RELIAS MANAGING DIFFICULT
BEHAVIORS EXAM QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the first step in managing a resident’s aggressive behavior?
a) Restrain the resident immediately
b) Assess the situation and determine the cause
c) Call law enforcement
d) Ignore the behavior
It is important to first understand the underlying cause of aggression
to respond safely and effectively.
2. Which of the following is an example of passive-aggressive behavior?
a) Physical hitting
b) Yelling at staff
c) Sulking or giving the silent treatment
d) Making direct threats
Passive-aggressive behavior is indirect and may include sulking,
procrastination, or giving the silent treatment.
3. When a resident becomes verbally abusive, the best immediate action
is to:
a) Yell back to assert authority
b) Remain calm and maintain a safe distance
, c) Physically intervene
d) Ignore the resident completely
Staying calm and safe helps de-escalate the situation and prevents
further escalation.
4. Which of the following is a sign a resident may become physically
aggressive?
a) Calm demeanor
b) Clenched fists or pacing
c) Sleeping
d) Singing
Physical cues such as clenched fists, pacing, or restlessness may
indicate impending aggression.
5. What is the purpose of using “redirection” with a resident?
a) To punish the resident
b) To shift attention away from a negative behavior
c) To ignore the resident
d) To restrict movement
Redirection helps guide a resident toward a safer or more positive
activity, reducing conflict.
6. If a resident refuses care, the nurse aide should:
a) Force the care immediately
b) Offer choices and try again later
c) Ignore the resident
d) Document without addressing
Offering choices respects the resident’s autonomy and may reduce
resistance.
7. Which approach is most effective for preventing difficult behaviors?
a) Punishment
b) Consistent routines and clear communication
, c) Ignoring the resident
d) Physical restraint
Predictable routines and clear communication help residents feel
secure and reduce agitation.
8. What should a caregiver do if a resident with dementia becomes
agitated during bathing?
a) Yell at the resident to cooperate
b) Pause, use a calm voice, and try again later
c) Leave the resident alone without follow-up
d) Force the resident immediately
Pausing and using a calm approach prevents escalation and
maintains safety.
9. What is the main goal when de-escalating aggressive behavior?
a) To punish the resident
b) To ensure safety for everyone and reduce the intensity of the
behavior
c) To ignore the resident
d) To assert authority
De-escalation focuses on safety and calming the situation rather than
control or punishment.
10. Which communication technique is most effective with an angry
resident?
a) Raising your voice
b) Active listening and calm tone
c) Interrupting
d) Sarcasm
Active listening shows understanding and can help reduce anger.
11. What is a potential trigger for difficult behavior in residents with
dementia?
BEHAVIORS EXAM QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the first step in managing a resident’s aggressive behavior?
a) Restrain the resident immediately
b) Assess the situation and determine the cause
c) Call law enforcement
d) Ignore the behavior
It is important to first understand the underlying cause of aggression
to respond safely and effectively.
2. Which of the following is an example of passive-aggressive behavior?
a) Physical hitting
b) Yelling at staff
c) Sulking or giving the silent treatment
d) Making direct threats
Passive-aggressive behavior is indirect and may include sulking,
procrastination, or giving the silent treatment.
3. When a resident becomes verbally abusive, the best immediate action
is to:
a) Yell back to assert authority
b) Remain calm and maintain a safe distance
, c) Physically intervene
d) Ignore the resident completely
Staying calm and safe helps de-escalate the situation and prevents
further escalation.
4. Which of the following is a sign a resident may become physically
aggressive?
a) Calm demeanor
b) Clenched fists or pacing
c) Sleeping
d) Singing
Physical cues such as clenched fists, pacing, or restlessness may
indicate impending aggression.
5. What is the purpose of using “redirection” with a resident?
a) To punish the resident
b) To shift attention away from a negative behavior
c) To ignore the resident
d) To restrict movement
Redirection helps guide a resident toward a safer or more positive
activity, reducing conflict.
6. If a resident refuses care, the nurse aide should:
a) Force the care immediately
b) Offer choices and try again later
c) Ignore the resident
d) Document without addressing
Offering choices respects the resident’s autonomy and may reduce
resistance.
7. Which approach is most effective for preventing difficult behaviors?
a) Punishment
b) Consistent routines and clear communication
, c) Ignoring the resident
d) Physical restraint
Predictable routines and clear communication help residents feel
secure and reduce agitation.
8. What should a caregiver do if a resident with dementia becomes
agitated during bathing?
a) Yell at the resident to cooperate
b) Pause, use a calm voice, and try again later
c) Leave the resident alone without follow-up
d) Force the resident immediately
Pausing and using a calm approach prevents escalation and
maintains safety.
9. What is the main goal when de-escalating aggressive behavior?
a) To punish the resident
b) To ensure safety for everyone and reduce the intensity of the
behavior
c) To ignore the resident
d) To assert authority
De-escalation focuses on safety and calming the situation rather than
control or punishment.
10. Which communication technique is most effective with an angry
resident?
a) Raising your voice
b) Active listening and calm tone
c) Interrupting
d) Sarcasm
Active listening shows understanding and can help reduce anger.
11. What is a potential trigger for difficult behavior in residents with
dementia?
