Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which of the following is commonly assessed in older adults to determine risk for cognitive dysfunction?

1. Mini-Mental State Examination

2. Beck Anxiety Inventory

3. Cognitive Assessment Interview

4. Aging Self-Assessment Scale

The correct answer is: Mini-Mental State Examination

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a widely used tool specifically designed to assess cognitive function and identify potential cognitive impairment in older adults. It evaluates various cognitive domains, including orientation, registration, attention and calculation, recall, language, and visual-spatial skills. Through its structured questions and tasks, the MMSE provides a score that helps healthcare professionals determine the severity of cognitive decline, making it crucial for early detection of conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of mental health or well-being. The Beck Anxiety Inventory specifically measures anxiety levels, while the Cognitive Assessment Interview is more conversational and may not provide a standardized score like the MMSE does. The Aging Self-Assessment Scale focuses on self-perception of aging rather than direct cognitive function assessment. Thus, while these tools are valuable in their own contexts, the MMSE remains the most recognized for evaluating cognitive dysfunction risk in older adults.