ATI RN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A husband accuses his wife of infidelity. Which situation would indicate to the nurse the husbands use of the ego defense mechanism of projection?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The husband accusing his wife of infidelity despite his own affair with a coworker is an example of projection, which is a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own undesirable feelings or traits to others. In this situation, the husband is projecting his own infidelity onto his wife by accusing her of the same behavior, thereby deflecting attention away from his own actions.
Question 2 of 5
A jilted college student is admitted to a hospital following a suicide attempt and states, No one will ever love a loser like me. According to Eriksons theory of personality development, a nurse should recognize a deficit in which developmental stage?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to Erikson's theory of personality development, the stage of ego integrity versus despair occurs in late adulthood, typically during the age of 65 and older. This stage involves reflecting on one's life and coming to terms with the overall meaning and purpose of one's existence. Individuals who successfully navigate this stage develop a sense of wisdom, acceptance of personal life experiences, and a feeling of integrity. On the other hand, those who struggle in this stage may experience feelings of regret, bitterness, and despair.
Question 3 of 5
When assessing clients, a psychiatric nurse should understand that psychoanalytic theory is based on which underlying concept?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Psychoanalytic theory, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, is based on the underlying concept of understanding the structure and dynamics of the personality. This theory focuses on the subconscious mind, repressed memories, and childhood experiences to analyze a client's behavior, thoughts, and emotions. By exploring the various components of the personality such as the id, ego, and superego, a psychiatric nurse can gain insight into the client's unconscious drives and conflicts. Understanding these underlying dynamics can help guide therapeutic interventions and promote personal growth and mental health.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse should recognize that this client is successfully accomplishing which stage of Eriksons developmental theory?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The stage of industry versus inferiority in Erikson's developmental theory occurs during the school-age years (around 6 to 12 years old). During this stage, children are focused on developing a sense of competence and mastering new skills. They strive to accomplish tasks, learn new things, and receive positive feedback from parents, teachers, and peers. Success in this stage leads to feelings of industry (competence), while failure or lack of support can result in feelings of inferiority. In the context of the question, a client who is successfully accomplishing tasks and feeling competent is likely exhibiting characteristics of the industry versus inferiority stage.
Question 5 of 5
According to psychoanalytic theory, treatment of symptoms should involve which nursing action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to psychoanalytic theory, treatment of symptoms involves gaining insight into the underlying unconscious conflicts that are leading to the symptoms. Recognizing and discussing the client's use of ego defense mechanisms is crucial in helping them understand how these defense mechanisms are protecting them from anxiety-provoking thoughts or feelings. By exploring and resolving these unconscious conflicts, the client can develop healthier coping strategies and reduce the need for symptoms to surface. Expressing empathy and presenting reality, encouraging the client to note cause and effects of actions, and modifying client behaviors through environmental manipulation may all be part of the therapeutic process, but recognizing and discussing ego defense mechanisms is central to the psychoanalytic approach to treatment.