Which of the following statements about the assessment of mental status is true?

A. It is not within the scope of nursing practice and should not be included in the nursing process.
B. It is characterized by examination of memory, cranial nerves, and reflexes.
C. It is only useful in indicating the presence or absence of neurologic disorders.
D. It is often the initial step of a physical examination in the presence of neurologic disorders.


D
Assessing level of consciousness, memory, attention, language, and cognition—parameters of mental status—is often the initial step in the physical examination, because it can help differen-tiate changes in mental status.

Nursing

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During a session on substance abuse, the nurse is reviewing statistics with the class. For persons aged 12 years and older, which illicit substance was most commonly used?

a. Crack cocaine b. Heroin c. Marijuana d. Hallucinogens

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Conversion disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and hypochondriasis are all ________ disorders.

a. Psychosomatic b. Somatoform c. Dissociative d. Anxiety

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The nurse compares the characteristics of a health maintenance organization (HMO) and a preferred provider organization (PPO). Which information should the nurse include about HMOs?

a. HMOs require a set fee of each member monthly. b. HMOs allow the member to select his health care provider. c. HMOs permit admission to any facility the member prefers. d. HMOs offer unlimited diagnostic tests and treatments.

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Identify a difference between the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex.

A. The adrenal medulla forms the outer portion of the adrenal glands, while the adrenal cortex forms the inner portion of the adrenal glands. B. The adrenal medulla is composed of three separate layers of tissue, while the adrenal cortex is composed of a single layer of tissue. C. The adrenal medulla develops from the same tissue as sympathetic ganglia, while the adrenal cortex develops from mesodermal tissue. D. The adrenal medulla secretes three types of steroids, while the adrenal cortex secretes only catecholamines.

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