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Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. A female client on the psychiatric unit tells the nurse that she feels like ending her life because she can no longer deal with her depression. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Stay with the client and ensure her safety.
- B. Inform the client that she is safe in the hospital.
- C. Document the client's statements in her medical record.
- D. Encourage the client to join a group therapy session.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to stay with the client and ensure her safety. Ensuring the client's safety is the top priority when a client expresses suicidal ideation. Staying with the client can help prevent self-harm while further assessment and interventions are arranged. Choice B is incorrect because simply informing the client that she is safe in the hospital does not address the immediate need for safety. Choice C is incorrect as while documentation is important, it is not the priority when a client's safety is at risk. Choice D is also incorrect as encouraging the client to join a group therapy session is not appropriate when the client is in crisis and expressing suicidal thoughts.
2. 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 nurse to provide?
- A. "You can stand wherever you'd like as long as you stay safe from those in the parade."
- B. "You seem confused because of all the activity in the hall. There is no parade."
- C. "Let's go back to the activity room and see what is going on in there."
- D. "Remember, this is a nursing home, and I am here to help you."
Correct answer: C
Rationale: (C) is the best response as it redirects the client to a safer, familiar place. (A) is dismissive and does not address the client's needs directly. (B) labels the behavior, which may increase the client's anxiety. (D) is scolding and may not be helpful in the situation.
3. A male client with schizophrenia tells the nurse that the FBI is monitoring his phone calls. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Let's talk about your feelings of being monitored.
- B. There is no evidence that the FBI is monitoring your calls.
- C. Why do you think the FBI is interested in your phone calls?
- D. I can assure you that your phone calls are not being monitored.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is to choose A: 'Let's talk about your feelings of being monitored.' This response shows empathy and encourages the client to express his feelings. Engaging the client in a discussion about his feelings can help address underlying fears without directly challenging the delusion. Choice B is incorrect because directly denying the delusion may lead to increased distrust or agitation in the client. Choice C may come across as confrontational, which can exacerbate the client's paranoia. Choice D offers a false sense of assurance and does not address the client's concerns effectively.
4. 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 nurse 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: C
Rationale: Delusions often generate fear and isolation, so the nurse should help the client participate in activities that avoid focusing on the false belief and encourage interaction with others.
5. During discharge planning for a male client with schizophrenia who insists on returning to his apartment despite being informed to move to a boarding home, what is the most important nursing diagnosis?
- A. Ineffective denial related to situational anxiety.
- B. Ineffective coping related to inadequate support.
- C. Social isolation related to difficult interactions.
- D. Self-care deficit related to cognitive impairment.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most important nursing diagnosis for discharge planning in this scenario is 'Ineffective denial related to situational anxiety.' The client's insistence on returning to his apartment despite being informed otherwise indicates a form of denial, possibly due to anxiety about the situational change. Focused discharge planning should address this denial and the underlying anxiety to ensure a smooth transition. Choices B, C, and D are not as relevant in this context as the primary issue lies in the client's denial and anxiety regarding the change in living arrangements, rather than coping, social interactions, or self-care deficits.
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