HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Encourage group activities to decrease isolation.
- B. Provide a structured environment with routine activities.
- C. Limit the client's physical activity to prevent exhaustion.
- D. Allow the client to choose activities freely.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a manic episode, individuals with bipolar disorder may exhibit excessive energy, impulsivity, and disorganized behavior. Providing a structured environment with routine activities is the most appropriate nursing intervention. This approach can help regulate the client's behavior, reduce impulsivity, and prevent engaging in potentially harmful activities. Encouraging group activities (Choice A) may exacerbate the client's symptoms due to overstimulation. Limiting physical activity (Choice C) may not address the need for structure and routine during a manic episode. Allowing the client to choose activities freely (Choice D) can lead to impulsive decision-making and may not provide the necessary boundaries required to manage the manic symptoms effectively.
2. A client is experiencing dehydration, and the nurse is planning care. Which of the following actions should the nurse include?
- A. Administer antihypertensives as prescribed.
- B. Check the client’s weight daily.
- C. Notify the provider if the urine output is less than 30 mL/hr.
- D. Encourage the client to ambulate independently four times a day.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Checking the client's weight daily is essential for monitoring fluid status in dehydration. Administering antihypertensives, notifying the provider of insufficient urine output, and encouraging ambulation are not primary interventions for managing dehydration. Administering antihypertensives may affect blood pressure, but it is not a direct intervention for dehydration. Notifying the provider of a urine output less than 30 mL/hr indicates oliguria, which is a sign of reduced kidney function rather than dehydration. Encouraging ambulation is a general nursing intervention and does not directly address the fluid imbalance associated with dehydration.
3. When caring for a child diagnosed with bronchiolitis, what is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering bronchodilators
- B. Providing respiratory therapy
- C. Monitoring oxygen saturation
- D. Encouraging fluid intake
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with bronchiolitis is providing respiratory therapy. This intervention aims to maintain airway patency, optimize oxygenation, and support effective breathing. Administering bronchodilators, though important, may not be the initial priority as respiratory therapy takes precedence in ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial but is usually part of the ongoing assessment following the initiation of respiratory therapy. Encouraging fluid intake is essential for hydration but is not the priority intervention when addressing the respiratory distress associated with bronchiolitis.
4. The healthcare provider closely monitors the temperature of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome. The purpose of this assessment is to detect an early sign of which possible complication?
- A. infection
- B. hypertension
- C. encephalopathy
- D. edema
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring the temperature of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome is crucial for detecting early signs of infection, a common complication in this condition. In nephrotic syndrome, the child's immune system is compromised, making them more susceptible to infections. Monitoring for fever or any changes in temperature can help healthcare providers intervene promptly to prevent further complications. Hypertension (choice B) is not typically associated with minimal change nephrotic syndrome. Encephalopathy (choice C) refers to brain dysfunction and is not a common complication of nephrotic syndrome. Edema (choice D) is a primary manifestation of nephrotic syndrome but is not typically monitored through temperature assessment.
5. The nurse explains the 2-week dosage prescription of prednisone (Deltasone) to a client who has poison ivy over multiple skin surfaces. What should the nurse emphasize about the dosing schedule?
- A. Decrease the dosage daily as prescribed
- B. Monitor oral temperature daily
- C. Take the prednisone with meals
- D. Return for blood glucose monitoring in one week
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Decrease the dosage daily as prescribed.' Tapering the dosage of prednisone is crucial to prevent withdrawal symptoms and minimize the side effects of corticosteroid therapy. Decreasing the dosage gradually over time allows the body to adjust and reduces the risk of adrenal insufficiency. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Monitoring oral temperature daily, taking prednisone with meals, or returning for blood glucose monitoring in one week are not specific to the dosing schedule of prednisone for poison ivy treatment.