HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. In observing a client who is pacing, agitated, and presenting aggressive gestures, with rapid speech pattern and belligerent affect, what is the immediate priority of care for the nurse?
- A. Provide safety for the client and other clients on the unit
- B. Provide the clients on the unit with a sense of comfort and safety
- C. Assist the staff in caring for the client in a controlled environment
- D. Offer the client a less stimulated area to calm down and gain control
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a situation where a client is displaying aggression and agitation, the immediate priority of care for the nurse is to ensure safety for the client and others on the unit. Providing a safe environment and implementing calming measures take precedence over other interventions. Option A is the correct choice as it addresses the crucial need for safety in a potentially volatile situation. Options B, C, and D, although important, do not address the primary concern of ensuring safety for all individuals involved.
2. Which information should the LPN/LVN exclude in the nursing plan of care for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
- A. The medical diagnosis of the client
- B. Individualized goals and objectives
- C. Attendance at group therapy sessions
- D. Self-care measures to improve hygiene
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because including the medical diagnosis of the client in the nursing plan is redundant as the healthcare team is already aware of the diagnosis. The nursing plan of care for a client with OCD should focus on individualized goals, objectives, attendance at group therapy sessions, and self-care measures to improve hygiene. These components directly contribute to addressing the client's needs and promoting recovery. Therefore, the medical diagnosis does not need to be included in the nursing plan as it does not actively guide the day-to-day care and interventions for the client.
3. When explaining the fecal occult blood testing procedure to a client, which of the following information should be included?
- A. Eating more protein is not necessary before testing.
- B. Multiple stool specimens may be required for testing.
- C. A red color change indicates a positive test.
- D. The specimen must not be contaminated with urine.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. When performing fecal occult blood testing, it is crucial to inform the client that the specimen must not be contaminated with urine to prevent false results. Choices A and B are incorrect because eating more protein is not required before testing, and multiple stool specimens may be necessary for accurate results, respectively. Additionally, regarding choice C, a red color change, not blue, indicates a positive test result, making it an incorrect option.
4. When teaching a patient about the side effects of a new medication, which teaching method is most effective?
- A. Providing a written pamphlet
- B. Giving verbal instructions only
- C. Demonstrating how to take the medication
- D. Using a combination of verbal, written, and demonstration methods
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most effective teaching method when educating a patient about the side effects of a new medication is to use a combination of verbal, written, and demonstration methods. This comprehensive approach ensures that the patient receives information through multiple channels, catering to different learning styles. Verbal instructions allow for direct communication, written materials provide a reference for the patient to review later, and demonstrations offer a visual aid that can enhance understanding. Providing a combination of these methods increases the likelihood of the patient retaining and comprehending the information effectively. Choices A, B, and C are less effective as they do not encompass the benefits of utilizing multiple teaching modalities.
5. How do the public view nurses today?
- A. Nurses are assistants to physicians.
- B. Nurses view the person within the family and community.
- C. Nurses are different from other health-care providers.
- D. Nurses are closely involved in shaping the health care of the future.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Nurses are assistants to physicians.' The public image of nurses, as portrayed by the media, often positions them as assistants to physicians. This perception stems from historical depictions and the traditional hierarchy within healthcare settings. Choice B is incorrect because it reflects how nurses perceive their patients, not how the public views nurses. Choice C is incorrect as nurses are part of the broader healthcare team but are not seen as fundamentally different from other healthcare providers by the public. Choice D is incorrect as while nurses play a crucial role in shaping healthcare, the public perception often focuses more on their supportive role in the healthcare system.