C0700-C1000: Staff Assessment of Mental Status Item

Item Rationale

Health-related Quality of Life

• Cognitive impairment is prevalent among some groups of residents, but not all residents are cognitively impaired.

• Many persons with memory problems can function successfully in a structured, routine environment.

• Residents may appear to be cognitively impaired because of communication challenges or lack of interaction but may be cognitively intact.

• When cognitive impairment is incorrectly diagnosed or missed, appropriate communication, worthwhile activities, and therapies may not be offered.

Planning for Care

• Abrupt changes in cognitive status (as indicative of a delirium) often signal an underlying potentially life-threatening illness and a change in cognition may be the only indication of an underlying problem.

• The level and specific areas of impairment affect daily function and care needs. By identifying specific aspects of cognitive impairment, nursing interventions can be directed toward facilitating greater function.

• Probing beyond first, perhaps mistaken, impressions is critical to accurate assessment and appropriate care planning.