety priorities
- Cultural awareness
- Documentation requirements
- Communication techniques
Essential Terms to Know:
🏆 Master:
- Mental health terminology
- Behavioral descriptions
- Intervention types
- Cultural terms
- Documentation language
- Safety protocols
By following these study strategies and focusing on understanding rather than memorization, you’ll be well-prepared for the mental health and social needs portion of your CNA exam. Remember, empathy and professional response are key to quality care.
Test your mental health care knowledge with our practice questions!