HESI (Health and Environmental Sciences Institute) Health Assessment Practice Test

When a patient exhibits signs of short-term memory loss and confusion, it is essential for the nurse to assess the patient's mental status before conducting further assessments, such as a sensory evaluation. This practice helps establish a baseline understanding of the patient’s cognitive function and ensures that any sensory data collected afterward can be accurately interpreted in the context of the patient's overall mental ability.

Evaluating mental status first allows the nurse to identify potential underlying issues that could impact the patient's comprehension and cooperation during the sensory assessment. It also helps determine if the confusion is temporary or indicative of a more serious condition that requires immediate attention.

By prioritizing a mental status assessment, the nurse ensures patient safety and validates the appropriateness of conducting the sensory assessment in the first place, rather than assuming that sensory function can be accurately evaluated despite cognitive impairments. This approach fosters a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's health and guides any necessary interventions or modifications to the assessment process.