HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. The nurse suspects child abuse when assessing a 3-year-old boy and noticing several small, round burns on his legs and trunk that might be the result of cigarette burns. Which parental behavior provides the greatest validation for such suspicions?
- A. The parents' explanation of how the burns occurred is different from the child's explanation of how they occurred.
- B. The parents seem to dismiss the severity of the child's burns, saying they are very small and have not posed any problem.
- C. The parents become very anxious when the nurse suggests that the child may need to be admitted for further evaluation.
- D. The parents tell the nurse that the child was burned in a house fire which is incompatible with the nurse's observation of the type of burn.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: (D) provides the most validation for suspecting child abuse. The parent's explanation (subjective data) that the child was burned in a house fire is incompatible with the objective data observed by the nurse (small, round burns on the legs and trunk). (A) relies on subjective data, and the child's explanation might not accurately reflect the situation due to various factors like age or fear. The apparent lack of concern from the parents (B) is inconclusive as the nurse's interpretation of their reaction could be subjective. While parental anxiety (C) could hint at potential child abuse, it's important to note that most parents would naturally be anxious about their child's hospitalization, making it a less definitive indicator compared to the inconsistency in the explanation provided by the parents in option (D).
2. A client with an eating disorder is planning to attend group meetings with Overeaters Anonymous. The LPN/LVN describes this group to the client, knowing that which finding(s) are characteristic of this form of self-help group? Select one that does not apply.
- A. A common goal is shared by all members
- B. Members are required to remain anonymous
- C. The leader is a professional mental health care provider
- D. Attendance must be prescribed by the health care provider
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Overeaters Anonymous is a self-help group characterized by shared goals among members to address eating disorders. This provides a supportive environment for personal change and growth. Choice B is incorrect as members are not required to remain anonymous in Overeaters Anonymous. Choice C is incorrect as the leader in such self-help groups is usually a member who has experienced similar issues, not necessarily a professional mental health care provider. Choice D is incorrect as attendance at Overeaters Anonymous meetings is voluntary and not prescribed by a healthcare provider.
3. A female client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is describing her obsessions and compulsions and asks the nurse why these make her feel safer. What information should the nurse include in this client's teaching plan? (select one that does not apply.)
- A. Compulsions relieve anxiety
- B. Anxiety is the key reason for OCD
- C. Obsessions cause compulsions
- D. Obsessive thoughts are linked to levels of neurochemicals
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Obsessions do not cause compulsions; rather, obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because compulsions are behaviors or mental acts aimed at reducing distress or preventing a dreaded event or situation. Choice B is incorrect because while anxiety is often a significant component of OCD, it is not the only reason for the disorder. Choice D is incorrect because obsessive thoughts are not solely linked to levels of neurochemicals but are more complex and multifactorial.
4. Unresolved feelings related to loss are most likely to be recognized during which phase of the therapeutic nurse-client relationship?
- A. Working
- B. Trusting
- C. Orientation
- D. Termination
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Unresolved feelings related to loss are often recognized and explored during the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship. This phase involves preparing the client for separation from the nurse, which can trigger unresolved feelings related to loss. During the termination phase, clients may confront their emotions about ending the therapeutic relationship and may also revisit unresolved issues or losses that have surfaced during the course of therapy. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the working phase focuses on active problem-solving and goal achievement, the trusting phase emphasizes establishing rapport and building trust, and the orientation phase involves initial introductions and orientation to the therapeutic process, respectively.
5. A female client with severe depression who has been on antidepressants for two weeks suddenly becomes more energetic and talkative. What action should the RN take first?
- A. Encourage the client to participate in group activities.
- B. Monitor the client closely for signs of suicidal behavior.
- C. Praise the client for the apparent improvement.
- D. Discuss the client's progress with the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A sudden increase in energy and talkativeness in a client with severe depression who has been on antidepressants for a short period may indicate an increased risk of suicide due to the potential shift from profound sadness to motivation to act. The first action the RN should take is to monitor the client closely for signs of suicidal behavior. Encouraging participation in group activities or praising the client for the apparent improvement may overlook the potential risk of suicidal behavior. While discussing the client's progress with the healthcare provider is important, the immediate concern is to ensure the client's safety by closely monitoring for any signs of suicidal ideation or behavior.
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