HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Practice Exam
1. A female client presents to the emergency center with confusion, emotional numbness, and expresses to the nurse a feeling of disbelief that she was raped. The nurse determines the client is in the acute phase of rape-trauma syndrome. What action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Secure samples of vaginal hair combings.
- B. Offer prophylactic antibiotic medication.
- C. Explain the rape protocol to the client.
- D. Implement crisis intervention counseling.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In cases of rape-trauma syndrome, it is crucial to provide clear information about what to expect during the examination and treatment. This can help the client regain a sense of control and reduce anxiety. Explaining the rape protocol to the client should be the first action to implement. Option A is not the priority at this stage as the immediate focus is on addressing the client's emotional needs and providing support. Option B is not the first action unless medically indicated. Option D, crisis intervention counseling, is important but should come after providing essential information and support to the client.
2. What are neurotransmitters?
- A. Chemical messengers that cause brain cells to turn on or off.
- B. Areas of the brain that are responsible for controlling emotions.
- C. Clumps of cells that alert the other brain cells to receive messages.
- D. Web-like structures that provide connections among parts of the brain.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that act as messengers between neurons, influencing various psychological functions. Choice A correctly defines neurotransmitters by stating that they are chemical messengers that cause brain cells to turn on or off. This is the function of neurotransmitters in transmitting signals between neurons. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe neurotransmitters and their role in the brain.
3. A young adult female client is admitted to a psychiatric facility with a medical diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
- A. Schedule the client for group therapy with other clients with bulimia nervosa.
- B. Assign the client's care to a nurse with relevant experience in eating disorders.
- C. Monitor the client carefully for binging and purging activities.
- D. Assess and report the client's electrolyte status to the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Assessing and reporting the client's electrolyte status to the healthcare provider is the highest priority in a client with bulimia nervosa. Electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis, are common due to purging behaviors associated with bulimia. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while therapy and monitoring for binging activities are important, addressing the electrolyte imbalances caused by purging behaviors takes precedence in the immediate care of a client with bulimia nervosa.
4. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) repeatedly checks the locks on the doors. What is the best nursing intervention?
- A. Encourage the client to discuss their fears.
- B. Limit the client's time for ritualistic behavior.
- C. Assist the client to complete the ritual faster.
- D. Prevent the client from engaging in the behavior.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best nursing intervention when dealing with a client with OCD who repeatedly checks locks is to encourage the client to discuss their fears. This approach can help the client identify underlying anxiety triggers and work towards developing alternative coping mechanisms. Choice B, limiting the client's time for ritualistic behavior, may increase anxiety and worsen symptoms by creating a sense of urgency. Choice C, assisting the client to complete the ritual faster, does not address the underlying issues and may reinforce the behavior. Choice D, preventing the client from engaging in the behavior, can lead to increased anxiety and distress for the client.
5. An older female adult who lives in a nursing home is loudly demanding that the nurse call her son who has been deceased for five years. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Assist the client in making the phone call.
- B. Remind the client about her son's passing.
- C. Escort the client to a private area.
- D. Direct the client to a new activity.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this situation, the most appropriate intervention is to direct the client to a new activity. This approach can help redirect the client's attention, distract her from the distressing request, and engage her in a more positive interaction. Choice A could exacerbate the client's distress by attempting to make the impossible call, and reminding the client about her son's passing (Choice B) may increase her emotional distress. Escorting the client to a private area (Choice C) does not address the underlying issue and may not effectively manage the situation.
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