objective data: cognitive function

Question 1

when assessing cognitive function what should we look at

Answer 1

orientation
attention span

Question 2

how can we assess a person’s orientation

Answer 2

Discern orientation through course of
interview, or use direct questioning to
verify

Question 3

what questions can we ask a person to assess their orientation

Answer 3

Time: day of week, date, year, season
* Place: where person lives, address,
phone number, present location, type
of building, name of city and state
* Person: own name, age, who examiner
is, type of worker

Question 4

what do many hospitalized people normally have trouble with when assessing their orientation

Answer 4

Many hospitalized people normally have
trouble with exact date but are fully
oriented on remaining items

Question 5

what should we check for when assessing a person’s attention span

Answer 5

Check person’s ability to concentrate
* by noting whether he or she completes
a thought without wandering

Question 6

what individuals commonly have an impaired attention span

Answer 6

people who are anxious, fatigued, or
intoxicated