HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. An older female adult who lives in a nursing home is loudly demanding that the nurse call her son who has been deceased for five years. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Assist the client in making the phone call.
- B. Remind the client about her son's passing.
- C. Escort the client to a private area.
- D. Direct the client to a new activity.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this situation, the most appropriate intervention is to direct the client to a new activity. This approach can help redirect the client's attention, distract her from the distressing request, and engage her in a more positive interaction. Choice A could exacerbate the client's distress by attempting to make the impossible call, and reminding the client about her son's passing (Choice B) may increase her emotional distress. Escorting the client to a private area (Choice C) does not address the underlying issue and may not effectively manage the situation.
2. A client with schizophrenia is admitted to the psychiatric care unit for aggressive behavior, auditory hallucinations, and potential for self-harm. The client has not been taking medications as prescribed and insists that the food has been poisoned and refuses to eat. What intervention should the RN implement?
- A. Assure the client that all food served in the hospital is safe to eat.
- B. Tell the client that irrational thinking is a symptom of schizophrenia.
- C. Obtain an order for a tube feeding for the client.
- D. Provide the client with food in unopened containers.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct intervention is to provide the client with food in unopened containers. This approach can help alleviate the client's fear of poisoning and encourage eating. Choice A may not address the client's specific fear and may be perceived as dismissive. Choice B, while providing information about symptoms of schizophrenia, does not address the immediate issue of the client's refusal to eat due to the fear of poisoning. Choice C of obtaining an order for tube feeding is premature and invasive before exploring less restrictive options.
3. A nurse working in a psychiatric unit is assessing a client who appears to be responding to internal stimuli. The client is laughing and talking to himself. What is the nurse's best initial response?
- A. Approach the client and ask if he is hearing voices.
- B. Ignore the behavior as it is common in psychiatric settings.
- C. Encourage the client to express his thoughts verbally.
- D. Observe the client's behavior from a distance.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Approaching the client and asking if he is hearing voices is the best initial response by the nurse. This action can help assess the situation and determine if the client is experiencing hallucinations that may require immediate intervention. Choice B is incorrect because ignoring the behavior could lead to missing important signs of distress or potential risks. Choice C may not address the immediate concern of assessing for hallucinations. Choice D is also not ideal as observing from a distance may not provide the necessary information for immediate assessment and intervention.
4. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) repeatedly washes her hands throughout the day. What is the most therapeutic nursing intervention?
- A. Allow the client to continue the behavior to reduce anxiety.
- B. Encourage the client to talk about the underlying fears.
- C. Restrict the client's access to soap and water.
- D. Schedule a time for the client to perform the ritual.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the client to talk about the underlying fears is the most therapeutic nursing intervention for a client with OCD who repeatedly washes her hands. By discussing the fears, the client can gain insight into the behavior and work towards reducing the compulsion. Choice A is incorrect as allowing the client to continue the behavior can perpetuate the OCD symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as restricting access to soap and water can lead to increased anxiety and distress. Choice D is incorrect as scheduling a time for the client to perform the ritual does not address the underlying fears driving the behavior.
5. A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone (BuSpar). The nurse should include which information in the client's discharge teaching?
- A. This medication can cause physical dependence.
- B. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before you notice improvement.
- C. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- D. You may experience sedation as a side effect.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Buspirone takes time to become fully effective, so the client should be informed to expect a gradual improvement in anxiety symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because buspirone is not associated with physical dependence. Choice C is not directly related to buspirone but is generally a good practice when taking any medication. Choice D is less common with buspirone compared to other anxiety medications.
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