HESI RN
Quizlet Mental Health HESI
1. What should the nurse initially assess when a high school girl reveals engaging in self-induced vomiting as a weight-control measure?
- A. National percentile of weight and height.
- B. Frequency of bingeing and purging behaviors.
- C. Perceptions of family and social relationships.
- D. School grades and extracurricular activities.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is assessing the frequency of bingeing and purging behaviors. This assessment is crucial in understanding the severity of the eating disorder and developing an appropriate treatment plan. Options A, C, and D are not the initial priority when dealing with a student engaging in harmful behaviors related to eating disorders. While weight and height, family relationships, and academic performance are important aspects to consider, the immediate focus should be on evaluating the behaviors directly linked to the reported issue.
2. A male client with schizophrenia is admitted to the mental health unit after abruptly stopping his prescription for ziprasidone (Geodon) one month ago. Which question is most important for the nurse to ask the client?
- A. Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy?
- B. Has your ability to think or concentrate decreased?
- C. How many consecutive hours do you sleep at night?
- D. Do you hear sounds or voices that others do not hear?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Inquiring about hallucinations is crucial for assessing the return of psychotic symptoms due to discontinuation of antipsychotic medication. Hearing sounds or voices that others do not hear can indicate the presence of auditory hallucinations, a common symptom in schizophrenia. Choices A, B, and C are important aspects to assess in clients with schizophrenia, but in this scenario, the priority is to determine if the client is experiencing hallucinations, which can be a sign of worsening psychotic symptoms.
3. After surgery, a male client with antisocial personality disorder frequently requests a specific nurse be assigned to his care and becomes belligerent when another nurse is assigned. What action should the charge nurse implement?
- A. Reassure the client that his request will be met whenever possible.
- B. Advise the client that assignments are not based on client requests.
- C. Ask the client to explain why he constantly requests the nurse.
- D. Encourage the client to verbalize his feelings about the nurse.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the charge nurse is to advise the client that assignments are not based on client requests. Clients with antisocial personality disorder may attempt to manipulate situations to their advantage. By setting clear boundaries and explaining that assignments are not based on client preferences, the nurse helps prevent manipulation and maintains a professional approach to care. Reassuring the client about his requests (Choice A) may encourage the inappropriate behavior to continue. Asking the client to explain his requests (Choice C) may further fuel the manipulation by providing an opportunity for the client to justify his actions. Encouraging the client to verbalize feelings (Choice D) does not address the underlying issue of manipulating the assignment process and may inadvertently reinforce the behavior.
4. A male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for recurrent negative symptoms of chronic schizophrenia and medication adjustment of risperidone (Risperdal). When the client walks to the nurse’s station in a laterally contracted position, he states that something has made his body contort into a monster. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Medicate the client with the prescribed antipsychotic thioridazine (Mellaril).
- B. Offer the client a prescribed physical therapy hot pack for muscle spasms.
- C. Administer the prescribed anticholinergic benztropine (Cogentin) for dystonia.
- D. Direct the client to occupational therapy to distract him from somatic complaints.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client is experiencing a dystonic reaction due to dopamine depletion, which is a known side effect of Risperidone. Dystonia presents as abnormal muscle contractions and postures. The immediate management for this side effect is the administration of an anticholinergic medication like Benztropine (Cogentin). Choice A is incorrect as thioridazine is not the recommended medication for dystonic reactions. Choice B is incorrect as a hot pack would not effectively address the underlying cause of the dystonic reaction. Choice D is incorrect as occupational therapy is not the appropriate intervention for managing acute dystonia.
5. A female client engages in repeated checks of door and window locks, behavior that prevents her from arriving on time and interferes with her ability to function effectively. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Discuss why the client checks the locks frequently
- B. Ask the client why she checks the locks
- C. Plan a daily list of activities to be carried out
- D. Determine the type and size of the locks
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to ask the client why she checks the locks. By doing so, the nurse can help the client gain insight into the underlying anxiety that drives this behavior and assist her in developing new adaptive coping strategies. Choice A is not as effective as directly asking the client about her behavior. Choice C focuses on planning activities but does not address the root cause of the client's behavior. Choice D is irrelevant to addressing the client's repeated checking behavior.
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