Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive Impairment

• A. Inability to think, concentrate, reason, or remember clearly
• B. Ability to learn quickly
• C. Normal cognitive function
• D. Short-term memory loss only

Answer: (A)

Cognitive impairment means a decline in mental processes that affects how a person thinks, concentrates, remembers, and solves problems. The statement that best fits this is the inability to think, concentrate, reason, or remember clearly, because it shows problems across several cognitive domains rather than just a single skill. In nursing assistant practice, recognizing this breadth matters: it can impact how a patient understands and follows care plans, communicates, and stays safe. The other options describe either normal functioning, an ability that would not indicate impairment, or a too-narrow view of impairment (memory loss only), which doesn’t capture the broader impact on thinking and processing.

Cognitive impairment means a decline in mental processes that affects how a person thinks, concentrates, remembers, and solves problems. The statement that best fits this is the inability to think, concentrate, reason, or remember clearly, because it shows problems across several cognitive domains rather than just a single skill.

In nursing assistant practice, recognizing this breadth matters: it can impact how a patient understands and follows care plans, communicates, and stays safe. The other options describe either normal functioning, an ability that would not indicate impairment, or a too-narrow view of impairment (memory loss only), which doesn’t capture the broader impact on thinking and processing.