HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions
1. The client is planning discharge for a male client with schizophrenia. The client insists that he is returning to his apartment, although the healthcare provider informed him that he will be moving to a boarding home. What is the most important nursing diagnosis for discharge planning?
- A. Ineffective denial related to situational anxiety.
- B. Ineffective coping related to inadequate support.
- C. Social isolation related to difficult interactions.
- D. Self-care deficit related to cognitive impairment.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best nursing diagnosis is (A) because the client is unable to acknowledge the move to a boarding home. While (B, C, and D) are potential nursing diagnoses, denial is the most critical as it is a defense mechanism preventing the client from addressing his feelings regarding the change in living arrangements.
2. A client in the mental health unit believes that the food is being poisoned. What intervention(s) would be helpful when attempting to encourage the client to eat? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Use open-ended questions to encourage client dialogue
- B. Offer opinions about the necessity for adequate nutrition
- C. Focus on the client's self-disclosure about food preferences
- D. Identify the reasons the client has for not wanting to eat
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Using open-ended questions and focusing on the client's self-disclosure about food preferences can help build rapport and trust with the client, encouraging them to eat. Identifying the reasons the client has for not wanting to eat can provide insights into their concerns. However, offering opinions about the necessity for adequate nutrition may come across as imposing views on the client, potentially leading to resistance. This approach may not be as effective in encouraging the client to eat as it could create a power dynamic that hinders the therapeutic relationship.
3. When caring for a client with borderline personality disorder in a psychiatric unit, what is the most therapeutic nursing intervention?
- A. Set clear and consistent boundaries for the client.
- B. Allow the client to vent their feelings without interruption.
- C. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy.
- D. Provide the client with frequent reassurance and support.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Setting clear and consistent boundaries is the most therapeutic nursing intervention when caring for a client with borderline personality disorder. This approach provides structure, promotes predictability, and helps prevent manipulative behaviors. By establishing boundaries, the nurse can maintain a safe therapeutic relationship with the client. Allowing the client to vent their feelings without interruption (Choice B) may not always be beneficial, as it could reinforce maladaptive behaviors. Encouraging participation in group therapy (Choice C) can be helpful but setting boundaries is more critical for individualized care. Providing the client with frequent reassurance and support (Choice D) may not address the underlying issues and can contribute to dependency rather than fostering independence and coping skills.
4. Within several days of hospitalization, a client is repeatedly washing the top of the same table. Which initial intervention is best for the nurse to implement to help the client cope with anxiety related to this behavior?
- A. Administer a prescribed PRN antianxiety medication.
- B. Assist the client in identifying stimuli that precipitate the ritualistic activity.
- C. Allow time for the ritualistic behavior, then redirect the client to other activities.
- D. Teach the client relaxation and thought-stopping techniques.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Initially, the nurse should allow time for the ritualistic behavior (C) to prevent anxiety. Administering an antianxiety medication (A) may help reduce the client's anxiety temporarily but will not address the underlying issue of ineffective coping mechanisms leading to the behavior. While assisting the client in identifying triggers (B) is important for long-term therapy, the immediate focus should be on managing the behavior. Teaching relaxation and thought-stopping techniques (D) is beneficial but might be more effective once the client is more stable and receptive to learning new coping strategies.
5. On admission assessment, the nurse is obtaining subjective data about a client's sexual and reproductive status. The client states, 'I don't want to discuss this; it's private and personal.' Which response by the LVN/LPN is the most therapeutic?
- A. I'd hate being asked these sorts of questions too, but it's a necessary part of providing you with the best care.
- B. This is difficult for you to speak about, but I need this information from you in order to perform a complete assessment.
- C. I am a professional registered nurse, and, as such, I'll have you know that all your information is certainly kept confidential.
- D. I know that some of these questions are difficult for you, but, as a professional nurse, I am obligated to respect your confidentiality.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is D. Respecting the client's privacy while acknowledging the difficulty of the situation and explaining the professional obligation to maintain confidentiality is the most therapeutic approach. This response shows empathy, understanding, and a commitment to confidentiality, which can help build trust and encourage the client to open up. Choices A, B, and C do not effectively address the client's concerns or emphasize the importance of confidentiality in a sensitive manner, making them less therapeutic responses in this situation.
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