HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health
1. A client with borderline personality disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. The client frequently expresses feelings of emptiness and fears of abandonment. What is the most therapeutic nursing approach for this client?
- A. Encourage the client to participate in all group activities.
- B. Set clear and consistent boundaries while providing empathy.
- C. Reassure the client that the staff will not abandon them.
- D. Explore the client's past relationships in depth.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic nursing approach for a client with borderline personality disorder, who frequently expresses feelings of emptiness and fears of abandonment, is to set clear and consistent boundaries while providing empathy. This approach helps manage the client's fear of abandonment and feelings of emptiness, which are common in borderline personality disorder. Option A may overwhelm the client in a group setting without addressing their specific needs. Option C, while well-intentioned, may not fully address the underlying issues and may create dependency. Option D delves into the client's past relationships, which may be inappropriate and trigger emotional distress in a vulnerable client.
2. While eating at a restaurant, a gravid woman begins to choke and is unable to speak. What action should the nurse who witnesses the event take?
- A. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation with uterine tilt
- B. The Heimlich maneuver using chest thrusts
- C. The Heimlich maneuver using subdiaphragmatic thrusts
- D. Call 911 immediately then begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a pregnant woman is choking and unable to speak is to perform the Heimlich maneuver using subdiaphragmatic thrusts. This technique is recommended for a pregnant woman to prevent harm to the fetus. Option A, cardiopulmonary resuscitation with uterine tilt, is not indicated for a choking episode. Option B, the Heimlich maneuver using chest thrusts, can potentially harm the gravid uterus. Option D, calling 911 immediately before providing assistance, can lead to a delay in addressing the immediate choking emergency.
3. What intervention should be implemented by the LPN to reduce the risk of aspiration in a client with a nasogastric tube receiving continuous enteral feedings?
- A. Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees.
- B. Check residual volumes every 4 hours.
- C. Verify tube placement every shift.
- D. Flush the tube with water every 4 hours.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees is crucial in reducing the risk of aspiration because it helps keep the gastric contents lower than the esophagus, thereby promoting proper digestion and preventing reflux. This position also aids in reducing the likelihood of regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents. Checking residual volumes every 4 hours is important for monitoring feeding tolerance but does not directly address the risk of aspiration. Verifying tube placement every shift is essential for ensuring the tube is correctly positioned within the gastrointestinal tract but does not directly reduce the risk of aspiration. Flushing the tube with water every 4 hours may help maintain tube patency and prevent clogging, but it does not specifically address the risk of aspiration associated with nasogastric tube feedings.
4. A nurse is caring for a client receiving fluid through a peripheral IV catheter. Which of the following findings at the IV site should the nurse identify as infiltration?
- A. purulent exudate
- B. warmth
- C. skin blanching
- D. bleeding
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when the IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue instead of entering the bloodstream properly. Skin blanching, swelling, and coolness at the IV site are typical signs of infiltration. Purulent exudate (choice A) is associated with infection, warmth (choice B) can indicate phlebitis, and bleeding (choice D) may occur if the IV catheter punctures a blood vessel.
5. A charge nurse on an acute care unit is planning care for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote the client’s continuity of care?
- A. Plan to assign the client a different nurse each shift
- B. Limit the number of interdisciplinary team members involved in managing the client’s care
- C. Request that the client complete a satisfaction survey at discharge
- D. Start discharge planning on the day of admission
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Starting discharge planning on the day of admission is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care for the client. It allows for early identification of needs, coordination of services, and timely interventions. Assigning a different nurse each shift (Choice A) can disrupt continuity of care and lead to inconsistencies in the client's treatment. Limiting the number of interdisciplinary team members (Choice B) may hinder comprehensive care coordination. Requesting a satisfaction survey at discharge (Choice C) focuses more on feedback rather than proactive care planning and coordination.