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HESI Mental Health
1. A male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a medical diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. During the admission procedure, the client looks up and states, 'No, it's not MY fault. You can't blame me. I didn't kill him, you did.' What action is best for the nurse to take?
- A. Reassure the client by telling him that his fear of the admission procedure is to be expected.
- B. Tell the client that no one is accusing him of murder and remind him that the hospital is a safe place.
- C. Assess the content of the hallucinations by asking the client what he is hearing.
- D. Ignore the behavior and make no response at all to his delusional statements.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to assess the content of the hallucinations by asking the client what he is hearing (C). Further assessment is needed to understand the nature of the client's delusions and hallucinations. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on reassuring the client about his fear, which is not addressing the underlying issue of the delusional statement. Choice B is incorrect as it argues with the client's delusion and offers false reassurance, which is not therapeutic. Choice D is incorrect as ignoring the behavior and making no response disregards the client's needs for assessment and support.
2. A client with borderline personality disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. The client frequently expresses feelings of emptiness and fears of abandonment. What is the most therapeutic nursing approach for this client?
- A. Encourage the client to participate in all group activities.
- B. Set clear and consistent boundaries while providing empathy.
- C. Reassure the client that the staff will not abandon them.
- D. Explore the client's past relationships in depth.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic nursing approach for a client with borderline personality disorder, who frequently expresses feelings of emptiness and fears of abandonment, is to set clear and consistent boundaries while providing empathy. This approach helps manage the client's fear of abandonment and feelings of emptiness, which are common in borderline personality disorder. Option A may overwhelm the client in a group setting without addressing their specific needs. Option C, while well-intentioned, may not fully address the underlying issues and may create dependency. Option D delves into the client's past relationships, which may be inappropriate and trigger emotional distress in a vulnerable client.
3. A client is admitted to the mental health unit and reports taking extra anti-anxiety medication because, 'I'm so stressed out. I just wanted to go to sleep.' The nurse should plan one-on-one observation of the client based on which statement?
- A. What should I do? Nothing seems to help.
- B. I have been so tired lately and needed to sleep.
- C. I really think that I don't need to be here.
- D. I don't want to talk. Nothing matters anymore.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because expressing feelings of hopelessness or nihilism can be indicators of a deeper, possibly dangerous level of depression. Choice A is incorrect as it indicates seeking help, Choice B suggests fatigue, and Choice C implies denial of needing help, none of which directly signify severe depression warranting one-on-one observation.
4. A male client with delirium becomes disoriented and confused in his room at night. The best initial nursing intervention is to:
- A. Move the client next to the nurse's station
- B. Use an indirect light source and turn off the television
- C. Keep the television and a soft light on during the night
- D. Play soft music during the night, and maintain a well-lit room
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The best initial nursing intervention for a male client with delirium who becomes disoriented and confused in his room at night is to use an indirect light source and turn off the television. This approach helps to reduce stimulation and confusion, aiding in the client's orientation and comfort. Moving the client next to the nurse's station (Choice A) may not address the root cause of disorientation and could disrupt the client's routine. Keeping the television and a soft light on (Choice C) may further contribute to the client's confusion. Playing soft music and maintaining a well-lit room (Choice D) may not be as effective in reducing stimulation and promoting orientation as using an indirect light source and turning off the television.
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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