HESI RN
RN HESI Mental Health 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A female client is brought to the emergency department after police officers found her disoriented, disorganized, and confused. The nurse also determine the client is homeless and is exhibiting suspiciousness. This client's plan of care should include what priority problem?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acute confusion is the priority problem because the client is disoriented, disorganized, and confused, indicating a cognitive impairment that needs immediate attention. Ineffective community coping may be a concern for a homeless individual but is not the priority in this scenario. Disturbed sensory perception typically involves alterations in visual, auditory, tactile, or olfactory senses, which may not be the primary issue. While self-care deficit could be a concern, it is not the priority when the client is disoriented.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse who is co-leading group therapy recognizes that a client is beginning to experience severe levels of anxiety. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assisting the client with relaxation techniques in the group is the best intervention as it provides immediate support and can help alleviate the client's anxiety in the moment. Exploring the source of anxiety may not be suitable during a group session where immediate relief is needed. Education on coping mechanisms is valuable but does not address immediate needs. Escorting the client out may be considered if anxiety becomes overwhelming, but it is secondary to attempting in-group relaxation.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is performing intake interviews at a psychiatric clinic. A client with a known history of drug abuse reports having had a heart attack four years ago. Use of which substance places the client at highest risk for myocardial infarction?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Methamphetamine use is known to cause significant cardiovascular effects, including increased heart rate, blood pressure, and vasoconstriction, which can lead to myocardial infarction. Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to cardiovascular issues but is less potent than methamphetamine. Benzodiazepines primarily affect the central nervous system, not the cardiovascular system. Marijuana has cardiovascular effects but is generally less risky than methamphetamine.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client who reports using cocaine several times in the past week. Which observations should the nurse expect on assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cocaine use typically results in stimulation of the central nervous system, leading to increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and heightened alertness. Bradycardia and bradypnea are not typical, as cocaine causes tachycardia and increased respiratory rate. Hallucinations and delusions are more associated with hallucinogens or psychotic disorders. Lethargy and depression occur during the 'crash' phase, not the immediate effects of cocaine use.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse documents that a client with schizophrenia is delusional. Which statement by the client confirms this assessment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse at night is trying to poison me with pills' confirms a delusion, specifically a paranoid delusion, as it reflects a fixed, false belief not based in reality. The other options describe hallucinations: visual ('snakes'), auditory ('voices'), and tactile ('fire'). Delusions involve false beliefs, while hallucinations involve false sensory perceptions.