HESI RN
Mental Health HESI
1. During a group session on anger management, a male adolescent client is fidgety, interrupts peers, and talks about his pets at home. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Allow the client to leave and return in 10 minutes.
- B. Explore the client’s feelings about his pets and home life.
- C. Encourage his peers to help involve him in the activity.
- D. Redirect him by encouraging him to read from the handout.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The best nursing action in this scenario is to redirect the client by encouraging him to read from the handout. This approach helps refocus the client's attention on the topic being discussed, which is anger management. Choice A is not appropriate as it may disrupt the group session and does not address the client's behavior. Choice B, while important in understanding the client's background, does not address the immediate disruptive behavior. Choice C involves others to manage the client's behavior instead of direct intervention by the nurse, which may not be effective in this situation.
2. What principle about patient-nurse communication should guide a nurse's fear of 'saying the wrong thing' to a patient?
- A. Patients tend to appreciate a well-meaning person who conveys genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their situation.
- B. The patient is more interested in talking to you than listening to what you have to say and is not likely to be offended.
- C. Considering the patient's history, there is little chance that the comment will do any actual harm.
- D. Most people with a mental illness have by necessity developed a high tolerance for forgiveness.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct principle guiding nurse-patient communication is that patients value genuine acceptance, respect, and concern. Choice A is the correct answer because showing genuine care and concern for the patient's situation fosters a positive and therapeutic relationship. Choice B is incorrect as effective communication involves active listening and responding appropriately, not assuming the patient is only interested in talking. Choice C is incorrect because a patient's history does not guarantee immunity to harm from inappropriate comments. Choice D is incorrect as it generalizes individuals with mental illness and forgiveness, which is not directly related to communication fears.
3. An older male client with schizophrenia is found smearing feces on the bathroom walls of the chronic mental health unit where he resides. What action should the RN implement?
- A. Explain that the feces belong in the toilet.
- B. Show the client how to clean the walls.
- C. Escort the client out of the bathroom.
- D. Assist the client to clean the walls.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Escorting the client out of the bathroom is the most appropriate action to take in this situation. This helps prevent further inappropriate behavior and maintains hygiene, while avoiding reinforcement of the behavior. Option A, explaining that the feces belong in the toilet, may not be effective as the behavior is likely a manifestation of the client's condition rather than a lack of understanding. Option B, showing the client how to clean the walls, may not address the underlying issue and could potentially reinforce the behavior. Option D, assisting the client to clean the walls, may also reinforce the behavior and is not the best approach to managing the situation.
4. The nurse is planning client teaching for a 35-year-old client with early alcoholic cirrhosis. Which self-care measure should the nurse emphasize for the client’s recovery?
- A. Support group meetings.
- B. Vitamin B and multivitamin supplements.
- C. Diet with adequate calories and protein.
- D. Alcohol abstinence.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol abstinence is the most critical self-care measure for a client with early alcoholic cirrhosis. Continued alcohol consumption can lead to further liver damage and worsen the condition. Support group meetings may offer emotional support but do not address the root cause of the issue. While vitamin supplements and a nutritious diet are important for overall health, alcohol abstinence takes precedence in managing cirrhosis caused by alcohol consumption.
5. A client with an eating disorder is being treated in a behavioral health unit. Which behavior would the nurse expect to see if the client is responding positively to the treatment?
- A. Adherence to the treatment plan and increased self-care activities.
- B. Increased isolation from others.
- C. Frequent complaining about treatment procedures.
- D. Refusal to eat meals provided by the unit.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A positive response to treatment for a client with an eating disorder is indicated by adherence to the treatment plan and an increase in self-care activities. These behaviors show that the client is actively engaging in their treatment and taking steps towards recovery. Option B, increased isolation from others, is not indicative of a positive response to treatment as it may suggest withdrawal or avoidance. Option C, frequent complaining about treatment procedures, is not a behavior that signifies a positive response; it may indicate dissatisfaction or discomfort with the treatment. Option D, refusal to eat meals provided by the unit, is also not a positive response as it could suggest continued resistance to treatment and potential worsening of symptoms.
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