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HESI Mental Health Practice Exam
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing severe anxiety. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to implement?
- A. Instruct the client to take deep breaths and focus on the present.
- B. Encourage the client to discuss their fears in detail.
- C. Distract the client with a humorous story or anecdote.
- D. Leave the client alone to process their emotions.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client experiencing severe anxiety is to instruct the client to take deep breaths and focus on the present. Deep breathing can help reduce the physiological symptoms of anxiety and provide the client with a way to regain control over their emotions. Choice B is incorrect as discussing fears in detail may escalate anxiety levels. Choice C is inappropriate as distracting the client may not address the root cause of anxiety. Choice D is not recommended as leaving the client alone can increase feelings of isolation and distress.
2. A RN is preparing the physical environment to interview a new client for admission to the mental health unit. Which environmental setting facilitates the best outcome of the interview?
- A. Dim the lights in the room to help the patient feel calm.
- B. Sit within two feet of the client to enhance the level of safety and security.
- C. Reduce the noise level in the room by turning off the television and radio.
- D. Position a table between the client and the RN for extra personal space.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Reducing the noise level in the room by turning off the television and radio is the best choice among the options provided. This setting helps create a calm and focused environment, which facilitates better communication and assessment during the interview. Dimming the lights might not be suitable for all clients and could potentially hinder communication. Sitting too close or placing a table between the client and the RN may affect the client's comfort level and openness during the interview.
3. An adult female client tells the nurse that though she is afraid her abusive boyfriend might one day kill her, she keeps hoping that he will change. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Discuss treatment options for abusive partners.
- B. Explore the client's readiness to discuss the situation.
- C. Determine the frequency and type of client's abuse.
- D. Report the finding to the police department.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Exploring the client's readiness to discuss the situation is the correct first step. It allows the nurse to assess the client's emotional state, willingness to seek help, and readiness to address the abusive relationship. This approach helps build trust and rapport with the client, paving the way for further interventions. Discussing treatment options for abusive partners (Choice A) may be premature and not well-received if the client is not ready to address the situation. Determining the frequency and type of abuse (Choice C) is important but not the immediate priority compared to assessing the client's readiness to talk. Reporting the finding to the police (Choice D) should be done if there is an immediate threat to the client's safety, but exploring the client's readiness to discuss the situation should be the initial step to provide support and intervention.
4. A client sought counseling after trying to rescue a neighbor involved in a house fire. Despite the client's efforts, the neighbor died. Which action does the nurse engage in with the client during the working phase of the nurse-client relationship?
- A. Exploring the client's ability to function
- B. Exploring the client's potential for self-harm
- C. Inquiring about the client's perception of appraisal of the neighbor's death
- D. Inquiring about and examining the client's feelings that may block adaptive coping
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During the working phase of the nurse-client relationship, it is crucial for the nurse to inquire about and examine the client's feelings that may hinder adaptive coping. This helps the client process the traumatic event, explore their emotional responses, and identify any barriers to moving forward effectively. Exploring the client's ability to function (Choice A) may be more relevant in the assessment phase, while exploring the client's potential for self-harm (Choice B) is important but may not be the primary focus at this stage. Inquiring about the client's perception of the neighbor's death (Choice C) is valuable, but addressing feelings blocking adaptive coping is essential for therapeutic progress.
5. A client with schizophrenia is being discharged with a prescription for risperidone (Risperdal). What is the most important information for the nurse to provide?
- A. You need to have regular blood tests while taking this medication.
- B. Report any muscle stiffness or unusual movements immediately.
- C. Avoid foods high in tyramine while taking this medication.
- D. This medication may cause weight loss.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Report any muscle stiffness or unusual movements immediately." This information is crucial because muscle stiffness or unusual movements may indicate extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), a potential side effect of risperidone that requires immediate attention. Choice A is less critical as regular blood tests are important but not as urgent as identifying EPS. Choice C is irrelevant as tyramine interactions are not associated with risperidone. Choice D is incorrect as weight gain is more common than weight loss with risperidone.
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