HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Practice Exam
1. During a manic episode, what is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a client with bipolar disorder?
- A. Allow the client to engage in any activities they choose.
- B. Provide a quiet and structured environment.
- C. Encourage the client to participate in group activities.
- D. Allow the client to take short naps during the day.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a manic episode, individuals with bipolar disorder often experience excessive energy and impulsivity. Providing a quiet and structured environment is crucial to help manage these symptoms. This intervention promotes stability, reduces overstimulation, and supports the client in regaining control over their behaviors. Choices A and C may exacerbate impulsivity and overstimulation, while choice D does not address the need for environmental structure and may not be effective in managing manic symptoms.
2. A 4-year-old child is scheduled for a myringotomy. What should the nurse include in the preoperative teaching?
- A. Explain the procedure in simple terms
- B. Encourage fluid intake
- C. Allow the child to play with medical equipment
- D. Use play therapy to prepare the child
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Explaining the procedure in simple terms is essential preoperative teaching for a 4-year-old child scheduled for a myringotomy. This approach helps the child understand what will happen during the procedure, reducing anxiety and fear. Encouraging fluid intake is a good general health practice but not directly related to preoperative teaching for this procedure. Allowing the child to play with medical equipment may not be safe or appropriate as it can lead to misunderstanding or fear. Using play therapy can be beneficial but explaining the procedure in simple terms is more direct and effective for preoperative teaching in this case.
3. A child undergoes heart surgery to repair the defects associated with tetralogy of Fallot. What behavior is essential for the nurse to prevent postoperatively?
- A. Crying
- B. Coughing
- C. Straining at stool
- D. Unnecessary movement
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct behavior that the nurse needs to prevent postoperatively is straining at stool. Straining at stool should be avoided as it can increase intrathoracic pressure, leading to stress on the surgical site. This stress can potentially compromise the surgical repair and increase the risk of complications. Crying, coughing, and unnecessary movement, although important to monitor postoperatively, do not directly impact the surgical site as significantly as straining at stool does. Therefore, the focus should be on preventing straining at stool to ensure the best postoperative outcome for the child.
4. The parents of a child suffering from depression ask the nurse what causes depression in children. Which answer is an appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. The causes of major depression are unknown.
- B. Major affective disorders in parents increase depression in children.
- C. Boys are more likely than girls to be depressed.
- D. The prevalence rate is higher in prepubescent children.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because while the exact causes of depression in children are not fully understood, research indicates that children are more likely to experience depression if their parents have a major affective disorder. Choice A is incorrect because it suggests that the causes of major depression are entirely unknown, which is not accurate. Choice C is incorrect as there is no conclusive evidence that boys are more likely than girls to be depressed. Choice D is incorrect as the prevalence rate of depression is not necessarily higher in prepubescent children specifically.
5. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
- A. Loss of reflexes in the legs
- B. Decreased peripheral sensation
- C. Respiratory distress
- D. Muscle weakness in the arms
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory distress. In Guillain-Barre syndrome, respiratory distress is the most concerning finding as it can indicate progression to respiratory failure, which is a life-threatening complication. Loss of reflexes in the legs and muscle weakness in the arms are common manifestations of the condition but may not be as immediately life-threatening as respiratory distress. Decreased peripheral sensation is also a common symptom but is not as critical as respiratory distress in terms of immediate patient safety and management.