HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI 2023
1. A client who has just been sexually assaulted is calm and quiet. The nurse analyzes this behavior as indicating which defense mechanism?
- A. Denial
- B. Projection
- C. Rationalization
- D. Intellectualization
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Denial. In this situation, the client's calm and quiet demeanor after a traumatic event like sexual assault may indicate denial, a defense mechanism where the individual refuses to acknowledge the reality of the distressing event. Choice B, Projection, involves attributing one's thoughts or feelings to others. Choice C, Rationalization, is a defense mechanism where logical reasoning is used to justify behaviors or feelings. Choice D, Intellectualization, is a defense mechanism where excessive reasoning or logic is used to avoid uncomfortable emotions.
2. The RN is making a home visit to a female client with end-stage heart disease. She has a living will and states she will never go back to the hospital. During the visit, the RN notes that the client is pale and SOB while speaking. The RN discovers 3+ edema in both ankles and bilateral pulmonary crackles. Which intervention should the RN implement first?
- A. Order a chest X-ray
- B. Obtain a peripheral O2 saturation reading
- C. Obtain an order for complete blood count
- D. Tell the patient to stay in bed
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Obtaining a peripheral O2 saturation reading is the priority intervention in this scenario. It helps assess the client's oxygenation status quickly, which is crucial in a client with signs of respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath and bilateral pulmonary crackles. Ordering a chest X-ray (Choice A) may be necessary later but does not address the immediate need for oxygen assessment. Obtaining an order for a complete blood count (Choice C) is not the priority in this situation as it does not directly address the client's respiratory distress. Instructing the patient to stay in bed (Choice D) does not address the underlying issue of potential hypoxia and respiratory compromise.
3. A nurse is preparing to delegate bathing and turning of a newly admitted client who has end-stage cancer to an experienced assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following assessments should the nurse make before delegating care?
- A. Is the client's family present so the AP can show them how to turn the client?
- B. Has data been collected about specific client needs related to turning?
- C. Does the AP have time to change the client's central IV line dressing after turning her?
- D. Has the AP checked the client's pain level prior to turning her?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Before delegating the task of bathing and turning a client with end-stage cancer to an experienced assistive personnel (AP), the nurse must assess specific client needs related to turning. This assessment ensures that the delegated care is tailored to the client's individual requirements, promoting safe and effective care. Option A is incorrect because the presence of the client's family is not directly related to assessing the client's specific needs for turning. Option C is incorrect as it refers to a different task (changing the central IV line dressing) and is not directly related to the turning assessment. Option D is incorrect as checking the client's pain level, although important, is not directly related to the specific needs related to turning the client.
4. How should the nurse manage a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who is receiving chemotherapy?
- A. Avoid all physical activity
- B. Ensure strict infection control measures
- C. Increase daily caloric intake
- D. Limit fluid intake
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure strict infection control measures. Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who are undergoing chemotherapy have compromised immune systems, making them highly susceptible to infections. Implementing strict infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, limiting exposure to sick individuals, and maintaining a clean environment, is essential to prevent infections. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding all physical activity may not be necessary as long as the child's activity level is appropriate. Choice C is incorrect because increasing daily caloric intake is important to support the child's nutritional needs during treatment. Choice D is incorrect because limiting fluid intake is not typically recommended unless specifically advised by the healthcare provider.
5. A parent asks the nurse what to do when their toddler has temper tantrums. What play materials should the nurse suggest to offer the child as another way of expressing anger?
- A. Ball and bat
- B. Wad of clay
- C. Punching bag
- D. Pegs and pounding board
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Pegs and pounding boards are recommended as play materials for toddlers to express their anger in a constructive manner. These tools provide a safe and effective outlet for the child's emotions through physical activity. Options A, B, and C do not offer the same interactive and expressive qualities that pegs and pounding boards provide. A ball and bat may encourage aggressive behavior, a wad of clay is more suitable for creative expression rather than anger management, and a punching bag may promote violent behavior which is not appropriate for toddlers.