HESI RN
RN HESI Mental Health Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client is admitted to the mental health unit and sits in the corner of the day room. When the nurse begins the admission assessment interview, the client is guarded, suspicious, and resists talking. Which action should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Attempting to ask the client simple questions allows for a non-threatening approach and might gradually build rapport, encouraging engagement. Involving another nurse, documenting behavior, or postponing the interview do not address the immediate need for assessment.
Question 2 of 5
The mother of an 8-month-old infant with profound mental and physical disabilities tells the nurse how depressed she is because she realizes that her child will never achieve normal growth and development milestones. How should the nurse respond to this mother?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking about thoughts of harming herself or her child assesses the severity of her depression and risk of harm, a critical first step. Other options are less urgent.
Question 3 of 5
A female client who is a retired school teacher is admitted for a breast biopsy. After being told that the biopsy was positive for cancer, she becomes dependent and asks her family for help with activities of daily living that she is physically capable of performing. Which interpretation of this client's behavior by the nurse is likely to be most accurate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This behavior is a regression to reduce anxiety, a common response to a cancer diagnosis. Encouraging dependency, setting rigid limits, or viewing it solely as grieving may not address the client's emotional needs.
Question 4 of 5
A client is admitted to the hospital with suicidal ideation. When completing the health history and admission assessment interview, which client comment is most important for the nurse to document?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Access to firearms is a significant risk factor for suicidal behavior and must be documented. Other comments are concerning but less immediately critical.
Question 5 of 5
A client with depression does not want to communicate with friends, uses television watching as a means of escaping responsibilities, and describes the inability to handle personal circumstances. Which coping strategy should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Focusing on small achievable tasks helps in breaking down overwhelming problems into manageable parts, aiding in a sense of accomplishment. Shifting attention to others may strain the client further, relaxation without addressing issues may worsen depression, and solely ventilating emotions does not address handling responsibilities.