A 62-year-old patient is brought to the clinic by a family member who is concerned about the patient's increasing sleep disturbances and inability to solve common problems. To obtain information about the patient's current mental status, which question should the nurse ask the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This question tests the patient's orientation to time, which is decreased in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) or dementia. Asking the patient about birthplace tests for remote memory, which is intact in the early stages. Questions about the patient's emotions and self-image are helpful in assessing emotional status, but they are not as helpful in assessing mental state.

A 62-Year-Old Patient Is Brought to the Clinic by a Family