HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Practice Exam
1. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Encourage the client to ignore the voices.
- B. Ask the client what the voices are saying.
- C. Distract the client with a new activity.
- D. Tell the client that the voices are not real.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Asking the client what the voices are saying is the most appropriate intervention as it helps the nurse assess the content of the hallucinations and the potential risk they may pose. Encouraging the client to ignore the voices (Choice A) may not address the underlying issue or provide valuable information for the nurse. Distracting the client with a new activity (Choice C) may temporarily divert attention but does not address the hallucinations. Telling the client that the voices are not real (Choice D) may invalidate the client's experience and can lead to distrust in the therapeutic relationship.
2. A client is receiving intravenous potassium chloride for hypokalemia. Which action should the nurse take to prevent complications during the infusion?
- A. Administer the infusion rapidly
- B. Monitor the infusion site for signs of infiltration
- C. Use a syringe pump for the infusion
- D. Flush the IV line with normal saline before starting the infusion
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action to prevent complications during the infusion of potassium chloride is to monitor the infusion site for signs of infiltration. Rapid administration can lead to adverse effects, including cardiac arrhythmias. Using a syringe pump is not typically necessary for this infusion. Flushing the IV line with normal saline is a good practice but not directly related to preventing complications specifically during the infusion of potassium chloride.
3. The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has been diagnosed with a stroke. Which intervention will the nurse add to the care plan?
- A. Encourage the patient to perform as many self-care activities as possible.
- B. Provide assistance with a bed bath to promote patient comfort.
- C. Coordinate with physical therapy for gait training.
- D. Instruct the patient to remain on bed rest to prevent fatigue.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to perform as many self-care activities as possible. For a patient who has had a stroke, promoting independence and engaging in self-care activities help maintain mobility and foster a sense of autonomy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because providing assistance with a bed bath, coordinating with physical therapy for gait training, or advising bed rest without indications may not be the best interventions for promoting optimal recovery and independence in a stroke patient.
4. The nurse is teaching a father how to stimulate his 7-year-old son, who has a 'slow-to-warm-up' temperament. Which guidance will be most successful?
- A. Telling him to read stories to the child about famous athletes
- B. Suggesting he take the child to watch him play softball
- C. Urging him to sign the child up for little league football
- D. Proposing wrestling with the child and letting him win
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Reading stories to the child about famous athletes would be the most successful guidance for a child with a 'slow-to-warm-up' temperament. This approach allows for a less active and more acceptable way of engaging with the child, aligning better with the child's temperament. Choices B, C, and D involve more active and potentially overwhelming activities for a child with such a temperament, which may not be as effective in stimulating and engaging the child.
5. A client with Guillain-Barre syndrome is in a non-responsive state, yet vital signs are stable and breathing is independent. What should the nurse document to most accurately describe the client's condition?
- A. Comatose, breathing unlabored
- B. Glasgow Coma Scale 8, respirations regular
- C. Appears to be sleeping, vital signs stable
- D. Glasgow Coma Scale 13, no ventilator required
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Glasgow Coma Scale 8, respirations regular.' A Glasgow Coma Scale of 8 with regular respirations accurately describes a non-responsive state with independent breathing. Choice A is incorrect because 'comatose' implies a deep state of unconsciousness, which may not be accurate in this case. Choice C is incorrect as stating the client 'appears to be sleeping' may not accurately reflect the severity of the situation. Choice D is incorrect because a Glasgow Coma Scale of 13 would not typically correspond to a non-responsive state.