HESI RN
Quizlet HESI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 of 9
A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed lithium carbonate. Which finding should the RN report to the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Elevated BUN levels may indicate renal impairment, which is crucial to report for clients on lithium due to its potential kidney effects. Option A, a serum lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L, is within the therapeutic range for lithium and does not require immediate reporting. Option C, a serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L, is within the normal range and not directly related to lithium therapy. Option D, urine output of 800 mL in 24 hours, may indicate a need for further assessment but is not the most critical finding to report compared to potential renal impairment indicated by an elevated BUN level.
Question 4 of 9
What intervention is best for the nurse to implement for a male client with schizophrenia who is demonstrating echolalia, which is becoming annoying to other clients on the unit?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Echolalia, the constant repetition of what others are saying, can be disruptive to the therapeutic environment. The most appropriate intervention is to escort the client to his room. This action provides the client with a private space where he can engage in the behavior without disturbing other clients. Avoiding recognition of the behavior (Choice A) may not address the issue and could lead to increased annoyance among other clients. Isolating the client (Choice B) may have negative psychological effects and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary for safety concerns. Administering a PRN sedative (Choice C) should be considered only as a last resort and if other de-escalation techniques have been unsuccessful.
Question 5 of 9
An elderly client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Which assessment finding is most concerning for the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In an elderly client with major depressive disorder, disorganized speech and thought processes are the most concerning assessment finding for the nurse. These symptoms can suggest a more severe condition such as psychosis or cognitive impairment, which require immediate attention and intervention. Weight loss, lack of interest in activities, severe fatigue, and low energy levels are common symptoms of major depressive disorder but do not pose an immediate risk as disorganized speech and thought processes do.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is exhibiting symptoms of paranoia. Which behavior would the nurse most likely observe?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In clients with paranoia, they typically exhibit an intense fear of being harmed, persecuted, or targeted by others. This fear often dominates their thoughts and can significantly impact their daily functioning and interactions. Choice A, being unmotivated and withdrawn, is more indicative of negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as avolition and social withdrawal. Choice C, displaying a blunted affect and lacking emotional response, is associated with flat affect, a symptom commonly seen in schizophrenia but not specific to paranoia. Choice D, avoiding group activities and showing decreased appetite, may be related to various symptoms or side effects, but it is not a defining characteristic of paranoia in schizophrenia.
Question 7 of 9
A healthcare provider is evaluating a client's response to a new antianxiety medication. Which client statement indicates a positive response to the medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I feel more relaxed and less anxious." A positive response to antianxiety medication is characterized by reduced anxiety and increased relaxation. Choice B, which mentions sleeping less and feeling more energetic, suggests potential side effects rather than a positive response to the medication. Choice C indicates no change in anxiety levels, which is not indicative of a positive response. Choice D, mentioning difficulty concentrating, is also a sign of a negative response to antianxiety medication as it may suggest cognitive impairment.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
A client who is known to abuse drugs is admitted to the psychiatric unit. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to a client who is exhibiting benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) is the correct choice for managing benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are commonly used drugs that can lead to physical dependence, and abrupt discontinuation can result in withdrawal symptoms. Chlordiazepoxide, a benzodiazepine itself, is often used in a controlled manner to taper off the drug gradually and manage withdrawal symptoms effectively. Choice A, Diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine and not typically used to manage benzodiazepine withdrawal. Choice B, Perphenazine, is an antipsychotic medication used to treat psychotic disorders, not specifically benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. Choice C, Isocarboxazid, is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used in the treatment of depression and not indicated for benzodiazepine withdrawal.