HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. A male adolescent is admitted with bipolar disorder after being released from jail for assault with a deadly weapon. When the nurse asks the teen to identify his reason for the assault, he replies, 'Because he made me mad!' Which goal is best for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care? The client will
- A. outline methods for managing anger.
- B. control impulsive actions toward self and others.
- C. verbalize feelings when anger occurs.
- D. recognize consequences for behaviors exhibited.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the client's response indicates poor impulse control, a common issue in individuals with bipolar disorder. The most critical goal for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care is to help the client control impulsive actions toward self and others. This goal is essential for preventing harmful behaviors and mitigating the social consequences associated with impulsivity. While outlining methods for managing anger, verbalizing feelings when anger occurs, and recognizing consequences for behaviors exhibited are important aspects of therapy, they do not directly address the urgent need to control impulsive behavior in this case.
2. A client is prescribed phenobarbital 100 mg daily for the treatment of seizures. Which statement made by the client indicates an accurate understanding of the medication phenobarbital?
- A. I will take my medicine at 10 PM before retiring to bed.
- B. The medication will turn the color of my urine to a pink color.
- C. I should not eat or drink anything for at least 2 hours before taking my medicine.
- D. In the event a seizure occurs in the middle of the day, I need to take an extra dose of my medicine.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Phenobarbital should be taken at the same time every day to maintain blood levels and enhance compliance. Common side effects of phenobarbital include drowsiness, lethargy, dizziness, and nausea; therefore, it is best to take it before bedtime to minimize these effects and improve sleep quality. Choice B is incorrect because phenobarbital does not affect the color of urine. Choice C is incorrect because there is no need to fast before taking phenobarbital. Choice D is incorrect because taking extra doses without healthcare provider guidance can lead to overdose and adverse effects.
3. The wife of a male client recently diagnosed with schizophrenia asks the nurse, 'What exactly is schizophrenia? Is my husband all right?' Which response is best for the nurse to provide to this family member?
- A. It sounds like you're worried about your husband. Let's sit down and talk.
- B. It is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes disorganized thinking.
- C. Your husband will be just fine if he takes his medications regularly.
- D. I think you should talk to your husband's psychologist about this question.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The best response for the nurse to provide to the wife of the client diagnosed with schizophrenia is to offer factual information. Choice B is the correct answer as it explains that schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes disorganized thinking. This response provides a simple and accurate explanation of the condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the wife's question about what schizophrenia is. Choice A focuses on emotional support rather than providing information about the disorder. Choice C gives false reassurance without addressing the nature of schizophrenia. Choice D deflects the question by suggesting the wife speak to the psychologist, missing an opportunity to educate and support the family member.
4. As an important tool for planning a community health survey was conducted, the first tangible outcome of collaboration and teamwork with the Local Health Department and its Rural Health Units (RHUs) was seen. This later led to case-finding activities via collection and examination of stools from children for suspected parasitism. Which of the following community nursing diagnoses will guide the Parish Health Team for concrete action?
- A. Parasitism as a foreseeable crisis
- B. Malnutrition as a health deficit
- C. Parasitism as a health deficit
- D. Parasitism as a health threat
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Parasitism as a health threat.' This choice accurately describes the ongoing issue of parasitic infections in the community, highlighting the seriousness and urgency of the problem. Choice A ('Parasitism as a foreseeable crisis') is incorrect as it does not emphasize the immediate danger posed by parasitic infections. Choice B ('Malnutrition as a health deficit') is not the most relevant diagnosis considering the context provided. Choice C ('Parasitism as a health deficit') is also incorrect as it fails to capture the level of risk and urgency associated with parasitic infections in this scenario.
5. What should the nurse suggest to a parent asking for help with a child experiencing night terrors?
- A. Encourage the child to talk about the night terrors.
- B. Establish a bedtime routine.
- C. Allow the child to sleep with the parents.
- D. Wake the child during the night.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Establishing a bedtime routine is the most appropriate suggestion for a parent seeking help with a child experiencing night terrors. Bedtime routines can create a sense of security and predictability for the child, potentially reducing the frequency of night terrors. Encouraging the child to talk about the night terrors (Choice A) may not be effective during the episode as the child is usually not fully awake. Allowing the child to sleep with the parents (Choice C) may inadvertently reinforce the behavior and hinder the child’s ability to learn to self-soothe. Waking the child during the night (Choice D) may disrupt the sleep cycle and exacerbate the night terrors.