HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Practice Exam
1. When caring for a client with borderline personality disorder in a psychiatric unit, what is the most therapeutic nursing intervention?
- A. Set clear and consistent boundaries for the client.
- B. Allow the client to vent their feelings without interruption.
- C. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy.
- D. Provide the client with frequent reassurance and support.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Setting clear and consistent boundaries is the most therapeutic nursing intervention when caring for a client with borderline personality disorder. This approach provides structure, promotes predictability, and helps prevent manipulative behaviors. By establishing boundaries, the nurse can maintain a safe therapeutic relationship with the client. Allowing the client to vent their feelings without interruption (Choice B) may not always be beneficial, as it could reinforce maladaptive behaviors. Encouraging participation in group therapy (Choice C) can be helpful but setting boundaries is more critical for individualized care. Providing the client with frequent reassurance and support (Choice D) may not address the underlying issues and can contribute to dependency rather than fostering independence and coping skills.
2. A nurse determines that the wife of an alcoholic client is benefitting from attending an Al-Anon group when the nurse hears the wife say:
- A. I no longer feel that I deserve the meetings my husband inflicts on me.
- B. My attendance at the meetings has helped me to see that I provoke my husband's violence.
- C. I enjoy attending the meetings because they get me out of the house and away from my husband.
- D. I can tolerate my husband's destructive behaviors now that I know they are common with alcoholics.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer as the statement indicates the wife understands that her husband's behavior is not her fault and is benefitting from the group support. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests self-blame rather than recognizing the husband's responsibility. Choice C is incorrect as the benefit is related to emotional support and understanding, not just getting away from the husband. Choice D is incorrect as tolerating destructive behaviors is not a healthy outcome of attending support groups.
3. A client states that she hears God's voice telling her that she has sinned and needs to punish herself. Which response by the LPN/LVN is most important?
- A. How do you think you will be punished?
- B. Please tell staff when you think you need to punish yourself.
- C. What exactly do you think you have done to be punished?
- D. Let's talk about your strengths
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most important response by the LPN/LVN is to encourage the client to communicate with staff when they feel the need to punish themselves. This approach can help assess the risk of self-harm and enable appropriate intervention. Choice A focuses more on the method of punishment rather than encouraging help-seeking behavior. Choice C seeks specific details about the perceived wrongdoing rather than addressing the immediate concern of self-punishment. Choice D, discussing strengths, does not directly address the client's current distress and potential self-harm risk.
4. A female client with anorexia nervosa is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority assessment for the nurse to perform?
- A. Assess the client's body image perception.
- B. Monitor the client's electrolyte levels.
- C. Evaluate the client's exercise habits.
- D. Assess the client's relationship with her family.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's electrolyte levels. In clients with anorexia nervosa, electrolyte imbalances can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Assessing body image perception (choice A) is important but not the priority when compared to monitoring electrolyte levels. Evaluating exercise habits (choice C) and assessing the client's relationship with her family (choice D) are also important aspects of care but do not take precedence over monitoring electrolyte levels in a client with anorexia nervosa.
5. An 86-year-old female client with Alzheimer's disease is wandering the busy halls of the extended care facility and asks the nurse, "Where should I stand for the parade?" Which response is best for the LPN/LVN to provide?
- A. Anywhere you want to stand as long as you do not get hurt by those in the parade.
- B. You are confused because of all the activity in the hall. There is no parade.
- C. Let us go back to the activity room and see what is going on in there.
- D. Remember I told you that this is a nursing home and I am your nurse.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Redirecting the client to a less confusing environment can help reduce anxiety and reorient her to reality.
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