HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. A male client with schizophrenia tells the nurse that the FBI is monitoring his phone calls. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Let's talk about your feelings of being monitored.
- B. There is no evidence that the FBI is monitoring your calls.
- C. Why do you think the FBI is interested in your phone calls?
- D. I can assure you that your phone calls are not being monitored.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is to choose A: 'Let's talk about your feelings of being monitored.' This response shows empathy and encourages the client to express his feelings. Engaging the client in a discussion about his feelings can help address underlying fears without directly challenging the delusion. Choice B is incorrect because directly denying the delusion may lead to increased distrust or agitation in the client. Choice C may come across as confrontational, which can exacerbate the client's paranoia. Choice D offers a false sense of assurance and does not address the client's concerns effectively.
2. What is the appropriate intervention for a child with an undescended testicle?
- A. Wait until puberty
- B. Perform an orchidopexy
- C. Administer hormone therapy
- D. Increase physical activity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The appropriate intervention for a child with an undescended testicle is to perform an orchidopexy. This surgical procedure is recommended if the testicle has not descended naturally within the first year of life. Waiting until puberty is not advised as early intervention is crucial for optimal outcomes. Administering hormone therapy is not the first-line treatment for an undescended testicle and is typically not recommended. Increasing physical activity does not address the underlying issue of an undescended testicle and is not a suitable intervention.
3. A client with Alzheimer's disease is becoming increasingly agitated and combative in the late afternoon. What is the most appropriate intervention?
- A. Offer a sedative medication to calm the client.
- B. Encourage the client to rest in a quiet, low-stimulation environment.
- C. Use reality orientation to reduce confusion.
- D. Engage the client in physical activity to reduce agitation.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the client to rest in a quiet, low-stimulation environment is the most appropriate intervention for a client with Alzheimer's disease who is becoming agitated and combative in the late afternoon. This approach helps reduce agitation and prevent overstimulation, providing a calming and soothing environment for the client. Offering a sedative medication (Choice A) should be avoided as it may have side effects and should only be considered as a last resort. Reality orientation (Choice C) may increase confusion and distress in clients with advanced Alzheimer's disease. Engaging the client in physical activity (Choice D) could potentially escalate the agitation rather than reduce it in this scenario.
4. What is a common sign of a respiratory infection in infants?
- A. Increased appetite
- B. Rapid breathing
- C. Decreased urine output
- D. Lethargy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Rapid breathing is a common sign of a respiratory infection in infants. When infants have a respiratory infection, their breathing may become rapid as their body tries to get more oxygen. This symptom is often seen alongside cough and fever. Increased appetite (Choice A) is not typically associated with respiratory infections but can be seen in other conditions. Decreased urine output (Choice C) is more indicative of dehydration or kidney issues rather than a respiratory infection. Lethargy (Choice D) can be a symptom of various illnesses but is not as specific to respiratory infections as rapid breathing.
5. 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 LPN/LVN 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 LPN/LVN to provide to the wife of a male client diagnosed with schizophrenia is choice B: 'It is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes disorganized thinking.' This response educates the wife about the nature of schizophrenia, explaining that it is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain leading to disorganized thinking, helping her understand the condition better. Choice A does not directly address the question and instead shifts the focus to a different aspect. Choice C gives false reassurance without providing necessary information about schizophrenia. Choice D deflects the responsibility of providing information to the psychologist instead of addressing the wife's concerns directly.