HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI 2023
1. 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?
- A. I noticed you were looking out the window when discussing your feelings.
- B. I think you're lying and it bothers you that your children aren't coming.
- C. I think you should discuss your children not coming in the group meeting.
- D. Why do you think your children didn't want to come visit you this weekend?
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.
2. 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.
3. A young adult male client, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, believes that the world is trying to poison him. What intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
- A. Remind the client that his suspicions are not true.
- B. Ask one nurse to spend time with the client daily.
- C. Encourage the client to participate in group activities.
- D. Assign the client to a room closest to the activity room.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A client with paranoid schizophrenia has difficulty with trust and developing a trusting relationship with one nurse (B) is likely to be therapeutic for this client. Choice (A) is argumentative and may increase the client's resistance. Choice (C) might be too overwhelming and anxiety-provoking for the client. Choice (D) could increase the client's stress and anxiety, which are counterproductive in managing paranoid ideations.
4. The occupational health nurse is working with a female employee who was just notified that her child was involved in a MVA and taken to the hospital. The employee states, 'I can't believe this. What should I do?' Which response is best for the nurse to provide in this crisis?
- A. Tell me what you think should happen.
- B. How serious was the collision?
- C. What do you think you should do?
- D. Call for transportation to the hospital.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Providing immediate practical support, such as arranging transportation to the hospital, is the best response in this crisis situation. It helps the employee to take immediate action and supports her in a highly stressful moment. Choice A focuses on the employee's thoughts rather than providing immediate aid. Choice B is not a priority as the severity can be addressed later. Choice C puts the decision-making burden on the employee at a time of distress, which is not ideal. Therefore, choice D is the most appropriate response in this situation.
5. During an annual physical by the occupational nurse working in a corporate clinic, a male employee tells the nurse that his high-stress job is causing trouble in his personal life. He further explains that he often gets so angry while driving to and from work that he has considered 'getting even' with other drivers. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Anger is contagious and could result in major confrontation.
- B. Try not to let your anger cause you to act impulsively.
- C. Expressing your anger to a stranger could result in an unsafe situation.
- D. It sounds as if you feel angry for no reason
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct responses are C and D. The nurse should acknowledge the employee's feelings of anger and suggest that expressing anger to strangers, like other drivers, could lead to unsafe situations. This response aims to prevent potential confrontations or harm. Choice A is incorrect as it doesn't address the specific situation of expressing anger while driving. Choice B is also incorrect as it is vague and doesn't provide practical advice to manage the anger effectively.
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