HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Practice Questions
1. The RN is preparing to administer a prescribed dose of haloperidol (Haldol) to a client with schizophrenia. The client begins to exhibit muscle rigidity, fever, and altered mental status. What action should the RN take first?
- A. Administer the haloperidol as prescribed.
- B. Monitor the client's vital signs closely.
- C. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider.
- D. Give the client an antipyretic for the fever.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Muscle rigidity, fever, and altered mental status are symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications. The RN should hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider immediately. Option A is incorrect because administering more of the medication can worsen the symptoms. Option B is not the first priority when the client is experiencing symptoms of NMS. Option D is incorrect as addressing the fever alone does not address the underlying issue of NMS caused by haloperidol.
2. Genotypes are solely based on genetic information.
- A. TRUE
- B. FALSE
- C. Sometimes
- D. Never
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B - FALSE. Genotypes are solely based on genetic information and do not reflect environmental influences. Phenotypes, on the other hand, result from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because genotypes are not influenced by environmental factors, and they are determined by an individual's genetic makeup.
3. Select the nursing interventions for a hospitalized client with mania who is exhibiting manipulative behavior. Select one intervention that does not apply.
- A. Communicate expected behaviors to the client
- B. Ensure that the client knows that he or she is not in charge of the nursing unit
- C. Assist the client in identifying ways of setting limits on personal behaviors
- D. Follow through about the consequences of behavior in a non-punitive manner
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ensuring that the client knows they are not in charge of the nursing unit is not a helpful nursing intervention for managing manipulative behavior in a client with mania. Communicating expected behaviors, assisting with limit-setting, and following through on consequences in a non-punitive manner are more appropriate interventions to address manipulative behavior.
4. In preparing to administer a scheduled dose of intravenous furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure, the nurse notes that the client’s B-Type Naturetic peptide (BNP) is elevated. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Measure the client’s oxygen saturation before taking further action
- B. Administer a PRN dose of nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
- C. Administer the dose of furosemide as scheduled
- D. Hold the dose of furosemide until contacting the healthcare provider
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Elevated BNP levels in a client with heart failure may indicate worsening heart failure. Therefore, the correct action for the nurse to take when encountering an elevated BNP before administering furosemide is to hold the dose and contact the healthcare provider for further guidance. This precaution is necessary to ensure the client's safety and prevent potential complications. Options A and B are incorrect as they do not address the issue of the elevated BNP, which is crucial in this situation. Option C is also incorrect because administering furosemide without consulting the healthcare provider could be harmful if the client's condition is deteriorating.
5. A child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is to receive prednisone as part of his treatment plan. After teaching the child's parents about this drug, which statement by the parents indicates the need for additional teaching?
- A. We should give this drug after he eats something.
- B. We need to watch carefully for possible infections.
- C. The drug should not be stopped abruptly.
- D. He might experience weight gain with this drug.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Giving prednisone with food helps prevent gastrointestinal upset. Therefore, the correct statement is that the drug should be given after the child eats something, not before. Watching for infections is important due to prednisone's immunosuppressive effects, making choice B correct. Choice C is accurate because prednisone should be tapered off gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Weight gain is a common side effect of prednisone, so choice D is also correct. The incorrect statement is choice A, as prednisone should be administered after a meal.