ATI RN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client has a history of excessive fear of water. What is the term that a nurse should use to describe this specific phobia, and under what subtype is this phobia identified?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aquaphobia is the term used to describe an intense fear or phobia of water. It is considered a natural environment type of phobia because it involves a fear of natural elements or situations, such as bodies of water like oceans, lakes, or pools. People with aquaphobia may experience extreme anxiety or panic when near water or even at the thought of being in water. This fear is often irrational and can significantly impact a person's daily life and activities involving water.
Question 2 of 5
A client is experiencing a severe panic attack. Which nursing intervention would meet this clients immediate need?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client is experiencing a severe panic attack, the most immediate need is to provide support and reassurance. Staying with the client and offering comfort can help reduce feelings of anxiety and provide a sense of safety. This intervention helps establish a therapeutic nurse-client relationship and promotes a sense of security for the client during a vulnerable and distressing time. It is essential for the nurse to remain present, calm, and supportive to help the client manage the panic attack effectively.
Question 3 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 4 of 5
Warrens college roommate actively resists going out with friends whenever they invite him. He says he cant stand to be around other people and confides to Warren They wouldnt like me anyway. Which disorder is Warrens roommate likely suffering from?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Warren's roommate's reluctance to go out with friends and belief that others wouldn't like him suggest social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia. People with social anxiety disorder have an intense fear of social situations and interactions, often due to feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment, or humiliation. They may avoid social gatherings or endure them with extreme discomfort. The roommate's belief that others wouldn't like him is also a common feature of social anxiety, as individuals with this disorder often have negative self-beliefs and worry excessively about judgment from others. Agoraphobia involves fear of situations or places that may be difficult to escape or get help in, Mysophobia is fear of germs or contamination, and Panic disorder involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks which are not mentioned in the scenario.
Question 5 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: In the case of a college student diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the campus nurse should expect the client to exhibit symptoms like fatigue. This is because individuals with GAD often experience persistent worrying and excessive anxiety, which can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. Fatigue is a common symptom of anxiety disorders due to the constant state of heightened stress and worry impacting sleep patterns and overall energy levels. As for the other options: - Anorexia (option B): While anxiety can sometimes lead to changes in appetite, anorexia is not a typical symptom of GAD. In fact, some individuals with anxiety disorders may experience increased appetite or emotional eating as a coping mechanism. - Hyperventilation (option C): Hyperventilation can be a symptom of anxiety, particularly during panic attacks, but it is not a defining symptom of GAD. Hyperventilation is more commonly associated with panic disorder. - Insomnia (option D): Insomnia is another common symptom of anxiety disorders, including GAD. While sleep disturbances are prevalent among individuals with anxiety, it is not the only symptom indicative of GAD. Educationally, understanding the specific symptoms associated with different mental health conditions, such as GAD, is crucial for healthcare providers like nurses to accurately assess and provide appropriate care for their patients. Recognizing the nuances of each disorder helps in developing targeted treatment plans and supporting individuals effectively in managing their mental health concerns.