HESI RN
Quizlet HESI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is exhibiting symptoms of paranoia. Which behavior would the nurse most likely observe?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In clients with paranoia, they typically exhibit an intense fear of being harmed, persecuted, or targeted by others. This fear often dominates their thoughts and can significantly impact their daily functioning and interactions. Choice A, being unmotivated and withdrawn, is more indicative of negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as avolition and social withdrawal. Choice C, displaying a blunted affect and lacking emotional response, is associated with flat affect, a symptom commonly seen in schizophrenia but not specific to paranoia. Choice D, avoiding group activities and showing decreased appetite, may be related to various symptoms or side effects, but it is not a defining characteristic of paranoia in schizophrenia.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed lithium carbonate. Which finding should the RN report to the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Elevated BUN levels may indicate renal impairment, which is crucial to report for clients on lithium due to its potential kidney effects. Option A, a serum lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L, is within the therapeutic range for lithium and does not require immediate reporting. Option C, a serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L, is within the normal range and not directly related to lithium therapy. Option D, urine output of 800 mL in 24 hours, may indicate a need for further assessment but is not the most critical finding to report compared to potential renal impairment indicated by an elevated BUN level.
Question 4 of 5
Which client statement suggests to the nurse that the client is using the defense mechanism of projection to deal with anxiety related to admission to a psychiatric unit?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blaming others for unacceptable desires, thoughts, shortcomings or mistakes is using the defense mechanism of projection.
Question 5 of 5
A male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for recurrent negative symptoms of chronic schizophrenia and medication adjustment of risperidone (Risperdal). When the client walks to the nurse's station in a literally contracted position, he states that something has made his body contort into a monster. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to administer the prescribed anticholinergic benztropine (Cogentin) for dystonia. The client's symptoms of body contortion and feeling like a monster are indicative of acute dystonia, which can be a side effect of antipsychotic medications like risperidone. Benztropine can help alleviate these acute dystonic reactions. Choice A is incorrect because changing the antipsychotic medication at this point is not indicated. Choice B is not appropriate as the client's symptoms are likely due to acute dystonia rather than muscle spasms. Choice C is also not the best course of action as the client needs immediate intervention for the acute dystonic reaction.
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