ATI RN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing 15-year-old identical twins who respond very differently to stress. One twin becomes anxious and irritable, while the other withdraws and cries. How should the nurse explain these different responses to stress to the parents?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Identical twins may share the same genetic makeup, but they are still unique individuals with their own personalities and experiences. Reactions to stress are not solely determined by genetics; they are also influenced by individual differences, environmental factors, and personal coping strategies. Thus, it is normal for identical twins to respond differently to stressors. Stress responses are relative rather than absolute, meaning that each person may react in their own way based on their temperament, past experiences, and current circumstances. It is essential for the parents to understand that variation in stress responses is a natural aspect of human behavior, even among identical twins.
Question 2 of 5
A teenage boy is attracted to a female teacher. Without objective evidence, a school nurse overhears the boy state, I know she wants me. This statement reflects which defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto someone else. In this scenario, the teenage boy is projecting his own feelings of attraction onto the female teacher by assuming she wants him as well. The statement "I know she wants me" reflects this projection, as there is no objective evidence supporting the boy's belief that the teacher has any romantic interest in him. The defense mechanism of projection allows the boy to avoid acknowledging his own feelings of attraction towards the teacher by attributing them to her instead.
Question 3 of 5
Devastated by a divorce from an abusive husband, a wife completes grief counseling. Which statement by the wife should indicate to a nurse that the client is in the acceptance stage of grief?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The statement "Yes, it was a difficult relationship, but I think I have learned from the experience" indicates that the client is in the acceptance stage of grief. In this stage, individuals come to terms with the reality of the loss and start to find meaning in the experience. The client's acknowledgment of the difficult relationship but expressing that she has learned from it shows that she is accepting the situation and trying to grow from it. This statement reflects a sense of acceptance and willingness to move forward from the grief caused by the divorce.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
Which of the following statements should a nurse recognize as true about defense mechanisms? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding defense mechanisms is crucial, especially in mental health nursing. The correct statement, option A, reflects that defense mechanisms are utilized in response to threats to biological or psychological integrity. This is true as defense mechanisms are subconscious strategies to protect oneself from anxiety or threats. They help individuals cope with stress and maintain self-esteem. Option B is incorrect as defense mechanisms are not solely controlled by the id and primal urges. While some defense mechanisms may stem from unconscious desires, they serve a broader purpose of managing anxiety. Option C is incorrect because defense mechanisms are not specifically used to relieve mild to moderate anxiety; they can be employed in various situations to manage emotional conflicts. Option D is also incorrect as defense mechanisms are not always about self-deception. While some mechanisms involve distortion of reality, their primary function is to reduce anxiety and protect the individual's self-concept. Educationally, understanding defense mechanisms is essential for nurses working in mental health settings. By recognizing and comprehending these mechanisms, nurses can better support patients in coping with stressors and maintaining psychological well-being. It also enables nurses to provide more effective therapeutic interventions and support strategies tailored to individual needs.