a young adult female client is admitted to a psychiatric facility with a medical diagnosis of bulimia nervosa which nursing intervention has the highe
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

HESI Mental Health Practice Exam

1. A young adult female client is admitted to a psychiatric facility with a medical diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Assessing and reporting the client's electrolyte status to the healthcare provider is the highest priority in a client with bulimia nervosa. Electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis, are common due to purging behaviors associated with bulimia. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while therapy and monitoring for binging activities are important, addressing the electrolyte imbalances caused by purging behaviors takes precedence in the immediate care of a client with bulimia nervosa.

2. A client with schizophrenia is being discharged with a prescription for risperidone (Risperdal). What is the most important instruction for the nurse to provide?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Report any unusual muscle movements immediately." Unusual muscle movements may indicate extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) or tardive dyskinesia, which are serious side effects of antipsychotic medications like risperidone. It is crucial to address these symptoms promptly to prevent long-term effects. Choice A is incorrect because stopping the medication suddenly can be dangerous and should only be done under medical supervision. Choice B, while important, is not the most critical instruction in this scenario. Choice D is also incorrect as the ability to drive may be affected by the medication and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

3. The nurse asks a female client with borderline personality disorder, 'How do you feel about your children not coming to visit this weekend?' The client looks out the window and replies, 'I really don't care.' Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Acknowledging the client's non-verbal behavior, such as looking out the window, demonstrates active listening and provides the client with an opportunity to explore their feelings further. Choice B is incorrect as it accuses the client of lying without any evidence, which can damage the therapeutic relationship. Choice C is inappropriate as it dismisses the client's feelings and suggests a group discussion without addressing the client's emotions directly. Choice D is also incorrect as it focuses on the children's actions rather than the client's feelings, missing an opportunity for therapeutic communication.

4. 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?

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.

5. A client with depression is prescribed an SSRI. The client asks, 'Why do I need to take this medication every day?' What is the best response by the nurse?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Explaining that the medication may take several weeks to take full effect helps manage the client's expectations and encourages adherence to the prescribed treatment.

Similar Questions

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