HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health 2023
1. A teenaged male client is admitted to the postoperative unit following open reduction of a fractured femur which occurred when he fell down the stairs at a party. The nurse notices needle marks on the client's arms and plans to observe for narcotic withdrawal. Early signs of narcotic withdrawal include which assessment findings?
- A. Vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
- B. Depression, fatigue, and dizziness.
- C. Hypotension, shallow respirations, and dilated pupils.
- D. Agitation, sweating, and abdominal cramps.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Agitation, sweating, and abdominal cramps are early signs of narcotic withdrawal. Vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness (Option A) are more indicative of severe withdrawal or overdose symptoms. Depression, fatigue, and dizziness (Option B) are not typically early signs of narcotic withdrawal. Hypotension, shallow respirations, and dilated pupils (Option C) are more associated with opioid overdose rather than withdrawal. Monitoring for agitation, sweating, and abdominal cramps is crucial for managing narcotic withdrawal symptoms effectively.
2. What is the nurse’s priority intervention when preparing for admission of a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis?
- A. Pad the side rails of the crib.
- B. Arrange for a quiet, cool room.
- C. Place a tracheotomy set at the bedside.
- D. Obtain a recliner so that a parent can stay.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to place a tracheotomy set at the bedside. Acute laryngotracheobronchitis can cause airway obstruction, which may require an emergency tracheotomy. Having the tracheotomy set readily available ensures quick access in case of respiratory distress. Padding the side rails of the crib, arranging for a quiet, cool room, and obtaining a recliner for a parent are important aspects of care but are not the priority when managing a potentially life-threatening airway emergency.
3. A nurse on the pediatric unit is observing the developmental skills of several 2-year-old children in the playroom. Which child should the nurse continue to evaluate?
- A. Cannot stand on one foot
- B. Builds a tower of 7 blocks
- C. Uses echolalia when speaking
- D. Colors outside the lines of a picture
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because using echolalia (repeating words or phrases) is not typical for a 2-year-old and may indicate the need for further evaluation. Choices A, B, and D are within the expected developmental skills for a 2-year-old. While a 2-year-old may not be able to stand on one foot for an extended period, it is not a concerning developmental milestone at this age. Building a tower of 7 blocks and coloring outside the lines of a picture are both age-appropriate activities that demonstrate fine motor skills and creativity, respectively. However, echolalia at this age could be a sign of an underlying communication or developmental issue that warrants further assessment and monitoring.
4. 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.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with seizures?
- A. Hyponatremia
- B. Hypercalcemia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyponatremia. Hyponatremia, characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, can lead to cerebral edema and seizures due to water shifting into brain cells. Hypercalcemia (choice B) does not commonly cause seizures but can result in muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias. Hyperkalemia (choice C) may lead to muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias, but it is less frequently associated with seizures. Hypokalemia (choice D) is linked to muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias but is not typically related to seizures.