MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Language: Naming and Repetition Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During the MMSE naming task, an examiner shows the patient a standard wristwatch. The patient responds, "It's a timepiece." How should this response be scored?
- Score 0, as the response is not 'watch' or 'wristwatch'. (Correct answer)
- Score 1, as 'timepiece' is a correct, albeit uncommon, synonym.
- Ask the patient for a more common name for the object.
- Score 0.5 and note the unusual response in the margin.
Correct answer: Score 0, as the response is not 'watch' or 'wristwatch'.
According to standardized MMSE scoring guidelines, only 'watch' or 'wristwatch' are accepted as correct answers for this item. While 'timepiece' is technically correct, scoring must be strict to maintain standardization. Therefore, the response should be scored as 0.
Question 2: When administering the repetition task, the examiner asks the patient to repeat the phrase "No ifs, ands, or buts." The patient says, "No ifs, ands, or but." What is the correct score for this response?
- 1 point, as the omission of 's' is a minor articulation error.
- 1 point, but only if the examiner suspects a hearing impairment.
- 0 points, because the phrase was not repeated exactly. (Correct answer)
- 0.5 points, with a note explaining the specific error.
Correct answer: 0 points, because the phrase was not repeated exactly.
The repetition task requires the patient to repeat the phrase exactly as stated by the examiner. Any deviation, including omitting the 's' on 'buts', results in a score of 0. Only one trial is permitted.
Question 3: Which of the following is a critical procedural step for the examiner when administering the repetition task ("No ifs, ands, or buts")?
- Repeat the phrase multiple times if the patient asks.
- Speak very slowly to ensure the patient understands each word.
- Allow only one trial for the patient to repeat the phrase. (Correct answer)
- Give credit if the patient repeats the general meaning of the phrase.
Correct answer: Allow only one trial for the patient to repeat the phrase.
The standardized administration of the MMSE repetition task explicitly states that the examiner should allow only one trial for the patient to repeat the phrase. This ensures the task accurately assesses the patient's immediate auditory attention and processing.
Question 4: A patient with expressive aphasia is shown a pencil during the naming task. They are unable to say the word "pencil" but correctly demonstrate its use by pretending to write. How should the examiner score this action?
- Score 1 point because the patient clearly identified the object's function.
- Ask the patient to write the name of the object instead.
- Score 0 points because the task specifically requires verbal naming. (Correct answer)
- Score 0.5 points to credit the non-verbal identification.
Correct answer: Score 0 points because the task specifically requires verbal naming.
The naming task of the MMSE is a test of verbal language function. The patient must verbally name the object. While demonstrating its use shows recognition, it does not fulfill the requirements of the task, so it must be scored as 0.
Question 5: The language tasks of naming two objects and repeating a phrase primarily assess which cognitive domain?
- Executive function and problem-solving.
- Visuospatial ability and construction.
- Long-term memory and recall.
- Attention, comprehension, and expression. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Attention, comprehension, and expression.
Naming objects requires language expression (specifically, word-finding). Repeating a complex phrase tests attention and the ability to accurately reproduce spoken language. Together, these tasks fall under the broad cognitive domain of language, which includes attention, comprehension, and expression.
Question 6: During the MMSE, an examiner is preparing for the naming task. Which of the following pairs of items are the standard objects to be presented to the patient?
- A key and a coin
- A pen and a book
- A pencil and a watch (Correct answer)
- A cup and a spoon
Correct answer: A pencil and a watch
The standard protocol for the MMSE specifies showing the patient a pencil and a watch and asking them to name each item. Using these specific, common objects ensures standardization across all administrations of the test.
MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Language: Naming and Repetition Questions and Answers
During the MMSE naming task, an examiner shows the patient a standard wristwatch.
The patient responds, "It's a timepiece." How should this response be scored?