HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI 2023
1. A client with bipolar disorder is being treated with lithium. The nurse should monitor the client for which early sign of lithium toxicity?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Tremors
- C. Polyuria
- D. Blurred vision
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Diarrhea is an early sign of lithium toxicity. When a client being treated with lithium presents with diarrhea, it can indicate the beginning of lithium toxicity. Monitoring for this symptom is crucial as it can progress to more severe toxicity if not addressed promptly. Tremors (choice B) are more commonly associated with the therapeutic effects of lithium rather than toxicity. Polyuria (choice C) is a common side effect of lithium, but it is not typically an early sign of toxicity. Blurred vision (choice D) is not a common early sign of lithium toxicity. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
2. The nurse is evaluating a client who has had a mastectomy and is experiencing pain and swelling in the arm on the affected side. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Assess for signs of lymphedema
- B. Encourage the client to perform arm exercises
- C. Provide pain relief through medication
- D. Recommend wearing a compression sleeve
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Assessing for signs of lymphedema is crucial in this situation as it is a common complication following mastectomy. Lymphedema presents as swelling and pain in the affected arm due to compromised lymphatic drainage. By assessing for lymphedema, the nurse can identify the condition early and implement appropriate interventions such as compression sleeves, manual lymphatic drainage, and exercises. Encouraging arm exercises (Choice B) may exacerbate the symptoms if lymphedema is present. While providing pain relief through medication (Choice C) is important, assessing for the underlying cause of pain and swelling takes precedence. Recommending a compression sleeve (Choice D) may be suitable but should come after a thorough assessment for lymphedema to ensure the most effective management plan.
3. A client is admitted to the emergency room following an acute asthma attack. Which of the following assessments would be expected by the nurse?
- A. Diffuse expiratory wheezing
- B. Loose, productive cough
- C. No relief from inhaler
- D. Fever and chills
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During an acute asthma attack, one of the expected assessments by the nurse would be diffuse expiratory wheezing. This occurs due to narrowed airways and increased airflow velocity. Choice B, a loose productive cough, is not typically associated with an asthma attack. Choice C, no relief from inhaler, may indicate ineffective treatment but is not a direct assessment finding related to the physical examination. Choice D, fever and chills, are not typical symptoms of an asthma attack and would not be expected findings during the initial assessment of an acute asthma attack.
4. Following diarrhea, which foods should be offered to the school-age child?
- A. Apricots and peaches
- B. Chocolate milk
- C. Applesauce and milk
- D. Bananas and rice
Correct answer: D
Rationale: After a bout of diarrhea, it is important to offer foods that are gentle on the stomach and help in recovery. Bananas and rice are commonly recommended as they are easily digestible and can help firm up stools. Apricots, peaches, and applesauce may be too acidic and fibrous, potentially aggravating the stomach. Chocolate milk is high in sugar and can worsen diarrhea due to its lactose content.
5. During a home visit, the nurse assesses the skin of a client with eczema who reports that an exacerbation of symptoms has occurred during the last week. Which information is most useful in determining the possible cause of the symptoms?
- A. An old friend with eczema came for a visit.
- B. Recently received an influenza immunization.
- C. A grandson and his new dog recently visited.
- D. Corticosteroid cream was applied to eczema.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Contact with the grandson's new dog could have introduced new allergens or irritants, exacerbating the eczema symptoms. Choice A is unrelated to the exacerbation of symptoms. Choice B, receiving an influenza immunization, is unlikely to directly cause an exacerbation of eczema symptoms. Choice D, applying corticosteroid cream, is a common treatment for eczema and would not likely be the cause of the exacerbation.