RN HESI Mental Health Exam

Question 1 of 5

A female client who is a retired school teacher is admitted for a breast biopsy. After being told that the biopsy was positive for cancer, she becomes dependent and asks her family for help with activities of daily living that she is physically capable of performing. Which interpretation of this client's behavior by the nurse is likely to be most accurate?

A. Expected, as the client is attempting to reduce anxiety by regressing to a state of lesser anxiety.B. Should be encouraged as representative of the client's non-destructive method of fear expression.C. Unacceptable, and limits should be set to encourage the client to maintain her independence.D. Should be accepted by staff as the first step the client must experience in the grieving process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: This behavior is a regression to reduce anxiety, a common response to a cancer diagnosis. Encouraging dependency, setting rigid limits, or viewing it solely as grieving may not address the client's emotional needs.

Question 2 of 5

A female college student is admitted to the mental health unit following a drug overdose. The student tells the nurse that she took the overdose following the end of a romantic relationship. Which is the primary goal for hospitalization that should be included in this client's plan of care?

A. Returns to her previous level of functioning.B. Identifies four of her positive personal traits.C. Initiates an exercise program to help deal with stress.D. Describes what she wants from a romantic relationship.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Returning to a previous level of functioning is essential for someone hospitalized due to an overdose as it ensures their safety and stability. Identifying traits, initiating exercise, or discussing relationship needs are secondary to stabilizing the client post-suicide attempt.

Question 3 of 5

A client who is an alcoholic receives a prescription for disulfiram 500 mg by mouth (PO) daily. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this client?

A. Take the medication with at least 8 ounces (240 mL) of water and limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication.B. Begin taking the medication immediately and take it daily, regardless of whether or not you drink alcohol.C. Take the medication at bedtime and avoid consuming any more than one ounce of alcohol daily.D. Take the medication each morning beginning 48 hours after your last drink of alcohol.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Disulfiram should be taken 48 hours after the last drink to prevent adverse reactions and is typically taken in the morning for adherence. Alcohol must be completely avoided.

Question 4 of 5

Prior to initiating a treatment regimen with the antidepressant sertraline, it is most important for the nurse to obtain which information?

A. Familial history of mental illness.B. Medication history.C. Current weight.D. Any history of heart disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Medication history is critical to identify potential drug interactions, especially with other antidepressants or serotonergic drugs, to prevent serotonin syndrome. Other information is relevant but secondary.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is preparing the physical environment to interview a new client for admission to the mental health unit. Which environmental setting facilitates the best outcome of the interview?

A. Position a table between the client and the nurse for extra personal space.B. Reduce the noise level in the room by turning off the television and radio.C. Sit within two feet of the client to enhance the level of safety and security.D. Dim the lights in the room to help the patient feel calm.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Reducing noise levels creates a conducive environment for communication and focus. A table may hinder rapport, close proximity may be uncomfortable, and dim lights may hinder engagement.