ATI RN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. What predominant symptoms should a nurse expect to assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In somatic symptom disorder, the predominant symptoms that a nurse should expect to assess involve disproportionate and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of one's physical symptoms. Individuals with this disorder often have excessive concerns about their health and strong beliefs that they have a serious medical condition despite reassurances from healthcare providers. These individuals may frequently seek medical evaluations and treatments for their symptoms, even when there is no clear medical explanation for their complaints. It is important for the nurse to assess and address these cognitive factors and provide appropriate support and interventions to help the client manage their symptoms.
Question 2 of 5
The family of a client diagnosed with conversion disorder asks the nurse, Will his paralysis ever go away? Which of these responses by the nurse is evidence-based?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most evidence-based response by the nurse is: "Most symptoms of conversion disorder resolve within a few weeks." It is important to assure the family that in most cases of conversion disorder, symptoms do improve and can resolve over time. Research shows that the majority of individuals with conversion disorder improve or recover, especially with appropriate treatment, such as therapy focused on addressing underlying psychological issues or stressors. Providing hope and optimism to the family is essential in supporting the client's recovery. It is crucial to avoid making assumptions or accusations about the client's condition, as seen in the other answer choices, and focus on providing accurate information and support.
Question 3 of 5
Which client statement should alert a nurse that a client may be responding maladaptively to stress?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client statement "I've found that avoiding contact with others helps me cope" should alert a nurse that the client may be responding maladaptively to stress. Avoiding contact with others for coping can be a sign of isolation, which can often exacerbate stress and lead to negative mental health outcomes. It is important for individuals to seek social support and healthy coping mechanisms when dealing with stress rather than isolating themselves. Clients should be encouraged to engage in activities that promote social connection, self-care, and positive interactions with others.
Question 4 of 5
A school nurse is assessing a distraught female high school student who is overly concerned because her parents cant afford horseback riding lessons. How should the nurse interpret the students reaction to her perceived problem?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 5 of 5
Which symptom should a nurse identify as typical of the fight-or-flight response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs when an individual faces a perceived threat or stressor. One of the primary characteristics of this response is the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to an increase in heart rate. This increase in heart rate helps to pump more blood to the muscles, providing them with oxygen and nutrients to either fight the threat or flee from it. Therefore, identifying an increased heart rate as a symptom typical of the fight-or-flight response is crucial for understanding the body's physiological response to stress. Pupil constriction, increased salivation, and increased peristalsis are not typically associated with the fight-or-flight response.