HESI RN
RN Hesi Mental Health Exam 1 Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The healthcare provider prescribes lithium carbonate for a client diagnosed with bipolar, manic depression. It is most important for the nurse to review which laboratory finding prior to beginning the drug therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Serum creatinine assesses renal function, critical before starting lithium due to its renal excretion and risk of nephrotoxicity. Other labs are less directly relevant.
Question 2 of 5
A young adult female visits the mental health clinic complaining of diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches. She is afebrile, denies chills, and all laboratory findings are within normal limits. During the physical assessment, the client tells the nurse that her sister thinks she is neurotic and calls her a hypochondriac. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This response acknowledges the distress from the sister's comments while exploring other stressors, promoting therapeutic dialogue. Other responses may invalidate feelings or escalate distress.
Question 3 of 5
Two days after being admitted with alcohol withdrawal, a client has constant liquid stools and abdominal cramping. The emesis and stool are hemoccult positive. The client is confused and refusing to take oral medication. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Inserting an IV catheter allows for fluid and electrolyte replacement and medication administration, addressing the client's immediate needs due to dehydration and refusal of oral intake. Other actions are less urgent.
Question 4 of 5
When developing a plan of care for a client admitted to the psychiatric unit following aspiration of a caustic material related to a suicide attempt, which nursing problem has the highest priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aspiration of a caustic material can cause respiratory distress, making ineffective breathing pattern the priority to ensure physiological stability. Other problems are secondary.
Question 5 of 5
A client who refuses antipsychotic medications disrupts group activities, talks with nonsensical words, and wanders into client's rooms. The nurse decides that the client needs constant observation based on which of these assessment findings?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Wandering into others' rooms poses a risk to privacy and safety, warranting constant observation. Other findings are concerning but less immediately risky.