HESI RN
RN HESI Mental Health Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
When the nurse addresses questions to an adult female client who is depressed, the client's responses are delayed. Which intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Spending time in silence with the client can create a safe and supportive environment, allowing the client to communicate at her own pace without feeling pressured. Exercise, describing depression, or observing for psychosis do not directly address delayed responses.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
The nurse is using the CAGE questionnaire as a screening tool for a client who is seeking help because his wife said he had a drinking problem. Which information should the nurse explore in-depth with the client based on this screening tool?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The CAGE questionnaire assesses alcohol dependency through efforts to cut down, annoyance, guilt, and eye-opener drinking, which should be explored in-depth.
Question 4 of 5
A female client with bulimia is admitted to the mental health unit after she disclosed to a friend that she purges after meals. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessing weight, vital signs, and electrolytes is crucial to determine the client's physical health status and risks associated with bulimia, taking precedence over other interventions.
Question 5 of 5
A young adult 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: Monitoring serum lithium levels is essential to ensure the medication remains within the therapeutic range and to prevent toxicity, critical for a newly diagnosed client.