An older adult is admitted for altered cognition. The spouse indicates the client has become more forgetful over time. The nurse assesses the client's cognition using the Mini-Cog. The client is able to draw a clock correctly but is unable to recall the three words given at the beginning of the assessment. What do the results suggest to the nurse?
Dementia
Delusion
Depression
Delirium
The Correct Answer is A
A. In the Mini-Cog assessment, the inability to recall the three words (which tests short-term memory) while still being able to draw a clock (which tests visuospatial skills) could suggest early cognitive impairment or dementia. Dementia often presents with deficits in memory but may retain some other cognitive functions, like drawing. The result is consistent with a possible diagnosis of dementia, especially if memory issues are noted over time.
B. A delusion is a false belief held despite evidence to the contrary. Delusions are more related to psychiatric disorders and are not primarily assessed by the Mini-Cog. The Mini-Cog does not assess for delusions but rather focuses on cognitive function.
C. Depression can affect cognitive function, sometimes resulting in difficulties with concentration, memory, and other cognitive tasks. While depression can cause cognitive symptoms, it typically presents with other signs such as changes in mood, loss of interest in activities, and changes in sleep patterns.
D. Delirium is an acute, fluctuating change in cognition and attention, often caused by an underlying medical condition, medication, or intoxication. Delirium is characterized by rapid onset and fluctuating levels of consciousness and attention, which is not consistent with the Mini-Cog results showing stable performance on the clock drawing but poor recall.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Kyphosis is a condition characterized by an excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine, leading to a hunchbacked appearance. It often results from degenerative diseases, osteoporosis, or other spinal conditions.
B. Lordosis refers to an excessive inward curvature of the lumbar spine, often referred to as "swayback." This condition can be congenital or due to other factors like obesity or pregnancy.
C. Osteoporosis is a bone condition characterized by decreased bone density and strength, leading to an increased risk of fractures. It is particularly common in postmenopausal women due to decreased estrogen levels, which help maintain bone density.
D. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It can be congenital, idiopathic, or secondary to other conditions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Perseveration refers to the repetition of a particular response or behavior despite the cessation of the stimulus that prompted it. This often occurs in individuals with neurological disorders, where they keep repeating the same word, phrase, or action.
B. Flight of ideas is a rapid flow of thoughts where the person moves quickly from one topic to another, often with tangential or disconnected ideas. It is commonly observed in conditions such as mania or hypomania.
C. Derailment, also known as loosening of associations, is a thought disorder where a person’s speech goes off-topic and seems disorganized. The connections between ideas are loose or fragmented, making the conversation difficult to follow.
D. Confabulation is a memory disturbance where a person creates false memories or fabricated details to fill in gaps in their memory. The individual does not intentionally deceive but genuinely believes their fabricated information is true.
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