Final answer:
When a resident completes the BIMS successfully, a formal mental status exam may not be immediately necessary. Physical symptoms like sensory deficits, however, do require further medical evaluation to diagnose potential neurological issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the answer to the question, should whether the staff assessment for mental status be conducted is no after the resident can complete the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS), the formal mental status exam is deemed unnecessary at that moment. The resident has demonstrated enough cognitive function to not require a formal assessment. However, the patient's physical neurological symptoms, such as reporting pins and needles and trouble sensing touch with a pen, suggest a sensory system issue that warrants further medical investigation, possibly an issue between the spinal cord and brain. The medical team's next steps could include a CT scan to rule out serious conditions like a possible embolus. The patient is also put on aspirin therapy to reduce the risk of blood clot formation.