HESI RN
Quizlet HESI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which factors tend to increase the difficulty of diagnosing young children who demonstrate behaviors associated with mental illness? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The level of cognitive development is a crucial factor that can complicate the diagnosis of mental illness in young children. Young children may not have fully developed cognitive abilities to express their symptoms or understand diagnostic procedures, making it challenging for healthcare providers to assess their mental health accurately. Limited language skills (choice A) can hinder communication but are not as significant as cognitive development in diagnosing mental illness. Emotional development (choice C) is important but may not be as directly linked to the diagnostic challenges as cognitive development. Parental denial (choice D), although a potential barrier, is not a factor inherent to the child's characteristics affecting the diagnostic process.
Question 2 of 5
An antidepressant medication is prescribed for a client who reports sleeping only 4 hours in the past 2 days and weight loss of 9 lbs within the last month. Which client goal is most important to achieve within the first three days of treatment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important goal to achieve within the first three days of treatment is to ensure the client can sleep at least 6 hours a night. Adequate sleep is essential for stabilizing mood and improving overall functioning. Choice A is not as urgent as improving sleep patterns. Choice C is important but not as immediate as addressing the sleep deficit. Choice D is unrelated to the immediate treatment goal of improving sleep and managing symptoms of depression.
Question 3 of 5
A male client with schizophrenia is demonstrating echolalia, which is becoming annoying to other clients on the unit. What intervention is best for the RN to implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate intervention for the RN to implement is option C: Avoid recognizing the behavior. Echolalia is a common symptom of schizophrenia where the individual involuntarily repeats words or phrases spoken by others. By avoiding recognition of this behavior, the RN can help prevent reinforcing it, as giving attention to the behavior may inadvertently reinforce its continuation. Option A, isolating the client, is not the best choice as it may lead to increased feelings of alienation and exacerbate the client's symptoms. Administering a sedative (option B) should not be the first-line intervention for echolalia, as it does not address the underlying cause of the behavior. Escorting the client to his room (option D) may not be necessary if the behavior is not posing a threat to himself or others. Educationally, it is important for nursing students to understand the principles of managing behaviors associated with mental health disorders. By choosing the correct intervention of avoiding recognition of echolalia, students learn the importance of non-reinforcement of maladaptive behaviors and promoting a therapeutic environment for clients with schizophrenia. This approach aligns with person-centered care and supports the client's dignity and autonomy in the treatment process.
Question 4 of 5
A mental health worker is caring for a client with escalating aggressive behavior. Which action by the mental health worker warrants immediate intervention by the RN?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, option A, attempting to physically restrain the patient, warrants immediate intervention by the RN. This is because physical restraint should only be used as a last resort and under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider due to the risk of harm to both the patient and the staff. Restraints can escalate the situation further and compromise the therapeutic relationship. Option B, remaining at a distance of 4 feet, is not ideal as maintaining a safe distance is important in managing aggression, but immediate intervention is needed in this escalating situation. Option C, telling the client to go to the quiet area, is not the most appropriate action in a situation of escalating aggressive behavior as it may not effectively de-escalate the situation and could potentially exacerbate the aggression. Option D, using a loud voice to talk to the client, may also escalate the situation further as it can be perceived as confrontational and may further agitate the client. In the context of mental health nursing, it is crucial to prioritize de-escalation techniques, communication skills, and non-physical interventions to manage aggressive behaviors effectively and ensure the safety and well-being of both the client and the healthcare team.
Question 5 of 5
A female client on a psychiatric unit is sweating profusely while vigorously doing push-ups and then running the length of the corridor several times before crashing into furniture in the sitting room. Picking herself up, she begins to verbally attack other clients. What intervention is most appropriate for the RN to use to manage the client's behavior?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assisting the client to a safe area is the most appropriate intervention in this scenario. This action helps prevent injury to the client and others while allowing for de-escalation in a controlled environment. While establishing clear and firm limits (Choice B) may be necessary in some situations, the immediate priority here is safety. Offering medication (Choice C) should not be the first response unless the situation escalates further and poses a risk to the client or others. Speaking with the client in a calm, non-threatening manner (Choice D) may not be effective when the client is in an agitated state and engaging in risky behavior.