Final answer:
The screening tool combining a three-word recall test and clock drawing to assess for dementia is the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which are parts of a larger mental status exam.
Step-by-step explanation:
The screening tool used to assess for dementia, which consists of a three-word recall test and the drawing of a clock face, is known as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). During the three-word recall test, a patient is asked to remember and later recall three unrelated words, such as 'book,' 'clock,' and 'shovel'. The task of drawing a clock and setting a specific time assesses visual-spatial ability and planning, which can also be affected in dementia. Additional tests might include reciting the months of the year in reverse order, spelling common words backwards, or performing serial subtractions to further assess memory and cognitive function. These tasks are an integral part of a larger mental status exam which can provide quick and valuable information regarding a patient's cognitive abilities. Orientation to time, place, and personal identity also contribute to the assessment and help determine if further diagnostic processes are needed.