HESI RN
Mental Health HESI Quizlet
1. During an annual physical at 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 a 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 there are many situations that make you feel angry.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is to encourage the client to manage their anger and avoid impulsive actions, as stated in choice B. This approach helps the individual recognize the potential consequences of acting on their anger impulsively. Choice A is not the best response because it focuses on the contagious nature of anger rather than addressing the individual's behavior. Choice C is incorrect as it only highlights the potential dangers of expressing anger to a stranger without providing guidance on managing the underlying issue. Choice D acknowledges the client's feelings but does not offer practical advice on how to address the anger and potential impulsive actions.
2. Which actions are likely to help promote the self-esteem of a male client with major depression?
- A. Ask the client about his long-term goals.
- B. Discuss the challenges of his medical condition.
- C. Include the client in determining treatment protocol.
- D. Encourage the client to engage in recreational therapy.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Including the client in determining the treatment protocol is the most suitable action to promote the self-esteem of a male client with major depression. This approach empowers the client, involves him in decision-making regarding his care, and fosters a sense of control and self-worth. Option A, asking about his long-term goals, may not directly address his immediate self-esteem needs related to his current condition. Option B, discussing the challenges of his medical condition, may inadvertently focus on negative aspects and potentially lower self-esteem. Option D, encouraging engagement in recreational therapy, is beneficial but may not directly address the client's sense of control and self-worth in decision-making related to his treatment.
3. A client with a history of bipolar disorder is stabilized on a mood stabilizer and has been prescribed lamotrigine (Lamictal). Which outcome indicates that the medication is effective?
- A. Decrease in manic episodes.
- B. Improvement in depressive symptoms.
- C. Reduction in anxiety symptoms.
- D. Increased sleep duration.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Improvement in depressive symptoms. Lamotrigine is commonly used as a mood stabilizer and is particularly effective in managing depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder. While it may also help with preventing manic episodes, its primary indication is for treating depressive symptoms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because lamotrigine is not specifically indicated for reducing manic episodes, anxiety symptoms, or increasing sleep duration in bipolar disorder.
4. Child protective services have removed 10-year-old Christopher from his parents' home due to neglect. Christopher reveals to the nurse that he considers the woman next door his 'nice' mom, that he loves school, and gets above-average grades. The strongest explanation of this response is:
- A. Temperament
- B. Genetic factors
- C. Resilience
- D. Paradoxical effects of neglect
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Resilience is the ability to adapt and cope with adverse situations. In this case, Christopher's positive outlook, love for school, and good academic performance despite experiencing neglect demonstrate resilience. Choice A, 'Temperament,' refers to an individual's natural behavioral style and would not fully explain Christopher's response. Genetic factors (Choice B) are not directly related to his ability to cope with neglect. Choice D, 'Paradoxical effects of neglect,' does not fit the situation as Christopher's positive response is more indicative of resilience than paradoxical effects.
5. A client who is admitted with a closed head injury after a fall has a blood alcohol level (BAL) of 0.28 (28%) and is difficult to arouse. Which intervention during the first 6 hours following admission should the nurse identify as the priority?
- A. Place in a side-lying position with head of bed elevated.
- B. Administer disulfiram (Antabuse) immediately
- C. Give lorazepam (Ativan) PRN for signs of withdrawal.
- D. Provide thiamine and folate supplements as prescribed.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Maintain the patient's airway is the priority for a client who is intoxicated and obtunded.
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