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. The RN is providing education about strategies for a safety plan for a female client who is a victim of intimate partner violence. Which strategies should be included in the safety plan? (select one that does not apply)
- A. Purchase a gun to use for protection.
- B. Keep quiet and calm.
- C. Take a self-defense course that retaliates against the abuser with injury.
- D. Have a bag ready that has extra clothes for self and children.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Taking a self-defense course that retaliates against the abuser with injury can escalate the level of violence and is not recommended in a safety plan for a victim of intimate partner violence. The correct strategies include establishing a code, having a bag ready, and planning an escape route, which enhance safety without increasing the risk of harm.
3. A client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reports having frequent nightmares. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Nightmares are common with PTSD and should decrease over time.
- B. Try to avoid thinking about the trauma before going to bed.
- C. Let's discuss some relaxation techniques you can use before bedtime.
- D. I will ask the healthcare provider to prescribe a sleep aid.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The best response for the nurse is to discuss relaxation techniques with the client that can help reduce anxiety and stress before bedtime. This approach may potentially decrease the frequency of nightmares by promoting a more calming and peaceful pre-sleep routine. Choice A is incorrect because while nightmares can be common with PTSD, it is not guaranteed that they will decrease over time. Choice B is incorrect as avoiding thinking about the trauma may not address the underlying issue causing the nightmares. Choice D is incorrect as prescribing a sleep aid should be considered as a last resort after trying non-pharmacological interventions.
4. A 19-year-old female client with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa wants to help serve dinner trays to other clients on a psychiatric unit. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the client's self-motivation by asking her to assist with other activities.
- B. Provide an alternative suggestion for the client to participate in the unit's activities.
- C. Allow the client to serve dinner trays to other clients but monitor closely for any signs of distress.
- D. Explain to the client that she needs to focus on her own recovery and cannot participate in serving dinner trays.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Clients with anorexia should not be allowed to plan or prepare food for unit activities, as this can reinforce their perception of self-control. Allowing the client to serve dinner trays (C) may trigger distress or unhealthy behaviors. Therefore, it is best to provide an alternative suggestion for the client to participate in the unit's activities (B). Encouraging the client to assist with other activities (A) may inadvertently reinforce negative behaviors related to food. Explaining to the client that she cannot participate in serving dinner trays (D) without offering an alternative does not address the client's desire to help and may lead to feelings of rejection.
5. At a support meeting of parents of a teenager with polysubstance dependency, a parent states, 'Each time my son tries to quit taking drugs, he gets so depressed that I'm afraid he will commit suicide.' The nurse's response should be based on which information?
- A. Addiction is a chronic, incurable disease
- B. Tolerance to the effects of drugs causes feelings of depression
- C. Feelings of depression frequently lead to drug abuse and addiction
- D. Careful monitoring should be provided during withdrawal from the drugs
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The priority is to teach the parents that their son will need monitoring and support during withdrawal to ensure that he does not attempt suicide. Option A is incorrect because addiction can be managed and treated effectively with appropriate interventions. Option B is incorrect as tolerance to drugs causing depression is not the primary concern in this scenario. Option C is incorrect as while depression can be a risk factor for drug abuse, in this case, the focus is on the son's safety during withdrawal.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
HESI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access