HESI RN
Mental Health HESI
1. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is undergoing behavioral therapy. Which outcome should the nurse recognize as an indication that the client is responding positively to therapy?
- A. The client reports increased frequency of obsessive thoughts.
- B. The client demonstrates a decrease in compulsive behaviors.
- C. The client expresses a desire to leave therapy early.
- D. The client avoids participating in exposure tasks.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A decrease in compulsive behaviors is a positive response to behavioral therapy for OCD. Behavioral therapy aims to reduce these behaviors and promote healthier coping mechanisms. Option A, reporting an increased frequency of obsessive thoughts, would indicate a lack of improvement or worsening of symptoms. Option C, expressing a desire to leave therapy early, suggests resistance or dissatisfaction with therapy. Option D, avoiding participation in exposure tasks, goes against the principles of exposure therapy, which is commonly used in OCD treatment to help clients confront their fears and reduce anxiety.
2. When changing the dressing for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who has self-inflicted lacerations on the abdomen, which approach should the RN use?
- A. Provide detailed and thorough explanations while cleansing the wound.
- B. Perform the dressing change in a non-judgmental manner.
- C. Ask why the client cut their own abdomen in a non-threatening manner.
- D. Request assistance from another staff member for the dressing change.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct approach for the RN when changing the dressing for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who has self-inflicted lacerations on the abdomen is to perform the dressing change in a non-judgmental manner. This approach helps maintain therapeutic rapport and respect for the client's situation. Choice A is incorrect because providing detailed and thorough explanations may not be as important as maintaining a non-judgmental attitude. Choice C is incorrect because asking why the client cut their own abdomen may come across as accusatory or threatening, which can be counterproductive in building trust. Choice D is incorrect because the RN should be equipped to handle the dressing change independently while ensuring a supportive and non-judgmental environment for the client.
3. The healthcare provider documents the mental status of a female client who has been hospitalized for several days by court order. The client states, “I don’t need to be here” and tells the healthcare provider that she believes that the television talks to her. The healthcare provider should document these assessment findings in which section of the mental status exam?
- A. Level of concentration
- B. Insight and judgment
- C. Remote memory
- D. Mood and affect
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Insight and judgment should be documented as these findings assess the client’s awareness of their need for treatment and understanding of their condition. In this scenario, the client’s statement of not needing to be hospitalized and belief that the television talks to her reflect her insight into her situation and judgment regarding reality. The other options are incorrect: Level of concentration refers to the ability to focus and maintain attention; Remote memory evaluates the recall of past events and information; Mood and affect assess emotional state and expression, which are not directly reflected in the client's statements about her need for hospitalization and belief about the television.
4. A client is agitated and physically aggressive. What action should the RN take first?
- A. Calmly inform the client that they will be placed in seclusion if they do not calm down.
- B. Discuss with the client the reasons for their agitation and aggression.
- C. Tell the client that physical aggression is not acceptable and must stop.
- D. Seek assistance from other staff members and follow the facility’s protocol.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In a situation where a client is agitated and physically aggressive, the priority for the RN is to ensure the safety of the client and others. Seeking assistance from other staff members is crucial as it allows for a prompt response to manage the situation effectively and according to the facility’s protocol. Choices A, B, and C do not address the immediate need for safety or involve the collaboration of other staff members, which is essential in handling aggressive behaviors in a healthcare setting.
5. 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.
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