HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. An anxious client expressing a fear of people and open places is admitted to the psychiatric unit. What is the most effective way for the nurse to assist this client?
- A. Plan an outing within the second week of admission.
- B. Distract the client whenever they express discomfort about being with others.
- C. Confront the client's fears and discuss the possible causes of these fears.
- D. Accompany the client outside for an increasing amount of time each day.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most effective way to assist a client with a fear of people and open places is through gradual desensitization by controlled exposure to the situation which is feared (D). This method helps the client confront their fears in a safe and supportive manner, allowing them to gradually build confidence and reduce anxiety. Planning an outing within the second week of admission (A) may be too soon and overwhelming for the client. Distracting the client whenever they express discomfort (B) does not address the underlying issue and may promote denial. Confronting the client's fears and discussing possible causes (C) could be too aggressive initially and may not be well-tolerated by the client.
2. How should a nurse prepare a 15-month-old child diagnosed with hydrocephalus for a computed tomography (CT) scan?
- A. Shaving the child's head
- B. Starting the prescribed IV infusion
- C. Administering the prescribed sedative
- D. Giving the child a simple explanation of the procedure
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Preparing a toddler for a CT scan involves providing a simple explanation of the procedure to help reduce anxiety and fear. Shaving the child's head is unnecessary for a CT scan and may increase distress. Starting an IV infusion or administering sedatives may not be appropriate or necessary for all pediatric patients undergoing CT scans, especially if the child can cooperate without these interventions.
3. A client with schizophrenia is prescribed olanzapine (Zyprexa). What is the most important side effect for the nurse to monitor?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Weight gain
- C. Dry mouth
- D. Tachycardia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Weight gain. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is known to cause significant weight gain in patients. This side effect is crucial to monitor because it can lead to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. Monitoring the client's weight regularly and providing appropriate dietary guidance is essential. Hypotension (choice A), dry mouth (choice C), and tachycardia (choice D) are not commonly associated with olanzapine use and are not the primary side effects to monitor in this case.
4. The nurse at a health fair has taken a client's blood pressure twice, 10 minutes apart, in the same arm while the client is seated. The nurse records the two blood pressures of 172/104 mm Hg and 164/98 mm Hg. What is the appropriate nursing action in response to these readings?
- A. Refer the client to a nutritionist after providing health teaching about a low-sodium diet.
- B. Place the client in a recumbent position and call the paramedics for transport to the hospital.
- C. Talk with the client to assess whether there is stress in the client's life and refer to a counseling service.
- D. Take the client's blood pressure in the other arm and then schedule a healthcare practitioner's appointment for as soon as possible.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The appropriate nursing action in response to significantly high blood pressure readings like 172/104 mm Hg and 164/98 mm Hg is to confirm the readings by taking the blood pressure in the other arm. This can help rule out any error or issue specific to that arm. The nurse should then schedule a healthcare practitioner's appointment for as soon as possible to further assess the client's condition and determine the appropriate intervention. Choice A is incorrect because solely referring the client to a nutritionist for a low-sodium diet without further assessment or confirmation of the blood pressure readings is premature. Choice B is incorrect as the client is already seated, and calling paramedics for immediate transport to the hospital is not warranted based solely on the blood pressure readings provided. Choice C is incorrect as stress may not be the sole reason for the high blood pressure readings, and further assessment is required before referring the client to counseling services.
5. What behavior does the nurse anticipate while feeding a newborn with choanal atresia?
- A. Chokes on the feeding
- B. Has difficulty swallowing
- C. Does not appear to be hungry
- D. Takes about half of the feeding
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Correct answer: When feeding a newborn with choanal atresia, the nurse should anticipate that the infant may take only part of the feeding. This behavior is due to the condition causing difficulty in breathing through the nose while feeding, prompting the infant to pause for air. Choice A, 'Chokes on the feeding,' is incorrect as it does not specifically relate to the feeding behavior expected in choanal atresia. Choice B, 'Has difficulty swallowing,' is also incorrect because the issue in choanal atresia is primarily related to breathing rather than swallowing. Choice C, 'Does not appear to be hungry,' is not the typical behavior seen in infants with choanal atresia; they may still display hunger cues but struggle with feeding due to the condition.