HESI RN
Mental Health HESI Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
What principle about patient-nurse communication should guide a nurse's fear of 'saying the wrong thing' to a patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct principle guiding nurse-patient communication is that patients value genuine acceptance, respect, and concern. Choice A is the correct answer because showing genuine care and concern for the patient's situation fosters a positive and therapeutic relationship. Choice B is incorrect as effective communication involves active listening and responding appropriately, not assuming the patient is only interested in talking. Choice C is incorrect because a patient's history does not guarantee immunity to harm from inappropriate comments. Choice D is incorrect as it generalizes individuals with mental illness and forgiveness, which is not directly related to communication fears.
Question 2 of 5
Gilbert, age 19, is described by his parents as a 'moody child' with an onset of odd behavior around age 14, which caused him to suffer academically and socially. Gilbert has lost the ability to complete household chores, is reluctant to leave the house, and is obsessed with the locks on the windows and doors. Due to Gilbert's early and slow onset of what is now recognized as schizophrenia, his prognosis is considered:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In cases of early and slow onset of schizophrenia, the prognosis is generally less positive. This means that the outlook for individuals like Gilbert, who showed signs of schizophrenia at a young age, is often poorer. Option A is incorrect because while medication can help manage symptoms, the overall prognosis is still less favorable. Option B is incorrect since relapse stage typically refers to a period of worsening symptoms after initial improvement. Option C is incorrect because while psychosocial interventions can be beneficial, the underlying early and slow onset of schizophrenia indicates a less positive outcome.
Question 3 of 5
During admission to the psychiatric unit, a female client is extremely anxious and states that she is worried about the sun coming up the next day. What intervention is most important for the RN to implement during the admission process?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During admission to a psychiatric unit, it is crucial for the registered nurse to remain calm and use a matter-of-fact approach when addressing a client who is extremely anxious. By staying composed and adopting a matter-of-fact demeanor, the nurse can help establish trust and promote a sense of calm in the client. This approach can also convey a sense of reassurance and stability, which can be beneficial in managing the client's anxiety. Assisting the client in developing alternative coping skills (Choice A) may be important in the long term but is not the most immediate priority during the admission process. Asking the client why she is anxious (Choice C) may not be helpful at this moment as the client may not be able to articulate the specific reasons due to her heightened anxiety. Administering a PRN sedative (Choice D) should not be the initial intervention as it does not address the underlying cause of the anxiety and should be considered only if other non-pharmacological interventions are ineffective.
Question 4 of 5
When changing the dressing for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who has self-inflicted lacerations on the abdomen, which approach should the RN use?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct approach for the RN when changing the dressing for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who has self-inflicted lacerations on the abdomen is to perform the dressing change in a non-judgmental manner. This approach helps maintain therapeutic rapport and respect for the client's situation. Choice A is incorrect because providing detailed and thorough explanations may not be as important as maintaining a non-judgmental attitude. Choice C is incorrect because asking why the client cut their own abdomen may come across as accusatory or threatening, which can be counterproductive in building trust. Choice D is incorrect because the RN should be equipped to handle the dressing change independently while ensuring a supportive and non-judgmental environment for the client.
Question 5 of 5
A young adult female visits the mental health clinic complaining of diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches. She is afebrile, denies chills, and all laboratory findings are within normal limits. During the physical assessment, the client tells the RN that her sister thinks she is neurotic and calls her a hypochondriac. Which response is best for the RN to provide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the best response for the RN to provide. This response acknowledges and validates the client's feelings by showing empathy and understanding towards the impact of her sister's comments. It also demonstrates active listening and therapeutic communication skills. By stating, "I can hear that your sister's comments are overwhelming you," the RN addresses the client's emotional distress, opens up a conversation about the client's feelings, and provides an opportunity for further exploration. Option A is incorrect because it dismisses the client's concerns and feelings, which can be detrimental to the therapeutic relationship. It does not address the underlying emotional distress the client is experiencing due to her sister's comments. Option C is wrong because it suggests a judgmental approach by directly asking the client if she thinks she might be a hypochondriac. This response can lead to defensiveness and hinder open communication. Option D is not the best response as it deflects from the client's current emotional distress caused by her sister's comments. While exploring other stressors in the client's life is important, addressing the immediate issue of the client feeling overwhelmed by her sister's comments should take precedence in this situation. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of therapeutic communication skills in mental health nursing. Nurses need to be empathetic, non-judgmental, and actively listen to clients to establish trust and provide effective care. Understanding the impact of social relationships on mental health is crucial for nurses to address holistic care needs of clients.