The nurse is providing instructions to newly hired graduates for the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) . Which statement best describes this examination?

A) Scores below 30 indicate cognitive impairment.
B) The MMSE is a good tool to evaluate mood and thought processes.
C) This examination is a good tool to detect delirium and dementia and to differentiate these from psychiatric mental illness.
D) The MMSE is a useful tool for an initial evaluation of mental status. Additional tools are needed to evaluate cognition changes over time.

Question

Lucía Rodríguez · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  The MMSE is a quick, easy test of 11 questions and is used for initial and serial evaluations and can demonstrate a worsening or an improvement of cognition over time and with treatment. It evaluates cognitive functioning, not mood or thought processes. MMSE is a good screening tool to detect dementia and delirium and to differentiate these from psychiatric mental illness.

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