HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
In the described scenario, a manic client threatens a nurse with physical violence after being told they cannot have a stripper perform. What is the most appropriate action for the LPN/LVN to take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this situation, where the manic client becomes verbally abusive and threatens physical violence, the most appropriate action for the LPN/LVN is to escort the client to her room with assistance. This action helps ensure the safety of both the client and the nurse, while also providing a controlled environment that can help de-escalate the situation.
Choices A and B do not address the immediate safety concerns presented by the client's behavior.
Choice D, revoking smoking privileges, is not directly related to the client's current behavior and does not address the threat of violence.
Question 2 of 5
A client who has just been sexually assaulted is calm and quiet. The nurse analyzes this behavior as indicating which defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Denial. In this situation, the client's calm and quiet demeanor after a traumatic event like sexual assault may indicate denial, a defense mechanism where the individual refuses to acknowledge the reality of the distressing event.
Choice B, Projection, involves attributing one's thoughts or feelings to others.
Choice C, Rationalization, is a defense mechanism where logical reasoning is used to justify behaviors or feelings.
Choice D, Intellectualization, is a defense mechanism where excessive reasoning or logic is used to avoid uncomfortable emotions.
Question 3 of 5
A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The LPN/LVN notes that the client has not bathed or dressed in clean clothes for several days. What is the most appropriate intervention for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assist the client with activities of daily living. This intervention is the most appropriate as it directly addresses the client's immediate needs by providing assistance with personal hygiene and dressing. It promotes self-care and ensures the client's well-being. Encouraging the client to take a shower (
Choice
A) may not be effective if the client is unable to do so independently due to their condition. Providing clean clothes (
Choice
C) is important but does not address the client's need for assistance with personal care. Explaining the importance of personal hygiene (
Choice
D) may not be as effective as providing direct assistance in this situation.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is admitting a male client who takes lithium carbonate (Eskalith) twice a day. Which information should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting should be reported immediately because they could indicate lithium toxicity, which requires urgent medical attention to prevent more severe effects. Short-term memory loss, depressed affect, and weight gain are common side effects of lithium but do not require immediate medical attention compared to symptoms of toxicity like nausea and vomiting.
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.