HESI RN
RN HESI Mental Health 2023 Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
During a family group meeting, the client's daughter tells the group, 'I hope I didn't cause Mom to be depressed.' Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This response acknowledges the daughter's feelings without assumptions or blame, fostering open communication. The second option escalates anxiety. The third may encourage self-blame. The fourth generalizes without addressing her specific concern.
Question 2 of 5
A male client with a recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder takes lithium carbonate daily. The client informed the school nurse of the desire to live away from home to attend college after graduating in one month. Which information is most important for the nurse to provide the client and his family?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium therapy requires regular monitoring of serum levels to ensure therapeutic efficacy and prevent toxicity, especially during transitions like starting college. Therapy and symptom awareness are important but secondary to lithium level monitoring. Independence is a goal but not the primary focus.
Question 3 of 5
A client with schizophrenia returns to the clinic two weeks after receiving a prescription for haloperidol. To assess for neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which information is most important for the nurse to obtain during this visit?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Current vital signs are critical for assessing NMS, a life-threatening side effect of haloperidol, indicated by fever, unstable blood pressure, and tachycardia. White blood cell count, urinary output, and blood sugar are less specific to NMS.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse notes that a client with a history of self-mutilation has increased body tension and is pacing in the hallway. Which nursing intervention is most important at this time?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Alerting staff to monitor the client closely addresses the immediate risk of self-harm indicated by increased tension and pacing. Time alone may increase risk. Setting expectations is important but not immediate. Room searches are preventive but not the priority during acute distress.
Question 5 of 5
Mark which behaviors might be related to alcohol intoxication, acute phase of rape-trauma syndrome, or both. Tick only 1 box.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Crying occurs in both alcohol intoxication (due to disinhibition) and rape-trauma syndrome (due to emotional distress). Numbness and disbelief are specific to rape-trauma syndrome. Poor decision making, irritability, and difficulty concentrating are typical of alcohol intoxication, though the latter can also occur in rape-trauma syndrome.