HESI LPN
HESI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse documents that a male client with paranoid schizophrenia is delusional. Which statement by the client confirms this assessment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Believing that the nurse is trying to poison him with pills is a clear indication of delusional paranoia, a common symptom in paranoid schizophrenia.
Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to paranoid delusions and are more indicative of hallucinations or other forms of delusions not specific to paranoia.
Question 2 of 5
Over a period of several weeks, one male participant of a socialization group at a community day care center for the elderly monopolizes most of the group's time and interrupts others when they are talking. What is the best action for the nurse to take in this situation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Allowing the group to handle the situation is the best action as it promotes group dynamics and empowerment, especially since the group is in the working phase. Talking to the participant individually (
A) might be seen as manipulative. Reminding the participant (
B) can come across as dictatorial and may not address the underlying issue. Asking the participant to join another group (
D) does not address the problem at hand and avoids the opportunity for growth and conflict resolution within the current group.
Question 3 of 5
A client is admitted to the mental health unit and reports taking extra anti-anxiety medication because, 'I'm so stressed out. I just wanted to go to sleep.' The nurse should plan one-on-one observation of the client based on which statement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because expressing feelings of hopelessness or nihilism can be indicators of a deeper, possibly dangerous level of depression.
Choice A is incorrect as it indicates seeking help,
Choice B suggests fatigue, and
Choice C implies denial of needing help, none of which directly signify severe depression warranting one-on-one observation.
Question 4 of 5
A client with borderline personality disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. The client frequently expresses feelings of emptiness and fears of abandonment. What is the most therapeutic nursing approach for this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic nursing approach for a client with borderline personality disorder, who frequently expresses feelings of emptiness and fears of abandonment, is to set clear and consistent boundaries while providing empathy. This approach helps manage the client's fear of abandonment and feelings of emptiness, which are common in borderline personality disorder. Option A may overwhelm the client in a group setting without addressing their specific needs. Option C, while well-intentioned, may not fully address the underlying issues and may create dependency. Option D delves into the client's past relationships, which may be inappropriate and trigger emotional distress in a vulnerable client.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder who is withdrawn and refuses to participate in group activities. What is the best nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the client to attend at least one group session is the best nursing intervention in this scenario. By gently encouraging participation, the nurse can help the client start to engage with others, which may gradually improve their mood and social interaction.
Choice B, respecting the client's wish to remain isolated, may further exacerbate the client's withdrawal and depression by reinforcing avoidance behavior.
Choice C, arranging for individual therapy sessions, can be beneficial but may not address the specific need for social interaction.
Choice D, offering a list of activities to choose from, does not directly address the client's difficulty in participating in group activities and may not provide the necessary support in overcoming social withdrawal.