HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A moderately depressed client who was hospitalized 2 days ago suddenly begins smiling and reporting that the crisis is over. The client says to a nurse, 'I'm finally cured.' The LPN/LVN interprets this behavior as a cue to modify the treatment plan by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A sudden improvement in mood and declaring being cured can be warning signs of a decision to attempt suicide.
Therefore, the appropriate action would be to increase the level of suicide precautions to ensure the safety of the client. This can involve closer monitoring and restriction of items that could be harmful.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the potential risk of suicide that may be present with the sudden change in behavior.
Question 2 of 5
Which client outcome indicates improvement for a client who is admitted with auditory hallucinations?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Tells when voices decrease.' This outcome indicates improvement because it shows that the client is experiencing a reduction in auditory hallucinations. By communicating that the voices are decreasing, it suggests that the client's symptoms are improving and the treatment is effective.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Arguing with the voices (
A) indicates ongoing engagement with the hallucinations, which is not a positive outcome. Following what the voices say (
C) suggests compliance with the hallucinations, which is not indicative of improvement. Lastly, telling the nurse what the voices say (
D) does not necessarily demonstrate a reduction in hallucinations or improvement in the client's condition.
Question 3 of 5
A female client with obsessive compulsive personality disorder is admitted to the hospital for a cardiac catheterization. The afternoon before the procedure, the client begins to keep detailed notes of the nursing care she is receiving and reports her findings to the RN at bedtime. What action should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Encouraging the client to express her feelings can help address underlying anxieties and may reduce the need for obsessive behaviors.
Choice A is incorrect because it may come across as confrontational and could escalate the situation.
Choice B is not the best initial action as it focuses on the behavior rather than the client's emotions.
Choice C is premature without first addressing the client's emotional needs.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse asks a female client with borderline personality disorder, 'How do you feel about your children not coming to visit this weekend?' The client looks out the window and replies, 'I really don't care.' Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's non-verbal behavior, such as looking out the window, demonstrates active listening and provides the client with an opportunity to explore their feelings further.
Choice B is incorrect as it accuses the client of lying without any evidence, which can damage the therapeutic relationship.
Choice C is inappropriate as it dismisses the client's feelings and suggests a group discussion without addressing the client's emotions directly.
Choice D is also incorrect as it focuses on the children's actions rather than the client's feelings, missing an opportunity for therapeutic communication.
Question 5 of 5
A client with depression is started on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The client asks, 'How long will it take for this medication to work?' What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Explaining that it may take up to 8 weeks for the medication to take full effect provides the client with a realistic expectation. SSRI medications typically require time to build up in the body and exert their therapeutic effects.
Choice A is incorrect as it underestimates the time frame required for the medication to work.
Choice B is incorrect as SSRIs do not produce immediate effects.
Choice C is incorrect as it falsely states that the medication works immediately, which is not true for SSRIs.