HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, manic phase. Which activity is most appropriate for the LPN/LVN to suggest to the client?
- A. Playing a game of basketball with other clients.
- B. Taking a walk with the nurse in the garden.
- C. Working on a puzzle in a quiet room.
- D. Writing in a journal.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, individuals may experience heightened levels of energy and agitation. Engaging in activities that are overly stimulating, such as playing basketball with others (choice A) or taking a walk in a garden (choice B), can exacerbate these symptoms. Writing in a journal (choice D) may also be too stimulating and may not provide the necessary distraction. Working on a puzzle in a quiet room (choice C) can offer a calming and focused activity that helps reduce anxiety and channel excess energy into a structured task, making it the most appropriate choice for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder.
2. A male client with schizophrenia tells the nurse that the FBI is monitoring his phone calls. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Let's talk about your feelings of being monitored.
- B. There is no evidence that the FBI is monitoring your calls.
- C. Why do you think the FBI is interested in your phone calls?
- D. I can assure you that your phone calls are not being monitored.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is to choose A: 'Let's talk about your feelings of being monitored.' This response shows empathy and encourages the client to express his feelings. Engaging the client in a discussion about his feelings can help address underlying fears without directly challenging the delusion. Choice B is incorrect because directly denying the delusion may lead to increased distrust or agitation in the client. Choice C may come across as confrontational, which can exacerbate the client's paranoia. Choice D offers a false sense of assurance and does not address the client's concerns effectively.
3. When caring for a client with borderline personality disorder, what is the most effective nursing intervention?
- A. Set clear and consistent boundaries for the client.
- B. Allow the client to vent their feelings without interruption.
- C. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy.
- D. Provide the client with frequent reassurance and support.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Setting clear and consistent boundaries is essential when caring for a client with borderline personality disorder. This intervention helps provide structure, maintain a therapeutic relationship, and prevent manipulative behaviors. Allowing the client to vent feelings without interruption (Choice B) may not address the underlying issues effectively. Encouraging participation in group therapy (Choice C) can be beneficial but setting boundaries is more crucial. Providing frequent reassurance and support (Choice D) may inadvertently reinforce maladaptive behaviors instead of promoting growth and independence.
4. Which diet selection by a client who is depressed and taking the MAO inhibitor tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate) indicates to the nurse that the client understands the dietary restrictions imposed by this medication regimen?
- A. Hamburger, French fries, and chocolate milkshake.
- B. Liver and onions, broccoli, and decaffeinated coffee.
- C. Pepperoni and cheese pizza, tossed salad, and a soft drink.
- D. Roast beef, baked potato with butter, and iced tea.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Roast beef, baked potato with butter, and iced tea are safe choices as they do not contain tyramine, which must be avoided with MAO inhibitors like Parnate. Tyramine-rich foods like aged cheeses, certain meats, and fermented products can cause a hypertensive crisis when combined with MAO inhibitors. Choices A, B, and C contain foods high in tyramine and are not recommended for individuals taking MAO inhibitors.
5. The nurse is planning the care for a 32-year-old male client with acute depression. Which nursing intervention would be best in helping this client deal with his depression?
- A. Ensure that the client's day is filled with group activities.
- B. Assist the client in exploring feelings of shame, anger, and guilt.
- C. Allow the client to initiate and determine activities of daily living.
- D. Encourage the client to explore the rationale for his depression.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assisting the client in exploring feelings of shame, anger, and guilt (B) is the most appropriate intervention for acute depression as it helps address core emotions that may be contributing to the condition. Focusing on these emotions can aid the client in processing and coping with their feelings. Ensuring that the client's day is filled with group activities (A) might overwhelm the client, as they may not be ready for social interactions during this sensitive time. Allowing the client to initiate and determine activities of daily living (C) is more suitable for chronic cases where the client needs to regain autonomy. Encouraging the client to explore the rationale for his depression (D) is less effective in acute cases, as the focus should be on immediate emotional support and understanding rather than cognitive analysis.
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