ATI RN
Mental Health HESI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
An angry client on an inpatient unit approaches a nurse, stating, Someone took my lunch! People need to respect others, and you need to do something about this now! The nurses response should be guided by which basic assumption of milieu therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In milieu therapy, the therapeutic environment is seen as an essential component of treatment. Every interaction, even seemingly mundane or conflict-laden ones, is viewed as an opportunity to promote healing and growth. In this scenario, the nurse should approach the situation with the mindset that addressing the client's concerns about their missing lunch is not just about solving a practical problem but also about engaging in a therapeutic interaction. By actively listening, empathizing, and working towards a resolution, the nurse can help the client feel supported and respected, fostering a more therapeutic environment on the inpatient unit. Consequently, conflict resolution is not limited to formal therapy sessions but is integrated into daily interactions to promote healing and progress.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse attends an interdisciplinary team meeting on an inpatient unit. Which of the following individuals are typically included as members of the interdisciplinary treatment team in psychiatry? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In psychiatric settings, an interdisciplinary treatment team is crucial for providing holistic care to patients. Occupational therapists play a vital role in mental health care by assisting patients in developing skills for daily living and coping with their conditions. They focus on improving functional abilities and enhancing quality of life. Respiratory therapists primarily work with patients who have respiratory issues, which are not directly related to mental health treatment. While physical health is important in psychiatric care, their role is not typically part of the core interdisciplinary team in psychiatry. Recreational therapists focus on using recreational activities for therapeutic purposes, which can be beneficial for mental health but are not typically core members of the interdisciplinary team in psychiatry. Social workers, on the other hand, play a significant role in psychiatric care by providing support, counseling, and resources to patients and their families. They address social determinants of health and help in creating discharge plans and connecting patients with community resources. Understanding the roles of different team members in a psychiatric setting is essential for providing comprehensive care to patients with mental health conditions. By recognizing the specific contributions of each discipline, nurses can effectively collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to meet the diverse needs of patients.
Question 3 of 5
A high school student has learned that she cannot graduate. Her boyfriend will be attending a college out of state that she planned to also attend. She is admitted to a psychiatric unit after overdosing on Tylenol. Which is the correctly written priority nursing diagnosis for this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the client's overdose on Tylenol indicates a serious risk for self-directed violence. The client's feelings of hopelessness, as evidenced by the overdose and inability to graduate, also support the nursing diagnosis of "Risk for self-directed violence." This diagnosis takes priority over other potential diagnoses because the client's physical safety is at immediate risk. Addressing and managing the risk for self-directed violence should be the primary focus of care for this client in the psychiatric unit.
Question 4 of 5
An inpatient client with a known history of violence suddenly begins to pace. Which client behavior should alert a nurse to escalating anger and aggression?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the client's pacing behavior, along with the tense facial expression and body language, are indicative of escalating anger and aggression. Pacing is often a sign of restlessness and agitation, while tense facial expressions and body language can signal underlying feelings of anger. It is important for the nurse to recognize these nonverbal cues as potential precursors to aggressive behavior in order to intervene effectively and prevent any escalation of violence. The other options do not directly suggest escalating anger and aggression as clearly as the tense facial expression and body language exhibited by the client.
Question 5 of 5
A client has a history of excessive fear of water. What is the term that a nurse should use to describe this specific phobia, and under what subtype is this phobia identified?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aquaphobia is the term used to describe an intense fear or phobia of water. It is considered a natural environment type of phobia because it involves a fear of natural elements or situations, such as bodies of water like oceans, lakes, or pools. People with aquaphobia may experience extreme anxiety or panic when near water or even at the thought of being in water. This fear is often irrational and can significantly impact a person's daily life and activities involving water.