HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Practice Questions
1. A LPN/LVN is preparing to care for a dying client, and several family members are at the client's bedside. Select the therapeutic techniques that the nurse would use when communicating with the family. Select one that does not apply.
- A. Discourage reminiscing
- B. Make decisions for the family
- C. Encourage expression of feelings, concerns, and fears
- D. Explain everything that is happening to all family members
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the expression of feelings, concerns, and fears is a therapeutic technique that helps the family cope with the situation and express their emotions. This approach fosters trust and emotional release. Making decisions for the family is not appropriate because it takes away their autonomy and control during a difficult time. Discouraging reminiscing may hinder the family's coping mechanisms by discouraging them from sharing memories and finding comfort in the past. Explaining everything that is happening to all family members promotes transparency and understanding, which can help reduce anxiety and fear.
2. Your friend Carrie took a daily supplement of vitamin C and tells you that she feels a lot better. Her statement to you is best described as what?
- A. an anecdote
- B. theory
- C. interpretation
- D. conclusion
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'an anecdote.' An anecdote is a personal account or experience, not necessarily backed by scientific evidence. In this case, Carrie's statement about feeling better after taking vitamin C is based on her personal experience and does not constitute scientific evidence or a generalizable conclusion. Choice B, 'theory,' would imply a systematic explanation based on scientific evidence, which is not the case here. Choice C, 'interpretation,' typically involves explaining or understanding something based on available information, not a personal account. Choice D, 'conclusion,' would be a general statement derived from specific information or facts, which is not applicable in this context.
3. A child has undergone surgery using steel bar placement to correct pectus excavatum. What position would the nurse instruct the parents to avoid?
- A. Semi-Fowler
- B. Supine
- C. High Fowler
- D. Side-lying
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Side-lying. After surgery using steel bar placement to correct pectus excavatum, the nurse should instruct the parents to avoid placing the child in a side-lying position. This position should be avoided to prevent displacement of the steel bar. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Semi-Fowler, Supine, and High Fowler positions are generally safe and commonly used in postoperative care, but in this specific case, side-lying should be avoided to ensure the effectiveness of the surgical correction.
4. What is the result of the metabolism of energy nutrients?
- A. Energy is released.
- B. Body fat increases.
- C. Energy is destroyed.
- D. Body water decreases.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Energy is released during the metabolism of energy nutrients. This released energy is utilized by the body for various functions. Choice B is incorrect because the metabolism of energy nutrients does not directly result in an increase in body fat. Choice C is incorrect as energy is not destroyed but rather transformed and utilized by the body. Choice D is incorrect as the metabolism of energy nutrients does not lead to a decrease in body water.
5. Community health nurses help influence the health of communities through which of the following actions?
- A. legislating health behavior
- B. recording health status of individuals in a similar geographic region
- C. influencing health status and behavior, and engaging in health promotion
- D. none of the above
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Community health nurses play a crucial role in influencing the health of communities by engaging in health promotion activities and influencing health behaviors. Choice A is incorrect as community health nurses do not legislate health behavior but rather educate and promote healthy behaviors. Choice B is incorrect as while community health nurses may record health data, their main focus is on proactive health promotion and intervention, not just documenting health status. Choice D is incorrect because community health nurses actively work to influence health status and behaviors.