HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Practice Questions
1. On admission assessment, the nurse is obtaining subjective data about a client's sexual and reproductive status. The client states, 'I don't want to discuss this; it's private and personal.' Which response by the LVN/LPN is the most therapeutic?
- A. I'd hate being asked these sorts of questions too, but it's a necessary part of providing you with the best care.
- B. This is difficult for you to speak about, but I need this information from you in order to perform a complete assessment.
- C. I am a professional registered nurse, and, as such, I'll have you know that all your information is certainly kept confidential.
- D. I know that some of these questions are difficult for you, but, as a professional nurse, I am obligated to respect your confidentiality.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is D. Respecting the client's privacy while acknowledging the difficulty of the situation and explaining the professional obligation to maintain confidentiality is the most therapeutic approach. This response shows empathy, understanding, and a commitment to confidentiality, which can help build trust and encourage the client to open up. Choices A, B, and C do not effectively address the client's concerns or emphasize the importance of confidentiality in a sensitive manner, making them less therapeutic responses in this situation.
2. A client states that she hears God's voice telling her that she has sinned and needs to punish herself. Which response by the LPN/LVN is most important?
- A. How do you think you will be punished?
- B. Please tell staff when you think you need to punish yourself.
- C. What exactly do you think you have done to be punished?
- D. Let's talk about your strengths
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most important response by the LPN/LVN is to encourage the client to communicate with staff when they feel the need to punish themselves. This approach can help assess the risk of self-harm and enable appropriate intervention. Choice A focuses more on the method of punishment rather than encouraging help-seeking behavior. Choice C seeks specific details about the perceived wrongdoing rather than addressing the immediate concern of self-punishment. Choice D, discussing strengths, does not directly address the client's current distress and potential self-harm risk.
3. An elderly female client with advanced dementia is admitted to the hospital with a fractured hip. The client repeatedly tells the staff, 'Take me home. I want my Mommy.' Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
- A. Orient the client to the time, place, and person.
- B. Tell the client that the nurse is there and will help her.
- C. Remind the client that her mother is no longer living.
- D. Explain the seriousness of her injury and need for hospitalization.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Those with dementia often refer to home or parents when seeking security and comfort. The nurse should use the techniques of 'offering self' and 'talking to the feelings' to provide reassurance (B). Clients with advanced dementia have permanent physiological changes in the brain (plaques and tangles) that prevent them from comprehending and retaining new information, so choices A, C, and D are likely to be of little use to this client and do not address the emotional needs expressed by the client. Option B acknowledges the client's feelings, offers support, and provides reassurance, which can help comfort the client during this distressing time.
4. A client with bipolar disorder is being discharged with a prescription for lithium. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?
- A. Avoid foods high in sodium.
- B. Drink plenty of fluids, especially during hot weather.
- C. Take your medication with food.
- D. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to drink plenty of fluids, especially during hot weather. Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for clients taking lithium as dehydration can lead to lithium toxicity. Choice A is incorrect because while it is important to monitor sodium intake, staying hydrated is more critical. Choice C is incorrect as lithium is usually recommended to be taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Choice D is also important but not the most crucial instruction compared to ensuring proper hydration.
5. The community health nurse talks to a male client who has bipolar disorder. The client explains that he sleeps 4 to 5 hours a night and is working with his partner to start two new businesses and build an empire. The client stopped taking his medications several days ago. What nursing problem has the highest priority?
- A. Excessive work activity.
- B. Decreased need for sleep.
- C. Medication management.
- D. Inflated self-esteem.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most important nursing problem is medication management (C) because compliance with the medication regimen will help prevent hospitalization. The client is also exhibiting signs of mania, such as excessive work activity (A), decreased need for sleep (B), and inflated self-esteem (D); however, these problems do not have the priority of medication management. Managing the medications is crucial to stabilize the client's condition and prevent potential harm associated with untreated bipolar disorder.
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