MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Following a 3-Stage Command Questions and Answers

Question 1

An examiner administers the 3-stage command to a patient. The patient takes the paper in their LEFT hand, folds it in half correctly, and places it on the floor. How many points should be awarded?

Accepted Answer

2 points

Answer

One point is awarded for each correctly performed part of the command. The patient correctly 'folded it in half' (1 point) and 'put it on the floor' (1 point). However, the first part, 'take the paper in your right hand,' was performed incorrectly because the left hand was used. Therefore, the total score is 2.

Question 2

Which of the following describes the correct procedure for an examiner administering the 3-stage command?

Accepted Answer

Give the entire command once, without repeating or providing non-verbal cues.

Answer

The standard protocol for the 3-stage command requires the examiner to state the complete instruction only once. This is to assess the patient's ability to comprehend, retain, and execute a multi-step instruction without assistance or prompting. Repeating, demonstrating, or breaking up the command invalidates the assessment of this specific cognitive function.

Question 3

A patient is given the 3-stage command. They take the paper in their right hand, but then immediately hand it back to the examiner. What score should be recorded?

Accepted Answer

1 point

Answer

The patient successfully completed only the first part of the three-part command: 'Take the paper in your right hand.' They did not proceed to fold the paper or put it on the floor. Therefore, they earn exactly one point for the single completed action.

Question 4

The 3-stage command task primarily assesses which of the following cognitive functions?

Accepted Answer

Language comprehension and praxis

Answer

This task requires the patient to first understand the verbal instructions (language comprehension) and then plan and execute the sequence of physical actions (praxis). It is a measure of the ability to translate auditory information into a correct motor response.

Question 5

What is the maximum score a patient can achieve on the 'Following a 3-Stage Command' section of the MMSE?

Accepted Answer

3 points

Answer

The command consists of three distinct actions. A point is awarded for each action the patient correctly performs, leading to a maximum possible score of 3.

MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Practice Test

MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Practice Test

MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Following a 3-Stage Command Questions and Answers