HESI RN
Quizlet HESI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has been taking an antidepressant for several months. Which symptom would suggest that the medication is working?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When assessing the effectiveness of an antidepressant, improved mood and increased energy are positive indicators that the medication is working. Choice B, increased appetite and weight gain, is more commonly associated with side effects of some antidepressants, such as certain tricyclic antidepressants. Choice C, decreased anxiety and agitation, could be related to the therapeutic effects of antidepressants in treating anxiety disorders but may not specifically indicate the efficacy of the medication for depression. Choice D, enhanced sleep patterns and vivid dreams, while changes in sleep patterns can be influenced by antidepressants, they are not the primary indicators of antidepressant efficacy. Therefore, the correct choice is A as it directly reflects the desired outcomes of antidepressant therapy.
Question 2 of 5
The RN documents the mental status of a female client who has been hospitalized for several days by court order. The client states, "I don't need to be here," and tells the RN that she believes that the TV talks to her. The RN should document these assessment statements in which section of the mental status exam?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client's statement of not needing to be hospitalized and her belief that the TV talks to her indicate impaired insight and judgment. Insight and judgment evaluate the client's awareness of their condition and ability to make sound decisions. Mood and affect assess emotional state, remote memory evaluates recall of past events, and level of concentration assesses attention and focus, none of which directly address the client's lack of insight and judgment in this scenario.
Question 3 of 5
A client is agitated and physically aggressive. What action should the RN take first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a situation where a client is agitated and physically aggressive, the priority for the RN is to ensure the safety of the client and others. Seeking assistance from other staff members is crucial as it allows for a prompt response to manage the situation effectively and according to the facility's protocol. Choices A, B, and C do not address the immediate need for safety or involve the collaboration of other staff members, which is essential in handling aggressive behaviors in a healthcare setting.
Question 4 of 5
The RN is providing education about strategies for a safety plan for a female client who is a victim of intimate partner violence. Which strategies should be included in the safety plan? (SOA)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: B: Establishing a code with family and friends is important as it helps discreetly communicate the need for help without alerting the abuser. D: Having a bag prepared with essentials ensures the victim can swiftly leave if required. A: Purchasing a gun can escalate violence and is not a recommended safety strategy. C: Taking a self-defense course focused on protecting oneself is beneficial, but courses that involve retaliation are not recommended as they can increase risk and escalate violence.
Question 5 of 5
While working with a male client at a community mental health center, the client reports hearing voices that tell him to get a knife from the kitchen and hurt himself. What intervention is most important for the RN to implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Preventing the client's access to potential means of self-harm is the immediate priority to ensure his safety. While it is crucial to report concerning behaviors to the client's case workers for further support, addressing the immediate risk of harm takes precedence. Assigning a UAP to stay with the client is important for continuous monitoring but is secondary to ensuring immediate safety. Documenting the behavior in the client's record and notifying the healthcare provider are essential steps in the care process; however, they should follow actions taken to ensure the client's immediate safety.