During the administration of a Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE), the healthcare provider asks the patient to copy a simple geometric shape. This part of the exam tests which of the following mental functions?

The MMSE screens for cognitive loss by testing the patient's orientation, attention, calculation, comprehension, recall, language, and motor skills. The healthcare provider will observe how well the patient copies the shape. Copying the shape successfully demonstrates visual comprehension and the ability to plan and execute coordinated movement (praxis). THE MMSE is used to screen for dementia.