HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health
1. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?
- A. Avoid foods high in potassium while taking this medication.
- B. Take your medication with food to prevent nausea.
- C. Be sure to maintain a consistent sodium intake.
- D. You can stop taking the medication once your symptoms improve.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Maintaining a consistent sodium intake is crucial for clients taking lithium because changes in sodium levels can impact lithium concentrations, potentially leading to toxicity. It is essential to avoid excessive sodium intake, as both low and high levels can affect lithium levels. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A high potassium diet is not a concern with lithium therapy. While taking lithium with food can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects, it is not the most important instruction. Finally, abruptly stopping lithium can lead to a recurrence of symptoms or a worsening of the condition, so it is vital to follow the prescribed regimen.
2. A young adult male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit because of a recent suicide attempt. His wife filed for divorce six months ago, he lost his job three months ago, and his best friend moved to another city two weeks ago. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?
- A. Encourage the client to interact with individuals who are recovering from depression.
- B. Allow the client time alone to sort out his feelings.
- C. Avoid discussing topics that upset the client.
- D. Encourage activities that allow the client to exert control over his environment.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Encouraging activities that allow the client to exert control over his environment can be therapeutic in cases of depression and stress. It helps improve the client's sense of agency, which is essential for promoting feelings of empowerment and self-worth. Choice A could potentially be overwhelming for the client, especially considering his recent suicide attempt and ongoing stressors. Choice B might not be the most beneficial intervention as isolation could further exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Choice C, avoiding discussing upsetting subjects, may prevent the client from addressing and processing his emotions, hindering therapeutic progress.
3. The LPN/LVN is caring for a client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to implement?
- A. Encourage the client to talk about the traumatic event.
- B. Assist the client in developing coping strategies.
- C. Refer the client to a PTSD support group.
- D. Administer prescribed medications to manage symptoms.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assisting the client in developing coping strategies is an appropriate intervention for managing PTSD. This approach helps the client build resilience and learn how to effectively cope with symptoms. Choice A, encouraging the client to talk about the traumatic event, may not be appropriate as it can potentially re-traumatize the client. Referring the client to a PTSD support group, as in choice C, can be beneficial but may not be the most immediate intervention. Administering medications, as in choice D, is important in some cases, but focusing on coping strategies should be prioritized as a holistic approach to managing PTSD.
4. Which action should the nurse implement during the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship?
- A. Identify new problem areas.
- B. Confront changes not completed.
- C. Explore the client's past in depth.
- D. Help summarize accomplishments.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship, it is essential for the nurse to help summarize accomplishments. This action provides closure by reflecting on the progress and goals achieved during treatment. It reinforces the positive aspects of the therapeutic relationship and helps the client acknowledge their growth and achievements. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Identifying new problem areas is not appropriate during termination, as the focus should be on closure. Confronting changes not completed may create tension and disrupt the positive closure process. Exploring the client's past in depth is more suitable for earlier stages of the therapeutic relationship, not during termination.
5. At a support meeting of parents of a teenager with polysubstance dependency, a parent states, 'Each time my son tries to quit taking drugs, he gets so depressed that I'm afraid he will commit suicide.' The nurse's response should be based on which information?
- A. Addiction is a chronic, incurable disease
- B. Tolerance to the effects of drugs causes feelings of depression
- C. Feelings of depression frequently lead to drug abuse and addiction
- D. Careful monitoring should be provided during withdrawal from the drugs
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The priority is to teach the parents that their son will need monitoring and support during withdrawal to ensure that he does not attempt suicide. Option A is incorrect because addiction can be managed and treated effectively with appropriate interventions. Option B is incorrect as tolerance to drugs causing depression is not the primary concern in this scenario. Option C is incorrect as while depression can be a risk factor for drug abuse, in this case, the focus is on the son's safety during withdrawal.
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