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Mental status tests
Definition:
Mental status tests are used to assess a person's thinking abilities, to see if a disease or condition is affecting them. The tests can tell your provider whether your condition is improving or getting worse. Alternative Names:
Memory; Word comprehension; Orientation; Attention span; Cognitive tests
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How the test is performed:
The following tests may be performed. ORIENTATION Your health care provider will ask you questions that may include: - The time, date, and season
- The place where you live, type of building you are in, city and state you are in
- Your name, age, and occupation
ATTENTION SPAN Your provider will test your ability to complete a thought. This may be evident through conversation, or you may be asked to follow a series of directions in order to base conclusions on your performance. RECENT MEMORY The memory of people, places, and events that have recently been involved in your life is called recent memory. Your provider will ask you questions related to recent events in your life or the world around you. REMOTE MEMORY The memory of people, places, and events that occurred earlier in your life is called remote memory. Your provider will ask you about your childhood, school, or historical events that occurred earlier in your life. WORD COMPREHENSION Word comprehension tests your knowledge of common items. Your provider will point to everyday items in the room and have you name them. JUDGMENT To test your judgment and ability to exercise alternative solutions to a given problem or situation, your provider might ask, "What would you do if a police officer approached from behind in a car with lights flashing?" or "If you found a driver's license on the ground, what would you do?"
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