HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. When planning care for a client with anorexia nervosa, which goal should be prioritized?
- A. The client will establish normal eating patterns.
- B. The client will verbalize feelings about food and weight.
- C. The client will gain a minimum of 2 pounds per week.
- D. The client will achieve normal electrolyte balance.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because achieving normal electrolyte balance is critical in clients with anorexia nervosa. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to serious, life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrhythmias and organ failure. While establishing normal eating patterns (choice A) and verbalizing feelings about food and weight (choice B) are important aspects of treatment, addressing electrolyte balance takes precedence due to the immediate risks associated with imbalances. Additionally, setting a weight gain goal of 2 pounds per week (choice C) may not be appropriate initially as rapid refeeding can also lead to electrolyte imbalances and other complications.
2. While being educated by a nurse, an assistive personnel (AP) is learning about proper hand hygiene. Which statement made by the AP indicates a good understanding of the teaching?
- A. There are times I should use soap and water rather than alcohol-based hand rub to clean my hands.
- B. I can use alcohol-based hand rub after using the restroom.
- C. Soap and water are only necessary if my hands are visibly dirty.
- D. Hand rub is always sufficient, regardless of the situation.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because it demonstrates an understanding that soap and water should be used when hands are visibly dirty or when dealing with specific pathogens. Choice A is incorrect because it suggests the use of soap and water over alcohol-based hand rub without specifying the circumstances. Choice B is incorrect as it implies that using alcohol-based hand rub after using the restroom is always suitable. Choice D is incorrect because it states that hand rub is always enough, which is not true when hands are visibly soiled or when specific pathogens are present.
3. Which organ lies retroperitoneally?
- A. Kidneys
- B. Testicles
- C. Urinary bladder
- D. Pancreas
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kidneys. The kidneys are located retroperitoneally, behind the peritoneum, providing structural protection and maintaining a stable position within the abdominal cavity. This location helps protect them from external physical trauma. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because testicles, urinary bladder, and pancreas are not located retroperitoneally. Testicles are located in the scrotum, the urinary bladder is located in the pelvis, and the pancreas is located in the upper abdomen, not retroperitoneally.
4. A charge nurse notices that two staff nurses are not taking meal breaks during their shifts. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Discuss time management strategies with the nurses
- B. Provide coverage for the nurses' breaks
- C. Determine the reasons the nurses are not taking scheduled breaks
- D. Review policies for taking scheduled breaks
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to determine the reasons the nurses are not taking scheduled breaks. This action is crucial as it allows the charge nurse to understand the underlying causes for the behavior. By identifying the reasons, the nurse can then address the root of the issue effectively. Option A is incorrect because discussing time management strategies may not address the specific reasons for not taking breaks. Option B is incorrect as providing coverage for breaks does not address the underlying cause of the issue. Option D is also incorrect as reviewing policies should come after understanding the reasons for the behavior.
5. What is a common sign of dehydration in infants?
- A. Decreased urination
- B. Dry mouth and lips
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Normal skin turgor
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Dry mouth and lips are common signs of dehydration in infants. When an infant is dehydrated, the body conserves water, resulting in less urine production and concentrated urine. This leads to decreased frequency of urination rather than frequent urination, making choice A incorrect. Choice C, increased appetite, is not typically associated with dehydration in infants but rather with normal growth and development. Normal skin turgor, as mentioned in choice D, is a sign of hydration and not dehydration, making it an incorrect choice. Therefore, the correct answer is B, dry mouth and lips, which indicate a need for fluid replacement.