Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

A person with dementia may show which of the following behaviors?

1. Smiling, clapping, and singing

2. Pacing and wandering, hallucinations, agitation

3. Reading quietly in a corner

4. Gardening peacefully

The correct answer is: Pacing and wandering, hallucinations, agitation

The behaviors associated with dementia can indeed include pacing, wandering, hallucinations, and agitation. These actions stem from the cognitive and behavioral changes caused by dementia, which can manifest as confusion, anxiety, and restlessness. Individuals may not recognize familiar surroundings, leading to disorientation that can cause them to wander. Hallucinations—seeing or hearing things that are not there—can also occur, contributing to agitation as the person struggles to make sense of their altered reality. This behavior is quite common among those with dementia, highlighting the emotional and psychological challenges they face in their daily lives. In contrast, the other options suggest behaviors that are less commonly associated with dementia. Engaging in calm activities like reading quietly or gardening peacefully tends to be more characteristic of individuals without severe cognitive impairment. While some individuals with dementia may show moments of happiness, behaviors like smiling and clapping could also represent sporadic responses to specific stimuli rather than a consistent pattern of behavior.