What type of assessment is used to determine a patient’s mental status?

A cognitive assessment is specifically designed to evaluate a patient’s mental status. This type of assessment gathers information about various cognitive functions, including memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and language abilities. Through established tools and techniques, healthcare providers can determine how well a patient is thinking, processing information, and functioning mentally.

In contrast, a physical assessment focuses on the physiological aspects of the patient, such as vital signs, organ function, and overall body health, which does not directly address mental status. A functional assessment measures a patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and assesses their level of independence but is not specific to mental cognition. Lastly, a nutritional assessment evaluates dietary intake and nutritional status rather than cognitive abilities. Each of these assessments has its own importance, but when it comes to determining mental status, a cognitive assessment is the appropriate choice.