HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Practice Questions
1. For a female client with major depressive disorder reporting feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, what is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Encourage the client to join a support group.
- B. Refer the client for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
- C. Assess the client's risk for suicide.
- D. Suggest the client participate in daily exercise.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the client's risk for suicide. When a client expresses feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, it indicates a high risk of self-harm or suicide. Therefore, the priority intervention should be to assess the client's safety. Encouraging the client to join a support group (choice A) may be beneficial but not the priority at this time. Referring the client for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (choice B) and suggesting daily exercise (choice D) are important interventions in managing depression but assessing the risk for suicide takes precedence due to the immediate safety concern.
2. A client is admitted to a medical unit with the diagnosis of gastritis and chronic heavy alcohol abuse. What should the nurse administer to prevent the development of Wernicke's syndrome?
- A. Lorazepam (Ativan)
- B. Famotidine (Pepcid)
- C. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- D. Atenolol (Tenormin)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Thiamine supplementation is critical in preventing Wernicke's syndrome, especially in clients with chronic alcohol use. Wernicke's syndrome is a neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and not for preventing Wernicke's syndrome. Famotidine is an H2 blocker used to reduce stomach acid production but does not prevent Wernicke's syndrome. Atenolol is a beta-blocker used for hypertension and angina, not for preventing Wernicke's syndrome.
3. The nurse is recording a history for a child who has been diagnosed with recurrent abdominal pain (RAP). What is a finding that is characteristic of this disorder?
- A. Morning headaches
- B. Pain for 3 consecutive months
- C. Febrile episodes in the late afternoon
- D. Diaphoresis when attacks occur
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pain for 3 consecutive months. Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is characterized by abdominal pain that occurs at least once per week for at least 2 months before diagnosis. Choosing option A is incorrect since morning headaches are not a common characteristic of RAP. Option C is incorrect because febrile episodes in the late afternoon are not typically associated with RAP. Option D is incorrect as diaphoresis (excessive sweating) when attacks occur is not a common finding in RAP.
4. To accommodate a patient who is an Orthodox Jew, you would assure that her diet does not include which of the following?
- A. Any combination of meat and milk at the same meal
- B. Fish with scales
- C. Salmon
- D. Grape juice
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Orthodox Jewish dietary laws prohibit mixing meat and dairy in the same meal, so to accommodate an Orthodox Jew, you should ensure that their diet does not include any combination of meat and milk at the same meal. Choices B, C, and D are not prohibited in a kosher diet. Fish with scales, including salmon, are typically kosher, and grape juice is also permissible under kosher guidelines if certified. Therefore, options B, C, and D are acceptable in an Orthodox Jewish diet, while option A contradicts their dietary laws.
5. Non-nutrient substances found in plant foods that may demonstrate biological activity in the body are commonly known as ___
- A. Bioenhancements
- B. Inorganic fibers
- C. Phytochemicals
- D. Phytoactive chemicals
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plant foods that may affect health. They are known for their potential health benefits, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. 'Bioenhancements' is not a term used to describe non-nutrient substances in plant foods. 'Inorganic fibers' do not refer to bioactive compounds found in plants. 'Phytoactive chemicals' is not a commonly used term in nutrition science to describe these compounds.