ATI RN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 5
Which client statement should alert a nurse that a client may be responding maladaptively to stress?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client statement "I've found that avoiding contact with others helps me cope" should alert a nurse that the client may be responding maladaptively to stress. Avoiding contact with others for coping can be a sign of isolation, which can often exacerbate stress and lead to negative mental health outcomes. It is important for individuals to seek social support and healthy coping mechanisms when dealing with stress rather than isolating themselves. Clients should be encouraged to engage in activities that promote social connection, self-care, and positive interactions with others.
Question 3 of 5
A school nurse is assessing a distraught female high school student who is overly concerned because her parents cant afford horseback riding lessons. How should the nurse interpret the students reaction to her perceived problem?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 4 of 5
Which symptom should a nurse identify as typical of the fight-or-flight response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs when an individual faces a perceived threat or stressor. One of the primary characteristics of this response is the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to an increase in heart rate. This increase in heart rate helps to pump more blood to the muscles, providing them with oxygen and nutrients to either fight the threat or flee from it. Therefore, identifying an increased heart rate as a symptom typical of the fight-or-flight response is crucial for understanding the body's physiological response to stress. Pupil constriction, increased salivation, and increased peristalsis are not typically associated with the fight-or-flight response.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is working with a client who has recently been under a great deal of stress. Which nursing recommendations would be most helpful when assisting the client in coping with stress? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.