a client who has been admitted to the psychiatric unit tells the nurse my problems are so bad that no one can help me which response is best for the n
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

HESI Mental Health Practice Exam

1. A client who has been admitted to the psychiatric unit tells the nurse, 'My problems are so bad that no one can help me.' Which response is best for the nurse to make?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Offering self shows empathy and caring (A) and is the best choice provided. (B) dismisses the client's feelings and reality. (C) avoids addressing the client's concerns directly and may come across as invalidating. Although (D) starts with acknowledging the client's feelings, the second part about things getting better soon can be perceived as offering false reassurance, which is not recommended in therapeutic communication.

2. The wife of a male client recently diagnosed with schizophrenia asks the nurse, 'What exactly is schizophrenia? Is my husband all right?' Which response is best for the nurse to provide to this family member?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best response for the nurse to provide to the wife of the client diagnosed with schizophrenia is to offer factual information. Choice B is the correct answer as it explains that schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes disorganized thinking. This response provides a simple and accurate explanation of the condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the wife's question about what schizophrenia is. Choice A focuses on emotional support rather than providing information about the disorder. Choice C gives false reassurance without addressing the nature of schizophrenia. Choice D deflects the question by suggesting the wife speak to the psychologist, missing an opportunity to educate and support the family member.

3. On admission assessment, the nurse is obtaining subjective data about a client's sexual and reproductive status. The client states, 'I don't want to discuss this; it's private and personal.' Which response by the LVN/LPN is the most therapeutic?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct response is D. Respecting the client's privacy while acknowledging the difficulty of the situation and explaining the professional obligation to maintain confidentiality is the most therapeutic approach. This response shows empathy, understanding, and a commitment to confidentiality, which can help build trust and encourage the client to open up. Choices A, B, and C do not effectively address the client's concerns or emphasize the importance of confidentiality in a sensitive manner, making them less therapeutic responses in this situation.

4. A nurse is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who reports difficulty concentrating and feeling restless. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Teaching deep breathing exercises is the most appropriate intervention for a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experiencing difficulty concentrating and restlessness. Deep breathing exercises are a proven technique to help manage anxiety symptoms, promote relaxation, and improve concentration. Encouraging the client to avoid caffeine (Choice A) may be beneficial, but it is not the most direct intervention for the reported symptoms. Suggesting the client take up a new hobby (Choice B) may be helpful for overall well-being but does not directly address the immediate symptoms. Referring the client to group therapy (Choice D) may be beneficial in the long term, but teaching deep breathing exercises is more immediate and can be easily implemented by the client in various settings.

5. A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone (Risperdal). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The statement 'I can stop taking this medication once I feel better' indicates a need for further teaching. Antipsychotic medications, like risperidone, should be taken consistently even when symptoms improve to prevent relapse. Choice B is incorrect because avoiding foods high in tyramine is unrelated to risperidone. Choice C is incorrect as avoiding alcohol is a standard precaution with many medications. Choice D is incorrect because being cautious about drowsiness and avoiding driving is a common safety measure associated with risperidone.

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