ATI RN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nursing instructor is teaching about the application of Peplaus theory to nursing care. Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Peplau's theory emphasizes the importance of the nurse-patient relationship and the use of therapeutic communication to understand the patient's needs and provide appropriate care. By applying principles of human relations to the problems that arise at all levels of experience, the nurse demonstrates an understanding of Peplau's theory in nursing care. This approach focuses on building a therapeutic relationship, promoting patient autonomy, and utilizing the nurse's interpersonal skills to facilitate healing and growth. It shows that the student has learned how to apply Peplau's theory to nursing practice effectively.
Question 2 of 5
Which types of adoption studies should a nurse recognize as providing useful information for the understanding of genetic versus environmental influences on personality development?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This type of adoption study allows researchers to isolate the impact of genetics (mental illness in biological parents) from the impact of environment (mentally healthy adoptive parents). By comparing the outcomes of these children with mentally ill biological parents raised by mentally healthy adoptive parents to the general population, researchers can determine the extent to which mental illness is influenced by genetics. This study design helps provide useful information for the psychiatric community in understanding the role of genetics in mental illness.
Question 3 of 5
A client is admitted to a psychiatric unit with the diagnosis of catatonic schizophrenia. Which of the clients neurotransmitters should a nurse expect to be elevated?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In catatonic schizophrenia, a client may exhibit symptoms such as immobility, mutism, or repetitive movements, which are associated with an excess of dopamine activity in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating movement, emotions, and pleasure. In conditions like catatonic schizophrenia, the imbalance of dopamine neurotransmission may contribute to the characteristic symptoms observed in the client.
Question 4 of 5
A client is admitted to an emergency department experiencing memory deficits and decreased motor function. What alteration in brain chemistry should a nurse correlate with the presentation of these solutions?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in memory, learning, and muscle contractions. Decreased levels of acetylcholine have been associated with cognitive impairments, including memory deficits. In the scenario provided, the client is experiencing memory deficits and decreased motor function, which could be correlated with decreased levels of acetylcholine in the brain. It is important for the nurse to consider this alteration in brain chemistry when assessing and planning care for the client.
Question 5 of 5
A student nurse is studying the effect of the drug isocarboxazid (Marplan) on neurobiology. The student should recognize that the neurotransmitter serotonin is catabolized by which enzyme?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The neurotransmitter serotonin is catabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). This enzyme plays a key role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAO breaks down these neurotransmitters by oxidizing the monoamine molecules. In the case of serotonin, MAO helps convert it into its primary metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). Inhibitors of MAO, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), can affect the levels of serotonin in the brain by blocking its breakdown, which can have therapeutic effects in certain conditions like depression and anxiety.