ATI RN MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
EXAMINATION// GRADED A+
What do you assess for during a Mental Status Exam (MSE)? - ANSWER-1. level
of consciousness
2. physical appearance
3. behavior
4. cognitive and intellectual abilities
alert - ANSWER-able to fully respond by opening eyes, attend to normal tone of
voice and speech, and answer questions spontaneously and appropriately
lethargy - ANSWER-able to open eyes and respond, but is drowsy and falls asleep
readily
obtundation - ANSWER-needs to be lightly shaken to elicit a response; may be
confused and slow to respond
stupor - ANSWER-requires painful stimuli (e.g. pinch a tendon, rub sternum) to
elicit a brief response; may not be able to respond verbally
coma - ANSWER-no response from repeated painful stimuli
, decorticate rigidity - ANSWER-flexion and internal rotation of upper extremity
joints and legs (arms toward midline)
decerebrate rigidity - ANSWER-neck and elbow extension, wrist and finger flexion
(arms away from midline)
mood - ANSWER-subjective data about emotions that are felt
affect - ANSWER-objective data about expression of mood
How do you assess recent memory? - ANSWER-Have patient recall a series of
number or list of objects.
How do you assess remote memory? - ANSWER-Have patient state a verifiable
fact (e.g. birthdate).
How do you assess level of knowledge? - ANSWER-Ask patient what they know
about their illness or hospitalization.
How do you assess ability to calculate? - ANSWER-Ask patient to count backward
from 100 in serials of 7.
How do you assess ability to think abstractly? - ANSWER-See if patient can
interpret an idiom/saying.
EXAMINATION// GRADED A+
What do you assess for during a Mental Status Exam (MSE)? - ANSWER-1. level
of consciousness
2. physical appearance
3. behavior
4. cognitive and intellectual abilities
alert - ANSWER-able to fully respond by opening eyes, attend to normal tone of
voice and speech, and answer questions spontaneously and appropriately
lethargy - ANSWER-able to open eyes and respond, but is drowsy and falls asleep
readily
obtundation - ANSWER-needs to be lightly shaken to elicit a response; may be
confused and slow to respond
stupor - ANSWER-requires painful stimuli (e.g. pinch a tendon, rub sternum) to
elicit a brief response; may not be able to respond verbally
coma - ANSWER-no response from repeated painful stimuli
, decorticate rigidity - ANSWER-flexion and internal rotation of upper extremity
joints and legs (arms toward midline)
decerebrate rigidity - ANSWER-neck and elbow extension, wrist and finger flexion
(arms away from midline)
mood - ANSWER-subjective data about emotions that are felt
affect - ANSWER-objective data about expression of mood
How do you assess recent memory? - ANSWER-Have patient recall a series of
number or list of objects.
How do you assess remote memory? - ANSWER-Have patient state a verifiable
fact (e.g. birthdate).
How do you assess level of knowledge? - ANSWER-Ask patient what they know
about their illness or hospitalization.
How do you assess ability to calculate? - ANSWER-Ask patient to count backward
from 100 in serials of 7.
How do you assess ability to think abstractly? - ANSWER-See if patient can
interpret an idiom/saying.
