HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health 2023
1. What is the most therapeutic nursing response for a client with borderline personality disorder who engages in self-mutilating behavior?
- A. Encourage the client to stop hurting themselves.
- B. Discuss what the client was feeling before self-harming.
- C. Inform the client that the behavior will be reported to their doctor.
- D. Ask the client why they hurt themselves.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic nursing response for a client with borderline personality disorder engaging in self-mutilating behavior is to discuss what the client was feeling before self-harming. This approach helps in exploring the underlying triggers and emotions that lead to self-harm. Option A is directive and may come across as judgmental rather than empathetic. Option C can lead to feelings of betrayal and breach of trust. Option D is a closed-ended question that may not facilitate open communication or exploration of emotions.
2. A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hyponatremia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyponatremia. Lithium can affect sodium levels in the body, potentially leading to hyponatremia, which is a condition characterized by low sodium levels. This imbalance requires close monitoring as it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, weakness, and even seizures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because lithium is not primarily associated with causing hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, or hypernatremia. While these imbalances can occur in certain conditions or with other medications, the main electrolyte imbalance to monitor when a client is prescribed lithium is hyponatremia.
3. An 8-year-old child is placed in 90-90 traction for a fractured femur. The nurse notices that the weights are touching the foot of the bed. What action should the nurse take?
- A. No bowel movement for two days
- B. Mother helps reposition the child
- C. Ensure weights are not touching the foot of the bed
- D. Child wiggles toes freely when tickled
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should ensure that the weights in traction are not touching the foot of the bed. This is crucial to maintain proper alignment and effectiveness of the traction. When the weights touch the bed, it can compromise the traction's function and delay healing. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the issue of ensuring that the weights are not touching the bed, which is essential for the traction to work effectively.
4. During an eye irrigation for a client exposed to smoke and ash, which nursing action should receive the highest priority?
- A. Wearing gloves during the procedure
- B. Using a sterile solution
- C. Irrigating from the inner to the outer canthus
- D. Positioning the client's head properly
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The highest priority during an eye irrigation for a client exposed to smoke and ash is wearing gloves during the procedure. This action is crucial as it helps prevent contamination and protects both the client and the nurse. Using a sterile solution is important but not as critical as ensuring the nurse's safety by wearing gloves. Irrigating from the inner to the outer canthus and positioning the client's head properly are essential steps in eye irrigation, but they are not the highest priority in this scenario compared to ensuring infection control by wearing gloves.
5. A client with a history of myocardial infarction is prescribed atorvastatin. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential adverse effect?
- A. Liver damage
- B. Kidney damage
- C. Muscle pain
- D. Increased appetite
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Muscle pain. Atorvastatin can cause muscle pain, which may indicate rhabdomyolysis, a serious adverse effect. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscle breakdown releases a protein (myoglobin) into the bloodstream, potentially leading to kidney damage. Liver damage (choice A) is a less common side effect of atorvastatin compared to muscle pain. Kidney damage (choice B) is not a direct adverse effect of atorvastatin but can occur indirectly if rhabdomyolysis is severe. Increased appetite (choice D) is not a known adverse effect of atorvastatin.