HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health
1. 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.
2. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has just undergone a thoracentesis. Which finding should be reported immediately?
- A. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side.
- B. Pain at the procedure site.
- C. Blood-tinged sputum.
- D. Shortness of breath.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Shortness of breath should be reported immediately as it may indicate a pneumothorax, a potential complication of thoracentesis. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side, pain at the procedure site, and blood-tinged sputum are common findings post-thoracentesis and do not necessarily indicate immediate complications like a pneumothorax.
3. A client with a history of hypertension is prescribed a beta-blocker. Which side effect should the nurse monitor for in this client?
- A. Increased appetite
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Nausea and vomiting
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bradycardia. Beta-blockers are known to decrease heart rate, which can lead to bradycardia. This is a common side effect that nurses should monitor for in clients taking beta-blockers. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because increased appetite, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting are not typical side effects associated with beta-blockers. Therefore, the nurse should focus on monitoring for bradycardia in this client.
4. The nurse is caring for a 5-year-old child who has the left leg in skeletal traction. Which of the following activities would be an appropriate diversional activity?
- A. Kicking balloons with the right leg
- B. Playing 'Simon Says'
- C. Playing handheld games
- D. Throwing bean bags
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Playing handheld games is an appropriate diversional activity for a child in skeletal traction because it does not require physical movement of the affected limb. This activity can help keep the child entertained and engaged without risking any harm to the tractioned leg. Choices A, B, and D involve physical movements that could potentially interfere with the skeletal traction or cause discomfort to the child.
5. What is one primary factor that influences nutrient needs in individuals?
- A. Age
- B. Gender
- C. Genetics
- D. Physical activity level
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Correct. Age is one of the primary factors influencing nutrient needs. Different life stages, such as infancy, childhood, adulthood, and old age, require varying amounts of nutrients. Gender (choice B) can influence nutrient needs to some extent, but age plays a more significant role. Genetics (choice C) may affect how individuals metabolize certain nutrients but is not a primary factor in determining overall nutrient needs. Physical activity level (choice D) can impact energy requirements but is not as fundamental as age in influencing overall nutrient needs.