ATI RN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client diagnosed with an obsessive-compulsive disorder spends hours bathing and grooming. During a one-on-one interaction, the client discusses the rituals in detail but avoids any feelings that the rituals generate. Which defense mechanism should the nurse identify?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where the individual avoids uncomfortable emotions by focusing on excessive thinking, analyzing, or rationalizing a situation instead of addressing the associated feelings. In this scenario, the client with obsessive-compulsive disorder discussing the rituals in detail but avoiding any feelings that the rituals generate is demonstrating intellectualization. By focusing solely on the details and processes of the rituals, the client is detaching from the emotions that may be driving these behaviors, thereby protecting themselves from confronting and dealing with the underlying emotional distress.
Question 2 of 5
A college student has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following symptoms should a campus nurse expect this client to exhibit? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. What predominant symptoms should a nurse expect to assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In somatic symptom disorder, the predominant symptoms that a nurse should expect to assess involve disproportionate and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of one's physical symptoms. Individuals with this disorder often have excessive concerns about their health and strong beliefs that they have a serious medical condition despite reassurances from healthcare providers. These individuals may frequently seek medical evaluations and treatments for their symptoms, even when there is no clear medical explanation for their complaints. It is important for the nurse to assess and address these cognitive factors and provide appropriate support and interventions to help the client manage their symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A client diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) switches personalities when confronted with destructive behavior. The nurse recognizes that this dissociation serves which function?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse recognizes that dissociation in a client with dissociative identity disorder (DID) serves to isolate painful events so that the primary self is protected. Dissociation in DID involves a disruption of identity, memory, or consciousness that can serve as a coping mechanism to protect the individual from overwhelming experiences or emotions. When a client switches personalities in the face of destructive behavior, it is often a way for the primary self to distance itself from the distressing situation and maintain a sense of self-preservation. By dissociating and allowing other personalities to emerge, the primary self can avoid direct confrontation with the destructive behavior or memories associated with it. This function of dissociation helps to limit the impact of painful events on the primary self and maintain a sense of psychological safety.
Question 5 of 5
The family of a client diagnosed with conversion disorder asks the nurse, Will his paralysis ever go away? Which of these responses by the nurse is evidence-based?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most evidence-based response by the nurse is: "Most symptoms of conversion disorder resolve within a few weeks." It is important to assure the family that in most cases of conversion disorder, symptoms do improve and can resolve over time. Research shows that the majority of individuals with conversion disorder improve or recover, especially with appropriate treatment, such as therapy focused on addressing underlying psychological issues or stressors. Providing hope and optimism to the family is essential in supporting the client's recovery. It is crucial to avoid making assumptions or accusations about the client's condition, as seen in the other answer choices, and focus on providing accurate information and support.