HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Practice Questions
1. The charge nurse is collaborating with the nursing staff about the plan of care for a client who is very depressed. What is the most important intervention to implement during the first 48 hours after the client's admission to the unit?
- A. Monitor appetite and observe intake during meals.
- B. Maintain safety in the client's environment.
- C. Provide ongoing, supportive contact.
- D. Encourage participation in activities.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most critical intervention to implement during the first 48 hours after admitting a depressed client is to maintain safety (B). Depression increases the risk of suicide; hence ensuring a safe environment is the priority. While monitoring appetite (A), providing supportive contact (C), and encouraging participation in activities (D) are important aspects of care for a depressed client, ensuring safety takes precedence in the initial phase of admission.
2. Which type of lipoprotein is associated with decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis?
- A. High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
- B. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
- C. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
- D. Intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is High-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is known as 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from the arteries, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. LDL (choice B) is considered 'bad' cholesterol as it can deposit cholesterol in the arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. VLDL (choice C) and IDL (choice D) are also associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis rather than decreasing it.
3. The nurse is planning care for a 32-year-old male client diagnosed with HIV infection who has a history of chronic depression. Recently, the client's viral load has begun to increase rather than decrease despite his adherence to the HIV drug regimen. What should the nurse do first while taking the client's history upon admission to the hospital?
- A. Determine if the client attends a support group weekly.
- B. Hold all antidepressant medications until further notice.
- C. Ask the client if he takes St. John's Wort routinely.
- D. Have the client describe any recent changes in mood.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's top priority upon admission is to determine if the client has been taking St. John's Wort, an herbal preparation often used for depression. St. John's Wort can interact adversely with medications used to treat HIV infection, potentially explaining the rise in the viral load (C). Asking about attending support groups (A) or recent changes in mood (D) may provide valuable information about the client's depression but is not as critical as determining St. John's Wort use. Holding antidepressant medications (B) without assessing for potential interactions can be harmful to the client.
4. A child is admitted with extensive burns. The nurse notes burns on the child’s lips and singed nasal hairs. The nurse should suspect that the child has a(n)
- A. chemical burn
- B. inhalation injury
- C. electrical burn
- D. hot-water scald
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Burns on the lips and singed nasal hairs indicate inhalation injury, suggesting the child has inhaled hot gases or smoke. This presentation is common in cases where the respiratory tract is exposed to hot gases or smoke, leading to potential airway compromise. Choice A, chemical burn, is incorrect because there is no mention of exposure to chemicals, and the symptoms described are more indicative of inhalation injury. Choice C, electrical burn, is incorrect as there is no evidence of electrical involvement in the scenario provided. Choice D, hot-water scald, is incorrect because the presence of singed nasal hairs points more towards inhalation injury than a scald from hot water, emphasizing the need to prioritize airway management and respiratory support.
5. Which of the following qualifications is not required for a Nurse Supervisor at the provincial level?
- A. BSN, RN
- B. at least 3 years experience
- C. Master's in public health
- D. at least 5 years experience in public health
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the qualifications for a Nurse Supervisor at the provincial level include a BSN, RN, and a Master's in public health, along with a minimum of 5 years of experience in public health. Choice B, which states 'at least 3 years experience,' is incorrect as the requirement is for at least 5 years of experience in public health. Choices A, C, and D are necessary qualifications for a Nurse Supervisor at the provincial level based on the provided information.