HESI RN
RN Hesi Mental Health Exam 1 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A middle-aged female client with no previous psychiatric history is seen in the mental health clinic because her family describes her as having paranoid thoughts. On assessment, she tells the nurse, 'I want to find out why these people are stalking me!' Which response should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging elaboration on the client's beliefs provides insight into her delusions without confrontation, aiding assessment. Other responses may escalate distress or invalidate feelings.
Question 2 of 5
A client who experiences memory loss is diagnosed with Wernicke encephalopathy caused by alcohol addiction. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Thiamine administration is critical for Wernicke encephalopathy to prevent neurological damage due to thiamine deficiency. Counseling, disulfiram, and nutrition are secondary.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is completing the admission assessment of an adolescent client who is underweight and admitted to a psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of depression. Which finding requires notification to the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/dl indicates hypokalemia, which can cause cardiac and metabolic complications and requires immediate notification. Other findings are within normal ranges.
Question 4 of 5
A client with opioid dependence makes a statement to the nurse about desiring to lead a healthier lifestyle by making changes in the next 2 weeks. How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Supporting the client to list small behavioral changes aligns with the stages of change model, encouraging achievable goals. Other responses may discourage motivation or be premature.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is preparing a client for discharge after treatment for cocaine abuse. The client is taking home a prescription for a new medication to control cocaine cravings. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Educating the client about the purpose and potential side effects of the medication enhances adherence and informed decision-making, which is critical for long-term management. Assessing withdrawal, encouraging adherence, and determining last use are important but secondary to education.