HESI RN
RN Care Hope Mental Health HESI Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A male client, assessed in the emergency department (ED), has a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. The client denies thoughts of harm to self or others, and the healthcare provider discharges the client. As the client begins to leave, the nurse overhears the client mumble, “Now I'm going to shoot myself.†Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Stopping the client from leaving the ED is the priority to ensure safety and prevent potential self-harm based on the overheard statement.
Question 2 of 5
During a one-to-one session with the nurse, a female client admitted for chronic depression and attempted suicide discloses experiences of sexual promiscuity and prostitution. When the nurse asks the client if she was ever sexually abused as a child, the client says, “I don't remember, but my mother ran my father off when I was five.†The nurse should recognize that the client may be using which defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Repression involves unconsciously blocking out memories, and the client's inability to recall potential abuse suggests this defense mechanism.
Question 3 of 5
A male client tells the nurse that he has an IQ of 400+ and is a genius and an inventor. He also reports that he is married to a female movie star and thinks that his brother wants a sexual relationship with her. Which is the priority nursing problem for admission to the psychiatric unit?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client's statements suggest a distorted perception of reality, indicating disturbed sensory perception, which addresses potential psychosis and immediate safety concerns.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse observes a client with a history of psychosis repeatedly looking to the side and mumbling responses to no one present in that direction. Which comment is best for the nurse to make?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acknowledging that the client appears to be speaking with someone validates their experience without confirming the reality of the voices, encouraging further communication.
Question 5 of 5
A young adult male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit because of a recent suicide attempt. His wife filed for divorce six months ago, he lost his job three months ago, and his best friend moved to another city two weeks ago. Which intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging activities that allow the client to exert control over his environment helps empower the client and regain a sense of agency, which is critical for improving mental health post-suicide attempt.