HESI RN
RN HESI Mental Health 2023 Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse who is co-leading group therapy recognizes that a client is beginning to experience severe levels of anxiety. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assisting the client with relaxation techniques in the group is the best intervention as it provides immediate support and can help alleviate the client's anxiety in the moment. Exploring the source of anxiety may not be suitable during a group session where immediate relief is needed. Education on coping mechanisms is valuable but does not address immediate needs. Escorting the client out may be considered if anxiety becomes overwhelming, but it is secondary to attempting in-group relaxation.
Question 2 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: B
Rationale: The client's delusions (e.g., being married to a movie star, brother's intentions) indicate disturbed sensory perception, suggestive of psychosis, which is the priority. Ineffective sexual patterns are not directly indicated. Family coping may be secondary. Impaired environmental interpretation is too broad.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse develops a plan of care for a female client who scratches her wrists in attempts to deal with anxiety. Which client outcome is most important to include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This outcome directly addresses the client's maladaptive coping mechanism (scratching wrists) by aiming to replace it with healthier strategies. Therapy participation and relaxation methods are important but secondary to effective coping. Medication adherence does not teach alternative coping strategies.
Extract:
A nurse is caring for a client:
The client has returned to work at an accounting firm and has started going to a grief support group. She reports she is seeking care from a healthcare professional because her father is worried about her. The client says she only gets 2 to 3 hours of sleep due to nightmares about the crash. She informs that exercising right after work helps her get better sleep and to relax. She feels that she is "jumpy" after the accident, especially when she is in the car. She also stated, "I feel so sad that I can't seem to feel anything at all." In addition to her father, the client has a large family and friend support system. She denies alcohol or drug use.
Question 4 of 5
Click to highlight the areas that the nurse should react to immediately. The client has returned to work at an accounting firm and has started going to a grief support group. She reports she is seeking care from a healthcare provider because her father is worried about her. The client says she only gets 2 to 3 hours of sleep due to nightmares about the crash. She informs that exercising right after work helps her get better sleep and to relax. She feels that she is 'jumpy' after the accident, especially when she is in the car. She also stated, 'I feel so sad that I can't seem to feel anything at all.' In addition to her father, the client has a large family and friend support system. She denies alcohol or drug use.
| she only gets 2 to 3 hours of sleep |
| She feels that she is 'jumpy' after the accident |
| I feel so sad that I can't seem to feel anything at all |
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: Sleep disturbances, heightened startle response ('jumpy'), and sadness/numbness indicate possible acute stress or PTSD, requiring immediate intervention like creating a safe environment and mental health referral. These symptoms suggest significant distress post-trauma.
Extract:
Question 5 of 5
Which reason(s) should the nurse expect a female client to use when she is having difficulty leaving a relationship where she is a victim of intimate partner violence? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: A: Shame and guilt can prevent leaving due to fear of judgment. B: Children influence staying for their well-being or custody concerns. C: Religious beliefs about marriage may emphasize staying. E: Financial dependency is a common barrier. D: Belief the perpetrator won't change is not a reason to stay but rather a reason to leave.