HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. The nurse is planning care for a 32-year-old male client diagnosed with HIV infection who has a history of chronic depression. Recently, the client's viral load has begun to increase rather than decrease despite his adherence to the HIV drug regimen. What should the nurse do first while taking the client's history upon admission to the hospital?
- A. Determine if the client attends a support group weekly.
- B. Hold all antidepressant medications until further notice.
- C. Ask the client if he takes St. John's Wort routinely.
- D. Have the client describe any recent changes in mood.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's top priority upon admission is to determine if the client has been taking St. John's Wort, an herbal preparation often used for depression. St. John's Wort can interact adversely with medications used to treat HIV infection, potentially explaining the rise in the viral load (C). Asking about attending support groups (A) or recent changes in mood (D) may provide valuable information about the client's depression but is not as critical as determining St. John's Wort use. Holding antidepressant medications (B) without assessing for potential interactions can be harmful to the client.
2. The client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being educated about lifestyle changes. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will reduce my salt intake.
- B. I will exercise for 30 minutes most days of the week.
- C. I will drink alcohol only on the weekends.
- D. I will monitor my blood pressure regularly.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Clients with COPD should limit alcohol intake, not just to weekends, to effectively manage their condition. Excessive alcohol consumption can worsen respiratory symptoms and interfere with medications. Choices A, B, and D are all appropriate and beneficial for clients with COPD. Salt intake reduction helps in managing fluid retention and blood pressure. Regular exercise improves lung function and overall health. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial for individuals with COPD as hypertension is a common comorbidity.
3. A client with an exacerbation of asthma is prescribed albuterol. The nurse should assess the client for which common side effect of this medication?
- A. Tremors
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Insomnia
- D. Dry mouth
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tremors. Albuterol, a beta-agonist medication commonly used to treat asthma exacerbations, can lead to tremors as a side effect. Tremors result from the stimulation of beta-2 receptors in muscles, particularly in the hands. Nausea and vomiting (Choice B) are generally not common side effects of albuterol. Insomnia (Choice C) is less likely to occur with albuterol, as it is a stimulant and can cause alertness rather than sleep disturbances. Dry mouth (Choice D) is not a typical side effect associated with albuterol use.
4. .A nurse is caring for an infant whose vomiting is intractable. For what complication is it most important for the nurse to assess?
- A. Acidosis
- B. Alkalosis
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Intractable vomiting can lead to alkalosis due to loss of stomach acids.
5. A client with hypertension is prescribed a low-sodium diet. Which food should the client avoid?
- A. Fresh fruits
- B. Processed cheese
- C. Whole grain bread
- D. Fresh vegetables
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Processed cheese. Processed cheese is high in sodium and should be avoided in a low-sodium diet for clients with hypertension. Fresh fruits, whole grain bread, and fresh vegetables are generally low in sodium and can be part of a healthy diet for clients with hypertension.