ATI RN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 of 5
Which of the following statements should a nurse recognize as true about defense mechanisms? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 4 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 5 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.