Mini Mental Status Assessment
Today, we have the ability to monitor patients with the use of various technologic means pivotal to the daily assessment / monitoring practices. Despite the advancements, the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) created by Folstein and Collegues in 1975 remains the mental status assessment of choice; this method is relatively quick and easy. The assessment screens for and monitors cognitive function while testing a person’s overall orientation, short-term memory and attention, calculation ability, language, and construction. The following will discuss the findings of a MMSE administered to a random patient in a skilled nursing facility.
Patient Introduction The MMSE was administered to Ms. L following a recent hospitalization. Ms. L is 71-year-old …show more content…
The results are as follows: Ms. L was alert and oriented to person and place indicating a decrease in orientation regarding time and situation. Registration was assessed with minimal difficulty noted. Attention and calculation was performed correctly; however, took an extensive amount of time. The patient required reassurance to complete the assessment process. Ms. L was unable to recall any of the three test words identified earlier in the exam; however, was able to complete a portion of the language section yet struggled to read and perform the command; she was able to follow the direction yet took a fair amount of time to process the instructions. Additionally, the drawing of the provided design was moderately …show more content…
First, the patient may experience a sudden change in assessment from one examination to the next. Additionally, these patients may demonstrate frequent fluctuations in mood and behavior. The nurse should take into consideration the patient’s history, physical assessment, and data from family in addition to the MMSE.
When asked to determine whether the findings in the MMSE would present differently in patients with delirium or mental illness the answer is possibly; in my opinion, there is no definitive answer as there are numerous variables to consider in these patients including type of mental illness as well as level of delirium to name a few. The overall goal of treatment in the elderly patient with cognitive impairment, delirium, and mental illness is based on returning the patient to the highest level of function while promoting independence in a safe
Patient Introduction The MMSE was administered to Ms. L following a recent hospitalization. Ms. L is 71-year-old …show more content…
The results are as follows: Ms. L was alert and oriented to person and place indicating a decrease in orientation regarding time and situation. Registration was assessed with minimal difficulty noted. Attention and calculation was performed correctly; however, took an extensive amount of time. The patient required reassurance to complete the assessment process. Ms. L was unable to recall any of the three test words identified earlier in the exam; however, was able to complete a portion of the language section yet struggled to read and perform the command; she was able to follow the direction yet took a fair amount of time to process the instructions. Additionally, the drawing of the provided design was moderately …show more content…
First, the patient may experience a sudden change in assessment from one examination to the next. Additionally, these patients may demonstrate frequent fluctuations in mood and behavior. The nurse should take into consideration the patient’s history, physical assessment, and data from family in addition to the MMSE.
When asked to determine whether the findings in the MMSE would present differently in patients with delirium or mental illness the answer is possibly; in my opinion, there is no definitive answer as there are numerous variables to consider in these patients including type of mental illness as well as level of delirium to name a few. The overall goal of treatment in the elderly patient with cognitive impairment, delirium, and mental illness is based on returning the patient to the highest level of function while promoting independence in a safe