Sample interview questions: How do you assess the cognitive abilities of geriatric patients?
Sample answer:
Cognitive Assessment of Geriatric Patients
1. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE):
- Quick and standardized tool assessing orientation, registration, attention, calculation, recall, and language skills.
- Score range: 0-30, with lower scores indicating cognitive impairment.
2. Clock Drawing Test:
- Assesses visuospatial skills, planning, and attention.
- Patient is asked to draw a clock with all numbers and hands.
- Irregularities, omissions, or spatial distortions may indicate cognitive deficits.
3. Trail Making Test:
- Measures attention, visual scanning, and executive function.
- Patient is instructed to connect dots in numerical or alphabetical order using different pen colors.
- Time taken and errors provide insights into cognitive processing.
4. Functional Assessment Staging (FAST):
- Global assessment of cognitive and functional abilities.
- Six stages from normal cognition to severe dementia.
- Focuses on daily living activities, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/2_0_13/Geriatric%20Nurse