The clock-drawing test (CDT) has become a standard cognitive screening tool around the world. Like all cognitive screening tests, it is designed to detect early brain changes to determine if a person may be experiencing dementia. Which of the following statements most accurately depicts the usefulness of this test?
The CDT is affected by level of education and can be used alone for diagnostic purposes or for assessing the severity of cognitive impairment.
The CDT serves as an IQ test as well as a test of cognitive functioning.
The CDT is easy to administer in a short time, and it assesses multiple domains of cognitive functioning.
The CDT is an accurate predictor of focal brain degeneration.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: While the CDT is somewhat affected by education, it should not be used alone for diagnostic purposes because it is a screening tool, not a definitive test.
Choice B reason: The CDT does not measure IQ; it is designed to assess multiple domains of cognitive function including executive functioning, visuospatial abilities, and planning.
Choice C reason: The CDT is quick to administer, non-invasive, and provides assessment across multiple cognitive domains, making it valuable for early detection of cognitive impairment.
Choice D reason: The CDT does not specifically predict focal brain degeneration; it is a general screening tool rather than a neuroimaging substitute.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: While liver function tests are sometimes monitored, lithium is primarily excreted renally, making creatinine more critical than liver function tests for baseline evaluation.
Choice B reason: Liver function tests alone are insufficient; kidney function must be assessed because lithium can cause nephrotoxicity.
Choice C reason: A complete blood count is not required prior to initiating lithium; the focus is on renal and thyroid function and pregnancy status.
Choice D reason: Baseline thyroid function is essential because lithium can affect thyroid activity. Creatinine assesses renal function since lithium is renally excreted. A pregnancy test is important due to potential teratogenic effects during pregnancy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Individuals with pseudodementia, often related to depression, tend to respond to cognitive testing with "I don’t know" when uncertain, showing awareness of deficits. This contrasts with true dementia, where patients often confabulate or attempt to answer despite impaired memory.
Choice B reason: In dementia, attention and concentration are consistently impaired, not highly variable. This makes the statement inaccurate for distinguishing pseudodementia.
Choice C reason: True dementia commonly involves language impairment and confabulation. The statement is incorrect in suggesting the opposite.
Choice D reason: In pseudodementia, intellectual performance is typically intact outside of depressive episodes, and deficits are inconsistent, making the statement inaccurate.
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