HESI RN
Mental Health HESI
1. A client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) engages in repetitive hand washing that lasts for several hours. Which strategy should the nurse use to manage this behavior?
- A. Encourage the client to continue the behavior to alleviate anxiety.
- B. Establish a routine schedule for hand washing.
- C. Gradually reduce the amount of time spent on the behavior.
- D. Ignore the behavior as much as possible.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it's crucial to gradually reduce the compulsive behavior to help the client learn to manage anxiety in a structured manner. Encouraging the client to continue the behavior (Choice A) would reinforce the cycle of compulsions. While establishing a routine schedule (Choice B) may provide some structure, it doesn't address the core issue of excessive hand washing. Ignoring the behavior (Choice D) may lead to worsening symptoms and does not help the client in managing their OCD effectively.
2. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What symptom indicates that the dosage may need adjustment?
- A. Increased appetite and weight gain.
- B. Increased sensitivity to cold and dry skin.
- C. Increased heart palpitations and sweating.
- D. Increased shortness of breath and rapid heart rate.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Increased sensitivity to cold and dry skin may indicate that the dosage of levothyroxine is too low, requiring adjustment. This symptom is typical of hypothyroidism when the body's metabolism slows down, leading to feeling cold and having dry skin. Choices A, C, and D present symptoms more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the body is in a state of overactivity, leading to weight loss, increased heart rate, and sweating. Therefore, these symptoms would not indicate the need for dosage adjustment in a client with hypothyroidism.
3. The nurse is assessing a 1-year-old child with bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Wheezing heard on expiration
- B. Oxygen saturation of 90%
- C. Respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute
- D. Nasal flaring with sternal retractions
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Nasal flaring with sternal retractions indicates severe respiratory distress in a 1-year-old with bronchiolitis, requiring immediate intervention. Nasal flaring and sternal retractions are signs of increased work of breathing and decreased air movement, indicating the child is struggling to breathe. Wheezing on expiration (Choice A) is common in bronchiolitis but may not require immediate intervention. An oxygen saturation of 90% (Choice B) is low but may not be the most critical finding in this case. A respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute (Choice C) is elevated but alone may not indicate the need for immediate intervention as much as nasal flaring and sternal retractions.
4. Which factors tend to increase the difficulty of diagnosing young children who demonstrate behaviors associated with mental illness? Select all that apply.
- A. Limited language skills
- B. Level of cognitive development
- C. Level of emotional development
- D. Parental denial that a problem exists
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Level of cognitive development. The level of cognitive development is a crucial factor that can complicate the diagnosis of mental illness in young children. Young children may not have fully developed cognitive abilities to express their symptoms or understand diagnostic procedures, making it challenging for healthcare providers to assess their mental health accurately. Limited language skills (choice A) can hinder communication but are not as significant as cognitive development in diagnosing mental illness. Emotional development (choice C) is important but may not be as directly linked to the diagnostic challenges as cognitive development. Parental denial (choice D), although a potential barrier, is not a factor inherent to the child's characteristics affecting the diagnostic process.
5. A 66-year-old woman is retiring and will no longer have health insurance through her place of employment. Which agency should the client be referred to by the employee health nurse for health insurance needs?
- A. Woman, Infants, and Children program
- B. Medicaid
- C. Medicare
- D. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act provision
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Medicare. Title XVII of the Social Security Act of 1965 created the Medicare Program to provide medical insurance for individuals who are 65 years or older, disabled, or have permanent kidney failure. Medicare is the appropriate agency to refer a 66-year-old woman who is retiring and losing her employment-based health insurance. Choice A, the Woman, Infants, and Children program, is not suitable for this scenario as it provides assistance for low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and young children. Choice B, Medicaid, is a program that helps individuals with low income and resources cover medical costs, which may not be applicable to this woman's situation. Choice D, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act provision, known as COBRA, allows employees to continue their group health insurance coverage after leaving their job but may not be the best option for this woman in this case.