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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Standing 6 feet away is too far for a whisper test, which is typically done at 1–2 feet. Whispering words for repetition is the standard method, so this is incorrect for hearing assessment.
Choice B reason: Occluding one ear tests unilateral hearing but isn’t the primary voice test method. Whispering random words and checking repetition directly assesses hearing, so this is not the best action.
Choice C reason: Whispering random numbers, words, or letters at 1–2 feet and asking the patient to repeat them is the standard voice test for hearing. This method is effective, making it the correct choice.
Choice D reason: Shielding lips muffles sound unnecessarily and prevents lip-reading, which isn’t the goal. Clear whispering and repetition test auditory function, so this is incorrect for the voice test.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
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