HESI Mental Health Practice Exam

HESI Mental Health Practice Exam Related

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The wife of a male client recently diagnosed with schizophrenia asks the nurse, 'What exactly is schizophrenia? Is my husband all right?' Which response is best for the nurse to provide to this family member?

  • A. It sounds like you're worried about your husband. Let's sit down and talk.
  • B. It is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes disorganized thinking.
  • C. Your husband will be just fine if he takes his medications regularly.
  • D. I think you should talk to your husband's psychologist about this question.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The best response for the nurse to provide to the wife of the client diagnosed with schizophrenia is to offer factual information. Choice B is the correct answer as it explains that schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes disorganized thinking. This response provides a simple and accurate explanation of the condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the wife's question about what schizophrenia is. Choice A focuses on emotional support rather than providing information about the disorder. Choice C gives false reassurance without addressing the nature of schizophrenia. Choice D deflects the question by suggesting the wife speak to the psychologist, missing an opportunity to educate and support the family member.

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A female client with depression attends group and states that she sometimes misses her medication appointments because she feels very anxious about riding the bus. Which statement is the nurse's best response?

  • A. Can your case manager take you to your appointments?
  • B. Take your medication for anxiety before you ride the bus.
  • C. Let's talk about what happens when you feel very anxious.
  • D. What are some ways that you can cope with your anxiety?
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The best response is to explore ways for the client to cope with anxiety (D). The nurse should encourage problem-solving rather than dependence on the case manager (A) for transportation. While taking medication for anxiety before riding the bus may be helpful, addressing coping strategies should come first (B). Although discussing the feelings of anxiety can be therapeutic (C), the most appropriate approach is to engage the client in finding ways to manage her anxiety effectively.

A client with schizophrenia is being treated with clozapine (Clozaril). What laboratory test is most important for the nurse to monitor?

  • A. Liver function tests
  • B. Kidney function tests
  • C. White blood cell count
  • D. Blood glucose levels
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: White blood cell count. Clozapine can lead to agranulocytosis, a severe drop in white blood cells, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial to detect this condition early. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while liver and kidney function tests are important in monitoring other aspects of health, the most critical concern with clozapine therapy is the risk of agranulocytosis, making monitoring white blood cell count the priority.

A client is being successfully treated with clozapine (Clozaril). Which of the following statements by the client reflects a need for further teaching about managing the drug's adverse effects?

  • A. If I eat too many fruits, I'll get constipated.
  • B. I need to take the medicine with food to avoid nausea.
  • C. I have to get up slowly so I don't get dizzy.
  • D. Sometimes I have to push myself because I'm sleepy.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Choice A reflects a need for further teaching as the client mistakenly believes that eating too many fruits causes constipation, showing a misunderstanding about dietary fiber's role in preventing constipation. Choices B, C, and D demonstrate accurate understanding of managing clozapine's adverse effects, such as taking it with food to avoid nausea, getting up slowly to prevent dizziness, and pushing oneself when feeling sleepy.

A 35-year-old male client on the psychiatric unit of a general hospital believes that someone is trying to poison him. The nurse understands that a client's delusions are most likely related to his

  • A. early childhood experiences involving authority issues.
  • B. anger about being hospitalized.
  • C. low self-esteem.
  • D. phobic fear of food.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Psychotic clients often experience delusions due to difficulties with trust and low self-esteem (C). In this case, the client's belief that someone is trying to poison him is likely a manifestation of his underlying issues with trust and self-worth. Building trust and promoting positive self-esteem are essential in caring for such clients. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because delusions are not primarily related to early childhood experiences involving authority issues, anger about hospitalization, or phobic fear of food. These factors do not directly contribute to the development of delusions in psychotic clients.

A client with depression is started on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). What should the LPN/LVN include in the teaching plan?

  • A. Take the medication with food to avoid nausea.
  • B. You may start feeling better within 1 to 2 weeks.
  • C. The medication may take 4 to 6 weeks to become fully effective.
  • D. You may experience side effects such as dry mouth or dizziness.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Teaching the client that the medication may take 4 to 6 weeks to become fully effective is crucial as it helps set realistic expectations. While choice A is important to reduce nausea, it is not the most critical information to provide initially. Choice B is incorrect as improvement usually occurs after several weeks of treatment, not within 1 to 2 weeks. Choice D is also relevant, but informing about the full effectiveness of the medication is more important for long-term adherence.

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