Mental Status Flashcards
The WAY a person thinks; logical train of thought
Thought process
WHAT a person thinks; specific ideas, beliefs, use of words
Thought content
What are the 4 components of a Mental Status Assessment?
Appearance, behavior, cognitive functions, and thought process
COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS of a mental status assessment includes? (6)
Orientation, attention span, recent and remote memory, 4 unrelated words test, reading, and writing
3 expected findings in body structure?
Height and weight appear within normal range for build and age, person is symmetrical (no missing limbs or extremities), posture is erect and position is relaxed, arms at side
4 things general survey and mental status have in common
Appearance, behavior, body structure, and mobility
A confused state due to an acute problem
Delirium
A gradual, progressive process, causing decreased cognitive function even though the person is fully conscious and awake
Not reversible
Dementia. NOT a normal part of aging
True or False: cognitive impairment is widespread among older adults
False
True or false: Most of the time and altered mental status is found in elderly adults
False
True or false: elderly will need more response time with new learning, like teaching them about a new medicine
True
True or false: in older adults, remote memory is unaffected and recent memory will be more affected
True
Name five reasons why a nurse should do a complete mental status assessment on a patient
- nurse feels the patient is anxious or depressed
- family members are concerned
- brain diagnosis
- psychiatric mental illness diagnosis
- nurse feels additional information is required
Why would we perform a mental status assessment?
To detect and monitor any changes in the cognitive status
Which degrees of impairment may require further formal assessment?
Moderate, mild, and questionably significant
