HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health 2023
1. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who is constantly washing her hands?
- A. Allow the client to continue washing her hands.
- B. Set limits on the time spent washing her hands.
- C. Encourage the client to wash her hands less frequently.
- D. Assist the client in finding alternative ways to reduce anxiety.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Assisting the client in finding alternative ways to reduce anxiety is the most appropriate intervention for a client with OCD who is constantly washing her hands. This approach helps address the underlying cause of the compulsive behavior by focusing on reducing anxiety rather than reinforcing the behavior. Allowing the client to continue washing her hands (choice A) would not address the root of the issue and may perpetuate the behavior. Setting limits on the time spent washing hands (choice B) may cause distress to the client and does not address the core problem. Encouraging the client to wash her hands less frequently (choice C) does not provide effective coping strategies for managing anxiety associated with OCD.
2. The nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about lifestyle modifications. Which recommendation is most effective for lowering blood pressure?
- A. Increase intake of red meat
- B. Engage in regular physical activity
- C. Consume a high-sodium diet
- D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Engaging in regular physical activity is a highly effective recommendation for lowering blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular health. Regular exercise helps to strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and manage weight, all of which contribute to reducing blood pressure levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing intake of red meat can lead to higher saturated fat consumption, which is detrimental to heart health. Consuming a high-sodium diet can exacerbate hypertension by increasing blood pressure. Limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day may lead to dehydration and is not a recommended approach for managing hypertension.
3. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of epiglottitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administer antibiotics
- B. Provide humidified oxygen
- C. Keep the child NPO
- D. Position the child upright
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 4-year-old child admitted to the hospital with epiglottitis is to keep the child NPO (nothing by mouth). Epiglottitis is a serious condition that can lead to airway obstruction. Keeping the child NPO helps prevent further compromise of the airway and reduces the risk of aspiration. Administering antibiotics may be necessary but ensuring the airway is not compromised takes precedence. Providing humidified oxygen is important for respiratory support, but not the priority over maintaining a patent airway. Positioning the child upright can help with breathing and comfort, but it does not directly address the immediate risk of airway compromise associated with epiglottitis.
4. A child with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being discharged. What dietary instructions should the nurse provide?
- A. Avoid spicy foods
- B. Avoid gluten
- C. Avoid high-fat foods
- D. Avoid dairy products
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct dietary instruction for a child with GERD is to avoid gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it can exacerbate GERD symptoms in some individuals. Avoiding gluten can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby alleviating symptoms of GERD. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while spicy foods, high-fat foods, and dairy products can trigger GERD symptoms in some individuals, avoiding gluten specifically is more relevant for managing GERD.
5. The healthcare professional enters the room as a 3-year-old is having a generalized seizure. Which intervention should the healthcare professional do first?
- A. Clear the area of any hazards
- B. Place the child on the side
- C. Restrain the child
- D. Give the prescribed anticonvulsant
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Placing the child on the side is the priority intervention during a generalized seizure as it helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration. Clearing the area of any hazards is important but should come after ensuring the child's safety. Restraining the child is not recommended during a seizure as it can lead to injury. Giving the prescribed anticonvulsant is important but should not be the first action during an ongoing seizure.