HESI RN
Quizlet HESI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 9
A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder develops diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness in a client being treated with lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder may indicate lithium toxicity. The nurse should promptly notify the healthcare provider to ensure immediate medical intervention. The correct action is to prepare for the administration of an antidote if necessary. Holding the medication (Choice B) could delay necessary treatment. Considering the symptoms as normal side effects (Choice C) is incorrect as they suggest a potential serious issue. Notifying the healthcare provider before the next administration of the drug (Choice D) may delay urgent intervention required for lithium toxicity.
Question 2 of 9
A female client is brought to the emergency department after police officers found her disoriented, disorganized, and confused. The nurse also determines that the client is homeless and slightly suspicious. This client's treatment plan should include what priority problem?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Acute confusion.' In the given scenario, the client is disoriented, disorganized, and confused, indicating acute confusion. This is a priority issue to address for immediate safety and appropriate care. Option A, self-care deficit, is not the priority as the client's safety and mental status take precedence. Option B, disturbed sensory perception, does not align with the client's presentation of confusion. Option C, ineffective community coping, is not the immediate concern as the client's cognitive state needs urgent attention.
Question 3 of 9
The mental health team is determining treatment options for a male patient who is experiencing psychotic symptoms. Which question(s) should the team answer to determine whether a community outpatient or inpatient setting is most appropriate? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To determine whether a community outpatient or inpatient setting is most appropriate for a patient experiencing psychotic symptoms, it is crucial to consider if the patient has had experiences with either community or inpatient mental healthcare facilities. This helps in assessing the familiarity and comfort level of the patient in those settings, aiding in decision-making regarding the level of care needed. The other choices, such as assessing suicidal thoughts (choice A), judgment and insight (choice B), and the need for a therapeutic environment (choice D), are important considerations in the overall treatment plan but do not directly address the setting appropriateness between community outpatient or inpatient care.
Question 4 of 9
A male hospital employee is pushed out of the way by a female employee because of an oncoming gurney. The pushed employee becomes very angry and swings at the female employee. Both employees are referred for counseling with the staff psychiatric nurse. Which factor in the pushed employee's history is most related to the reaction that occurred?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: Was physically abused by his mother.' The pushed employee's aggressive reaction can be attributed to his history of physical abuse. Research suggests that individuals who have experienced physical abuse may exhibit heightened aggressive responses due to trauma and learned behavior. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A is a stereotype-based assumption that does not have a direct correlation with the aggressive behavior observed; B, torturing animals, is concerning behavior but not directly linked to the aggressive response in this scenario; D, hating to be touched, is not the most relevant factor considering the situation described.
Question 5 of 9
The RN documents the mental status of a female client who has been hospitalized for several days by court order. The client states, "I don't need to be here," and tells the RN that she believes that the TV talks to her. The RN should document these assessment statements in which section of the mental status exam?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client's statement of not needing to be hospitalized and her belief that the TV talks to her indicate impaired insight and judgment. Insight and judgment evaluate the client's awareness of their condition and ability to make sound decisions. Mood and affect assess emotional state, remote memory evaluates recall of past events, and level of concentration assesses attention and focus, none of which directly address the client's lack of insight and judgment in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
After receiving treatment for anorexia, a student asks the school nurse for permission to work in the school cafeteria as part of the school's work-study program. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clients with anorexia are often fixated on food and exercise, which can exacerbate their condition. By recommending assignment to the receptionist's office, the nurse provides an environment that minimizes exposure to food-related triggers. Working in the cafeteria may intensify the student's preoccupation with food, making it an unsuitable choice. Referring the student to a psychiatrist without exploring less triggering work options first may not be necessary. Determining the parents' opinion is important, but in this context, the focus should be on selecting a work environment that supports the student's recovery.
Question 7 of 9
The occupational health nurse is working with a female employee who was just notified that her child was involved in a MVA and taken to the hospital. The employee states, "I can't believe this. What should I do?" Which response is best for the nurse to provide in this crisis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a crisis situation where the female employee's child is involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and taken to the hospital, the most appropriate response for the nurse is to provide immediate practical assistance. Calling for transportation to the hospital ensures that the employee can quickly reach her child in need of urgent medical attention. The other options (A, B, and C) do not address the immediate need for assistance and may not provide the necessary support required in such a critical situation.
Question 8 of 9
When preparing to administer a domestic violence screening tool to a female client, which statement should the RN provide?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because screening all clients for domestic abuse helps normalize the process and reduces the stigma, encouraging honest responses. Choice A is not the best option as it may come off as accusatory and can deter the client from being open. Choice B, mentioning state law, may create fear or pressure, affecting the client's response. Choice C focuses on the healthcare provider's needs rather than emphasizing the client's well-being, which may not facilitate open communication.
Question 9 of 9
A client with alcohol use disorder is being treated in a rehabilitation facility. Which behavior indicates that the client is making progress in recovery?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Participation in group therapy and sharing experiences is a positive sign of progress in recovery for a client with alcohol use disorder. It fosters peer support, allows for personal insight, and encourages social interaction, which are essential aspects of the recovery process. Choice A, attending all scheduled therapy sessions regularly, is important but may not necessarily indicate the same level of progress as active participation in group therapy. Choice C, completing a work-study program, is not directly related to the client's recovery from alcohol use disorder. Choice D, having a decreased need for psychiatric medication, is not necessarily a reliable indicator of progress in recovery from alcohol use disorder, as medication management is a separate aspect of treatment.