Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice - The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Process Related

Review Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice - The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Process related questions and content

The nurse is assessing a patient?s immediate and short-term memory. Which of the following would be most appropriate?

  • A. Questioning the patient about an event that has occurred within the past several months
  • B. Giving the patient a simple scenario and having him identify what would be the best response
  • C. Giving the patient three words and asking him to recite them now and then in 5 minutes
  • D. Asking the patient to tell the nurse the date, time, and current location
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Testing immediate and short-term memory involves recalling information after a brief delay. Giving three words to recite now and in 5 minutes assesses both immediate recall and short-term memory. Past events test long-term memory, scenarios test judgment, and orientation tests cognitive status.