HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Practice Exam
1. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends hours checking and rechecking the locks on the doors. What is the best nursing intervention?
- A. Allow the client to continue the behavior to reduce anxiety.
- B. Encourage the client to discuss the thoughts and feelings behind the behavior.
- C. Prevent the client from checking the locks to break the cycle.
- D. Schedule specific times for the client to check the locks.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The best nursing intervention for a client with OCD who spends excessive time checking locks is to encourage the client to discuss the thoughts and feelings behind the behavior. By exploring the underlying anxiety and triggers, the client can gain insight and work towards behavior modification. Choice A is incorrect because enabling the behavior does not address the underlying issues. Choice C is incorrect as it may lead to increased anxiety and distress. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the root cause of the behavior.
2. In evaluating your client's level of wellness, which of the following indicators can you see?
- A. Appropriate nutritional level
- B. Sense of personal security
- C. Acceptance of oneself and one's limitations
- D. Maladaptations to one's environment
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When evaluating a client's level of wellness, indicators such as appropriate nutritional level, sense of personal security, and acceptance of oneself and one's limitations are crucial. Option C, 'Acceptance of oneself and one's limitations,' directly relates to mental wellness and self-awareness, making it a key indicator of overall well-being. Options A, B, and D are not as directly tied to the psychological and emotional aspects of wellness, making them less relevant indicators in this context. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
3. Select the tactile sensation that is accurately paired with its description or procedure for testing.
- A. Fine motor coordination: The use of the fingers
- B. Stereognosis: Equal hearing in both ears
- C. Two-point discrimination: The nurse gently pricks the patient's skin
- D. Gross motor function: The use of the lower limbs
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Two-point discrimination: The nurse gently pricks the patient's skin. Two-point discrimination assesses the ability to discern two points touched simultaneously on the skin. Fine motor coordination (Choice A) refers to the precise movements of small muscles, not related to tactile sensation. Stereognosis (Choice B) is the ability to recognize objects by touch, not equal hearing in both ears. Gross motor function (Choice D) involves the coordination of large muscle groups, not specifically related to tactile sensation testing.
4. A parent receives a note from the school that a student in class has head lice. The parent calls the school nurse to ask how to check for head lice. What instructions should the nurse provide?
- A. Ask the child where it itches.
- B. Check to see if your dog has ear mites.
- C. Look along the scalp line for white dots.
- D. Observe between the fingers for red lines.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to look along the scalp line for white dots (nits) when checking for head lice. White dots/nits are the eggs of head lice and are commonly found attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. This method helps identify if head lice are present. Choice A is incorrect as itching alone may not be a definitive sign of head lice; it could be due to other reasons. Choice B is irrelevant as ear mites in dogs are not related to head lice infestation in humans. Choice D is also incorrect as observing between the fingers for red lines is not a method for checking head lice.
5. A male client presents to the clinic stating that he has a high-stress job and is having difficulty falling asleep at night. The client reports having a constant headache and is seeking medication to help with sleep. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Determine the client's sleep and activity patterns
- B. Obtain a prescription for the client to take when stressed
- C. Refer the client for a sleep study and neurological follow-up
- D. Teach coping strategies to use when feeling stressed
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Assessing the client's sleep and activity patterns is crucial in understanding the factors contributing to the sleep difficulties and headaches. By evaluating these patterns, the nurse can identify triggers, stressors, and lifestyle habits that may be impacting the client's sleep quality and overall well-being. This assessment will guide the nurse in formulating an appropriate care plan tailored to the client's specific needs. Option B is not appropriate as it focuses solely on providing medication without addressing underlying issues. Option C is premature as a thorough assessment should precede any referrals for specialized studies. Option D, while important, should come after understanding the client's sleep patterns to provide more targeted coping strategies.