HESI RN
Mental Health HESI
1. A client who is admitted to the mental health unit reports shortness of breath and dizziness. The client tells the nurse, “I feel like I’m going to die.” Which nursing problem should the nurse include in this client’s plan of care?
- A. Mood disturbance
- B. Moderate anxiety
- C. Altered thoughts
- D. Social isolation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Moderate anxiety. When a client presents with symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and a fear of dying, it indicates moderate anxiety. Anxiety can manifest physically with symptoms like these. Mood disturbance (choice A) refers to a change in mood, while altered thoughts (choice C) relate to cognitive changes. Social isolation (choice D) involves a lack of social interaction, which is not the primary concern in this scenario where the client is experiencing acute anxiety symptoms.
2. Which foods should a healthcare provider recommend for a child with phenylketonuria (PKU) to avoid?
- A. Fresh fruit and vegetables
- B. Foods sweetened with aspartame
- C. Bread with honey
- D. Gluten-rich bread
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Foods sweetened with aspartame.' Children with PKU must avoid foods containing aspartame because it breaks down into phenylalanine, which can worsen their condition. Choice A, fresh fruit and vegetables, are generally healthy and safe for individuals with PKU. Choice C, bread with honey, is also safe unless the bread contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Choice D, gluten-rich bread, is not specifically problematic for individuals with PKU unless it contains aspartame or other substances high in phenylalanine.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) who is receiving anticoagulant therapy. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications?
- A. Elevate the affected leg
- B. Encourage early ambulation
- C. Perform frequent range-of-motion exercises
- D. Apply ice packs to the affected leg
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Elevating the affected leg is crucial in managing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as it helps to reduce swelling and improve venous return. This intervention is essential for preventing complications such as pulmonary embolism. Encouraging early ambulation is generally beneficial for preventing DVT but is secondary to leg elevation. Performing range-of-motion exercises can be helpful for maintaining joint mobility but is not the priority intervention in this case. Applying ice packs to the affected leg is not recommended in DVT management as it can cause vasoconstriction and potentially worsen the condition.
4. Blood for arterial blood gas determinations is drawn from a client with pneumonia, and testing reveals a pH of 7.45, PCO2 of 30 mm Hg, and HCO3 of 19 mEq/L. The nurse interprets these results as indicative of:
- A. Compensated metabolic acidosis
- B. Compensated respiratory alkalosis
- C. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
- D. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Compensated respiratory alkalosis.' In this case, the client's pH is within the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating compensation. The low PCO2 (30 mm Hg) suggests respiratory alkalosis, while the low HCO3 (19 mEq/L) is also consistent with a compensatory response. Therefore, the client has a primary respiratory alkalosis that is being compensated for by metabolic acidosis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not fit the pattern of the given blood gas values, which indicate respiratory alkalosis with metabolic compensation.
5. The healthcare professional is planning a health education workshop for a group of adolescents on the dangers of substance abuse. Which strategy is most likely to be effective?
- A. showing videos of the effects of substance abuse
- B. inviting individuals in recovery to share their stories
- C. providing statistical data on substance abuse
- D. distributing brochures on substance abuse prevention
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Inviting individuals in recovery to share their stories is the most effective strategy for educating adolescents about the dangers of substance abuse. Personal stories have a significant impact as they provide real-life examples of the consequences of substance abuse, making the information more relatable and emotionally engaging. This approach can evoke empathy, create a deeper understanding of the risks involved, and potentially deter adolescents from experimenting with substances. Showing videos of the effects of substance abuse (choice A) may be impactful, but personal narratives often have a stronger emotional connection. Providing statistical data (choice C) may not resonate as strongly with adolescents as personal stories. Distributing brochures (choice D) is informative but may not have the same emotional impact and engagement as hearing firsthand experiences.