HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. A client with major depressive disorder is started on fluoxetine (Prozac). What should the nurse include in the client's discharge teaching?
- A. It may take 4-6 weeks for the medication to be effective.
- B. You should take this medication at bedtime.
- C. Avoid consuming dairy products while taking this medication.
- D. You can stop taking the medication once you feel better.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "It may take 4-6 weeks for the medication to be effective." SSRIs like fluoxetine typically take 4-6 weeks to reach their full effect, so clients should be informed to expect a gradual improvement in symptoms. Choice B is incorrect because fluoxetine is usually taken in the morning to prevent sleep disturbances. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific need to avoid consuming dairy products while taking fluoxetine. Choice D is incorrect because clients should never stop taking antidepressants abruptly, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms and worsening of the condition.
2. The nurse asks a female client with borderline personality disorder, 'How do you feel about your children not coming to visit this weekend?' The client looks out the window and replies, 'I really don't care.' Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
- A. I noticed you were looking out the window when discussing your feelings.
- B. I think you're lying and it bothers you that your children aren't coming.
- C. I think you should discuss your children not coming in the group meeting.
- D. Why do you think your children didn't want to come visit you this weekend?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's non-verbal behavior, such as looking out the window, demonstrates active listening and provides the client with an opportunity to explore their feelings further. Choice B is incorrect as it accuses the client of lying without any evidence, which can damage the therapeutic relationship. Choice C is inappropriate as it dismisses the client's feelings and suggests a group discussion without addressing the client's emotions directly. Choice D is also incorrect as it focuses on the children's actions rather than the client's feelings, missing an opportunity for therapeutic communication.
3. An adult male client who was admitted to the mental health unit yesterday tells the nurse that microchips were planted in his head for military surveillance of his every move. Which response is best for the LPN/LVN to provide?
- A. You are in the hospital, and I am the nurse caring for you.
- B. It must be difficult for you to control your anxious feelings.
- C. Go to occupational therapy and start a project.
- D. You are not in a war area now; this is the United States.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best response for the LPN/LVN to provide is option A: 'You are in the hospital, and I am the nurse caring for you.' This response is effective as it grounds the client in the present reality while also acknowledging the client's feelings. It shows acceptance of the client's experience without directly challenging the delusional belief, which can help build rapport and trust. Option B focuses on anxiety rather than validating the client's experience or addressing the delusion. Option C suggests an unrelated activity that may not be helpful in this situation. Option D attempts to correct the client's belief, which is not likely to be effective in managing delusional thoughts.
4. A client with schizophrenia is being treated with clozapine (Clozaril). What laboratory test is most important for the nurse to monitor?
- A. Liver function tests
- B. Kidney function tests
- C. White blood cell count
- D. Blood glucose levels
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: White blood cell count. Clozapine can lead to agranulocytosis, a severe drop in white blood cells, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial to detect this condition early. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while liver and kidney function tests are important in monitoring other aspects of health, the most critical concern with clozapine therapy is the risk of agranulocytosis, making monitoring white blood cell count the priority.
5. A female client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Monitor the client's vital signs regularly.
- B. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy.
- C. Offer the client frequent, high-calorie snacks.
- D. Weigh the client daily at the same time.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to weigh the client daily at the same time. Daily weights are crucial in monitoring the client's nutritional status and guiding treatment for weight restoration in anorexia nervosa. Monitoring vital signs is important but weighing the client daily takes precedence in this situation. Encouraging group therapy and offering high-calorie snacks are important aspects of treatment but do not take priority over monitoring the client's weight.
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