Mental Status Exam

Question 1

Abstract thinking is an important component of the human thought process. A persons ability to understand questions that test their ability to answer appropriately is dependent upon a number of factors. Which one of the following answers is true in identifying a patient with concrete thinking and a reduced ability to think abstractly?

Answer 1

An inability to discern the similarity between two words (e.g. what is similar about a cat and mouse? They answer “The cat chases the mouse.”

Question 2

Concerning a patient that may demonstrate a diagnosis of aphasia, which of the following statements is true?

Answer 2

It is defined as an inability to produce or understand language.

Question 3

Which of the following statements are not part of the mental status examination?

Answer 3

“Hospitalized twice for suicide attempt”

• able to complete serial 7’s
• alert and oriented x3
• expresses passive suicidal ideation without plan or intent

Question 4

The diagnosis of major depressive disorder requires 5 or more of 9 core symptoms that have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning. Which of the following is not one of the 9 symptoms?

Answer 4

Excessive worry that is difficult to control.

• thoughts of dying
• depressed mood
• lack of interest or pleasure
• weight loss

Question 5

Match the statement to the component of the mental status exam domain which it belongs:
“The patient has thoughts that they are detached from their body.”

Answer 5

Thought content

Question 6

Match the statement to the component of the mental status exam domain which it belongs:
“No spontaneous questions, provides one word answers to questions”

Answer 6

Thought process

Question 7

Match the statement to the component of the mental status exam domain which it belongs:
“I check in with my case manager on Mondays and we write the appointments for the week on my calendar”

Answer 7

Judgement

Question 8

Match the statement to the component of the mental status exam domain which it belongs:
I don’t know why I’m here. People just need to stop forcing me to see doctors “

Answer 8

Insight

Question 9

The patient dozed off and on during the interview and had to have his name called out loudly to answer questions. “

Answer 9

Cognition

Question 10

Match the clinical features or mental status components to whether the symptom is related to delirium or dementia

Answer 10

Always disrupted sleep/wake cycle- delirium
Onset is insidious- dementia
Onset is acute- delirium
May have abnormally decreased or increased activity- delirium
Slow progression- dementia

Question 11

What is the term to describe the fluctuating pattern of observable behaviors that expresses subjective feelings or emotions through tone of voice, facial expressions, and demeanor?

Answer 11

Affect

Question 12

Which of the following is true about suicide statistics and risk factors?

Answer 12

Studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

Question 13

You ask a patient to copy a 3D rectangle onto a piece of blank, unlined paper. This is testing what?

Answer 13

Constructional ability

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding hallucinations?

Answer 14

It may occur in association with a number of conditions including delirium and dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia.