HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Practice Questions
1. A client with Alzheimer's disease is becoming increasingly agitated and combative in the late afternoon. What is the most appropriate intervention?
- A. Offer a sedative medication to calm the client.
- B. Encourage the client to rest in a quiet, low-stimulation environment.
- C. Use reality orientation to reduce confusion.
- D. Engage the client in physical activity to reduce agitation.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the client to rest in a quiet, low-stimulation environment is the most appropriate intervention for a client with Alzheimer's disease who is becoming agitated and combative in the late afternoon. This approach helps reduce agitation and prevent overstimulation, providing a calming and soothing environment for the client. Offering a sedative medication (Choice A) should be avoided as it may have side effects and should only be considered as a last resort. Reality orientation (Choice C) may increase confusion and distress in clients with advanced Alzheimer's disease. Engaging the client in physical activity (Choice D) could potentially escalate the agitation rather than reduce it in this scenario.
2. When should discharge planning be initiated for a client experiencing an exacerbation of heart failure?
- A. During the admission process.
- B. After the client stabilizes.
- C. Only after the client requests it.
- D. At the time of discharge.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Discharge planning should begin during the admission process for a client experiencing an exacerbation of heart failure. Initiating discharge planning early ensures timely and effective care transitions, which are crucial for managing the client's condition and preventing readmissions. Waiting until after the client stabilizes (choice B) could lead to delays in arranging necessary follow-up care and support services. Similarly, waiting for the client to request discharge planning (choice C) may result in missed opportunities for comprehensive care coordination. Planning at the time of discharge (choice D) is too late, as early intervention is key to promoting the client's well-being and recovery in the long term.
3. A child is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. What is the priority need that must be included in the nursing plan of care for this child?
- A. Rest
- B. Exercise
- C. Nutrition
- D. Elimination
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Rest. When a child is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, the priority need in the nursing plan of care is to ensure adequate rest for the child. Rest is crucial as it allows the child's body to fight the infection and recover. Choice B, Exercise, is incorrect as strenuous physical activity may further strain the child's respiratory system. Choice C, Nutrition, is important but providing rest takes precedence initially. Choice D, Elimination, is not the priority concern in this scenario compared to ensuring rest for recovery from pneumonia.
4. A client taking clopidogrel reports the onset of diarrhea. Which nursing action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Observe the appearance of the stool
- B. Assess the client’s skin turgor
- C. Review the client’s laboratory values
- D. Auscultate the client’s bowel sounds
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Observing the stool’s appearance should be implemented first as it helps determine the nature and possible severity of the diarrhea, which is essential in managing the side effect. Assessing skin turgor (Choice B) is not the priority in this situation. Reviewing laboratory values (Choice C) can provide additional information but is not the initial step. Auscultating bowel sounds (Choice D) is not the priority when the client is experiencing diarrhea.
5. What influences health status?
- A. lifestyle choices and community resources
- B. availability of health technology like diagnostic machines
- C. presence of toxic environmental conditions
- D. all of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Health status is influenced by a combination of lifestyle choices, community resources, health technology like diagnostic machines, and environmental conditions. Each of these factors plays a role in determining an individual's overall health. Choice A is correct as lifestyle choices (such as diet, exercise, and smoking habits) and access to community resources (like healthcare facilities, support groups, and recreational spaces) are important determinants of health. Choice B is correct as the availability of health technology, including diagnostic machines, can impact early detection and treatment of health conditions. Choice C is correct as exposure to toxic environmental conditions (such as pollution, contaminated water, or hazardous waste) can have adverse effects on health. Therefore, the correct answer is D because all of these factors collectively influence health status.