HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. A homeless person who is in the manic phase of bipolar disorder is admitted to the mental health unit. Which laboratory finding obtained on admission is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Decreased thyroid stimulating hormone level
- B. Elevated liver function profile
- C. Increased white blood cell count
- D. Decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin levels
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased thyroid stimulating hormone level. Hyperthyroidism causes an increased level of serum thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), which inhibit the release of TSH. In this case, a decreased TSH level can indicate hyperthyroidism, which can present with manic behavior. Elevated liver function profile (B) is not directly related to the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Increased white blood cell count (C) typically indicates an infection or inflammation, not directly related to the manic phase. Decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin levels (D) may suggest anemia but are not as crucial in the context of a manic phase of bipolar disorder.
2. What is the primary treatment for a child with an anaphylactic reaction?
- A. Oral antihistamines
- B. Intravenous fluids
- C. Epinephrine injection
- D. Antipyretics
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Epinephrine injection. An epinephrine injection is the primary treatment for an anaphylactic reaction in children. Epinephrine acts quickly to reverse severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and hives. Oral antihistamines, although useful for milder allergic reactions, are not sufficient to manage the potentially life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis. Intravenous fluids may be necessary to support blood pressure in a child with anaphylaxis but are not the primary treatment. Antipyretics, on the other hand, are medications used to reduce fever and are not indicated as the primary treatment for an anaphylactic reaction.
3. A healthcare professional is preparing a care plan for a patient who is immobile. Which psychosocial aspect will the professional assess for?
- A. Loss of bone mass
- B. Loss of strength
- C. Loss of weight
- D. Loss of hope
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Correct. Loss of hope is a significant psychosocial aspect that healthcare professionals should assess for in patients who are immobile. Immobility can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression, impacting the patient's mental well-being. Assessing for loss of hope allows healthcare professionals to provide appropriate support and interventions to address the patient's emotional needs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they primarily relate to physical changes (bone mass, strength, weight) rather than the psychosocial aspect of hope.
4. A public health nurse is working with a community to develop a disaster response plan. Which of the following is the priority action?
- A. Identifying available resources and services
- B. Conducting disaster drills
- C. Educating the community about disaster preparedness
- D. Developing a communication plan
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Identifying available resources and services is the priority action when developing a disaster response plan. This step is crucial as it helps the community understand what resources and services are already in place and what additional support may be needed during a disaster. Conducting disaster drills, educating the community about disaster preparedness, and developing a communication plan are important steps in disaster preparedness but come after identifying available resources and services. Without knowing the available resources, it would be challenging to effectively plan and respond to a disaster.
5. The client with a new colostomy is being taught about colostomy care. Which statement by the client indicates effective learning?
- A. I will change my colostomy bag every day.
- B. I should eat a low-fiber diet.
- C. I need to inspect the stoma daily for color and swelling.
- D. I can skip my colostomy care if I feel well.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because inspecting the stoma daily is crucial in identifying any early signs of complications or infections. Choice A is incorrect because changing the colostomy bag daily is not necessary unless there is a specific reason to do so. Choice B is incorrect as a low-fiber diet is not usually recommended for colostomy care. Choice D is incorrect because colostomy care should be performed regularly regardless of how the client feels.