Which nursing assessment best measures cognitive functioning?
a. Administer a Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE).
b. Ask the patient his name, where he is, and what month it is.
c. Ask the patient's family if the patient is behaving normally.
d. Evaluate the patient's ability to read the newspaper.
A
The MMSE is a formal diagnostic tool that is used to assess a patient's level of cognitive functioning. Asking the patient orientation questions evaluates only the patient's orientation to self and surroundings, not abstract reasoning or critical thinking ability. Family members are not the most reliable source of information about the patient, although information received from the family should be considered. Reading a paper is not a means of comprehensive assessment; in addition, a patient may be high cognitive functioning and not know how to read English.
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