HESI LPN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is scheduled to complete a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. The client asks the nurse to explain the reason the test was prescribed. How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. PET scans are primarily used to detect and observe the metabolic activity in various parts of the brain. This helps in diagnosing conditions related to brain function, such as tumors, brain disorders, and overall brain activity.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because PET scans focus on metabolic activity and functions in the brain rather than solely indicating the presence of tumors, outlining brain structures, or showing biochemical levels of neurotransmitters.
Question 2 of 5
An anxious client expressing a fear of people and open places is admitted to the psychiatric unit. What is the most effective way for the nurse to assist this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most effective way to assist a client with a fear of people and open places is through gradual desensitization by controlled exposure to the situation which is feared (
D). This method helps the client confront their fears in a safe and supportive manner, allowing them to gradually build confidence and reduce anxiety. Planning an outing within the second week of admission (
A) may be too soon and overwhelming for the client. Distracting the client whenever they express discomfort (
B) does not address the underlying issue and may promote denial. Confronting the client's fears and discussing possible causes (
C) could be too aggressive initially and may not be well-tolerated by the client.
Question 3 of 5
A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, manic phase. Which activity is most appropriate for the LPN/LVN to suggest to the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, individuals may experience heightened levels of energy and agitation. Engaging in activities that are overly stimulating, such as playing basketball with others (choice
A) or taking a walk in a garden (choice
B), can exacerbate these symptoms. Writing in a journal (choice
D) may also be too stimulating and may not provide the necessary distraction. Working on a puzzle in a quiet room (choice
C) can offer a calming and focused activity that helps reduce anxiety and channel excess energy into a structured task, making it the most appropriate choice for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder.
Question 4 of 5
A male client with mental illness and substance dependency tells the mental health nurse that he has started using illegal drugs again and wants to seek treatment. Since he has a dual diagnosis, which person is best for the nurse to refer this client to first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The case manager (
B) is responsible for coordinating community services, making them the best person to refer the client to first as they can describe available treatment options. The emergency room nurse (
A) is unnecessary unless the client's behaviors pose imminent threats. The clinic healthcare provider (
C) and support group sponsor (
D) may be useful but coordinating a treatment program tailored to the client's needs is the priority in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
A child is brought to the emergency room with a broken arm. Because of other injuries, the nurse suspects the child may be a victim of abuse. When the nurse tries to give the child an injection, the child's mother becomes very loud and shouts, 'I won't leave my son! Don't you touch him! You'll hurt my child!' What is the best interpretation of the mother's statements? The mother is
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is (
C) projecting her feelings onto the nurse. The mother's behavior suggests that she is attributing her own actions or feelings to the nurse, which is a form of projection. Option (
A) regressing to an earlier behavior pattern is not the best fit in this context. Option (
B) sublimating her anger is not applicable based on the given scenario. Option (
D) suppressing her fear cannot be inferred from the provided information.