HESI RN
RN HESI Mental Health Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with depression does not want to communicate with friends, uses television watching as a means of escaping responsibilities, and describes the inability to handle personal circumstances. Which coping strategy should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Focusing on small achievable tasks helps in breaking down overwhelming problems into manageable parts, aiding in a sense of accomplishment. Shifting attention to others may strain the client further, relaxation without addressing issues may worsen depression, and solely ventilating emotions does not address handling responsibilities.
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?
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
When the nurse addresses questions to an adult female client who is depressed, the client's responses are delayed. Which intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Spending time in silence with the client can create a safe and supportive environment, allowing the client to communicate at her own pace without feeling pressured. Exercise, describing depression, or observing for psychosis do not directly address delayed responses.
Question 4 of 5
A client reports needing to increase opioid dosage to achieve the original level of pain relief. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Explaining the phenomenon of opioid tolerance and receptor response reduction with continued use helps the client understand why increased dosage might be needed. Collecting opioid sources, advising detoxification, or discussing misuse are important but secondary to explaining tolerance.
Question 5 of 5
A client with borderline personality disorder tells the nurse, 'You are the best nurse on the unit! The other nurses don't care about me the way you do.' Which response should the nurse provide to this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This response acknowledges the client's feelings, reinforces the presence of the nursing team, and emphasizes the collective goal of helping the client get better. Other responses may invalidate feelings, deflect, or question perceptions without providing reassurance.