The purpose of the Mental Status Examination (MSE) is to observe and describe mental functioning.
Most mental status data can be gathered unobtrusively during the course of routine interactions with the resident.
Clinical judgment is used in determining how detailed the MSE should be. The decision is based on the purpose for which the information is being gathered, and what the resident can tolerate.
When doing a Mental Status Examination it is useful to refer back to a mental checklist of the major areas that need to be covered.
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