HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Practice Exam
1. Which interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care for a severely depressed client with neurovegetative symptoms? (select one that does not apply.)
- A. Permit rest periods as needed.
- B. Speaking slowly and simply.
- C. Place the client on suicide precautions.
- D. Allow the client extra time to complete tasks.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Place the client on suicide precautions.' When caring for a severely depressed client with neurovegetative symptoms, it is crucial to permit rest periods as needed, speak slowly and simply, and allow the client extra time to complete tasks. These interventions help in promoting the client's comfort and well-being. Placing the client on suicide precautions may not always be necessary and should be based on a thorough assessment of the client's risk of self-harm. Therefore, it is the intervention that does not universally apply to all clients in this situation.
2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Encourage the client to ignore the voices.
- B. Ask the client what the voices are saying.
- C. Distract the client with a new activity.
- D. Tell the client that the voices are not real.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Asking the client what the voices are saying is the most appropriate intervention as it helps the nurse assess the content of the hallucinations and the potential risk they may pose. Encouraging the client to ignore the voices (Choice A) may not address the underlying issue or provide valuable information for the nurse. Distracting the client with a new activity (Choice C) may temporarily divert attention but does not address the hallucinations. Telling the client that the voices are not real (Choice D) may invalidate the client's experience and can lead to distrust in the therapeutic relationship.
3. An adolescent who attempted suicide with a drug overdose arrives in the emergency department with an empty 30-tablet bottle of acetaminophen (Tylenol). Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Administer acetylcysteine (Mucomyst).
- B. Monitor cardiac rhythm for flat T waves.
- C. Check both serum AST and ALT levels.
- D. Prepare to administer Syrup of Ipecac.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement is to administer acetylcysteine (Mucomyst). Acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose and should be administered promptly to prevent liver damage. Monitoring cardiac rhythm for flat T waves (Choice B) is not specific to acetaminophen overdose and is more related to cardiac conditions. Checking serum AST and ALT levels (Choice C) may be done later but is not the initial priority in this situation. Similarly, preparing to administer Syrup of Ipecac (Choice D) is not recommended anymore in cases of overdose as it can cause more harm.
4. A client is being successfully treated with clozapine (Clozaril). Which of the following statements by the client reflects a need for further teaching about managing the drug's adverse effects?
- A. If I eat too many fruits, I'll get constipated.
- B. I need to take the medicine with food to avoid nausea.
- C. I have to get up slowly so I don't get dizzy.
- D. Sometimes I have to push myself because I'm sleepy.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Choice A reflects a need for further teaching as the client mistakenly believes that eating too many fruits causes constipation, showing a misunderstanding about dietary fiber's role in preventing constipation. Choices B, C, and D demonstrate accurate understanding of managing clozapine's adverse effects, such as taking it with food to avoid nausea, getting up slowly to prevent dizziness, and pushing oneself when feeling sleepy.
5. A female client with borderline personality disorder expresses fear of being abandoned by the nursing staff. What is the best nursing intervention?
- A. Reassure the client that she will not be abandoned.
- B. Set limits on the client's behavior and enforce them consistently.
- C. Encourage the client to talk about her fears.
- D. Rotate the nursing staff assigned to the client frequently.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The best nursing intervention for a client with borderline personality disorder expressing fear of abandonment is to set limits on the client's behavior and enforce them consistently. This approach helps establish boundaries and provides a sense of security for the client. Choice A may provide temporary reassurance but does not address the core issue or help the client develop coping strategies. Choice C is important but should be accompanied by setting limits to address the underlying fear of abandonment. Choice D of rotating staff frequently can exacerbate the client's fear of abandonment by reinforcing the idea of being left.
Similar Questions

Access More Features
HESI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
HESI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $149.99