HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI 2023
1. A client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing a flashback. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Encourage the client to talk about the trauma.
- B. Help the client to focus on the present.
- C. Administer prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
- D. Leave the client alone to work through the flashback.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority action is to help the client focus on the present (B), which can reduce the intensity of the flashback. Encouraging discussion of the trauma (A) should be done when the client is not actively experiencing a flashback. While medication (C) may be necessary, it is not the first priority in this situation. Leaving the client alone (D) is not appropriate as they need support to manage the flashback.
2. When assessing a client's skin as part of a comprehensive physical examination, what finding should a nurse expect?
- A. Capillary refill less than 3 seconds
- B. 1+ pitting edema in both feet
- C. Pale nail beds in both hands
- D. Thick skin on the soles of the feet
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Capillary refill less than 3 seconds. This finding is considered normal and indicates good peripheral perfusion. Pitting edema (choice B) and pale nail beds (choice C) are abnormal findings that may suggest underlying health issues. Thick skin on the soles of the feet (choice D) is not an expected normal finding during a skin assessment and could be indicative of a callus or other skin condition.
3. You are teaching students about how hyperosmotic agents (osmotic diuretics) are used to treat intracranial pressure. Which of the following is NOT one of the functions of hyperosmotic agents?
- A. Reduces brain metabolism and systemic blood pressure
- B. Reduces cerebral edema
- C. Dehydrates the brain
- D. Draws fluids from extravascular spaces into the plasma
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hyperosmotic agents primarily work by reducing cerebral edema, dehydrating the brain, and drawing fluids from extravascular spaces into the plasma. However, they do not have a direct effect on reducing brain metabolism or systemic blood pressure. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B is correct as hyperosmotic agents do help in reducing cerebral edema. Choice C is accurate as hyperosmotic agents dehydrate the brain. Choice D is also true as these agents draw fluids from extravascular spaces into the plasma.
4. What is the most important aspect of colostomy care to teach the client?
- A. Change the colostomy bag only when necessary
- B. Eat a low-residue diet
- C. Assess the stoma for color and swelling
- D. Irrigate the colostomy only if advised by a healthcare provider
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most important aspect of colostomy care to teach the client is to assess the stoma for color and swelling. This is crucial as it ensures early detection of complications such as ischemia or infection. Changing the colostomy bag only when necessary is more appropriate than doing it daily, as it prevents unnecessary changes that may irritate the skin. While eating a low-residue diet is beneficial, it is not the most crucial aspect to teach. Irrigating the colostomy should only be done if advised by a healthcare provider, as it is not a routine procedure for all clients with a colostomy.
5. The nurse assesses an adult male client 24 hours following abdominal surgery and finds that his blood pressure is 98/40 mm Hg, he is tachycardic, restless, and irritable. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider of the findings.
- B. Ensure that the IV is infusing at the prescribed rate.
- C. Listen to lung sounds.
- D. Check under his back for evidence of bleeding.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should first check under the client for evidence of bleeding. A blood pressure of 98/40 mm Hg, along with tachycardia, restlessness, and irritability, could indicate internal hemorrhage following abdominal surgery. Checking for bleeding under the back is crucial to rule out this life-threatening complication. Notifying the healthcare provider, ensuring IV infusion, or listening to lung sounds can be important but are secondary to ruling out immediate life-threatening conditions like internal bleeding.