The best way to assess a 70-year-old patient’s recent memory recall is for the nurse to ask the patient to:
Write a series of numbers.
Recall four words told to him/her 10 minutes earlier.
Verify information, such as mother’s maiden name.
Name the past four presidents.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Writing a series of numbers tests attention or working memory, not recent memory recall. Recalling words after a delay specifically assesses short-term memory, which is more relevant for a 70-year-old, so this is not the best method.
Choice B reason: Asking a patient to recall four words after 10 minutes directly tests recent memory, a key cognitive function in older adults. This method is standard in assessments like the Mini-Mental State Exam, making it the best choice for evaluating memory.
Choice C reason: Verifying information like a mother’s maiden name tests long-term memory, not recent recall. Recent memory involves retaining new information, so recalling words after a delay is more appropriate, making this incorrect.
Choice D reason: Naming past presidents relies on long-term memory and general knowledge, not recent memory. Recalling newly learned words after 10 minutes better assesses short-term memory, so this is not the best approach for recent memory.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: A complete physical exam is comprehensive but not specific to initial nutritional screening. Height and weight history provide BMI, a quick nutritional indicator, so this is not the first assessment.
Choice B reason: Height and weight history are critical for initial nutritional screening, enabling BMI calculation to assess undernutrition or obesity. This is a standard, quick method, making it the correct first step.
Choice C reason: Calorie counting is detailed and time-consuming, unsuitable for initial screening. Height and weight offer a rapid baseline for nutritional status, so this is incorrect for the first step.
Choice D reason: Leg circumference may assess muscle mass but is not standard for initial nutritional screening. Height and weight are primary for BMI, so this is incorrect for the initial assessment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The submandibular glands are palpable below the mandible, but occipital glands do not exist as salivary glands. The occipital region relates to lymph nodes or muscles, not salivary structures, making this an incorrect pair for palpation.
Choice B reason: The parotid glands are palpable near the ears, but jugulodigastric refers to lymph nodes, not salivary glands. This misidentification of anatomical structures makes this pair incorrect for assessing salivary gland palpation.
Choice C reason: Occipital and submental regions do not contain salivary glands. Submental lymph nodes exist, but neither these nor occipital structures are salivary glands, making this pair anatomically incorrect for the nurse’s palpation assessment.
Choice D reason: The parotid glands, located anterior to the ears, and submandibular glands, below the mandible, are the two pairs of salivary glands accessible for palpation. Their anatomical positions allow external assessment, making this the correct choice.
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