MENTAL HEALTH HESI (? ONLY) EXAM QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS ALREADY PASSED
While interviewing a client, the nurse takes notes to assist with accurate
documentation later. Which statement is most accurate regarding note-taking
during an interview?
The nurse' ability to directly observe the client's nonverbal communication is limited with
note taking.
An adolescent make receives a prescription for an antidepressant drug because
he is exhibiting a depressed affect. While the client is taking the antidepressant,
which comparison of the client's behavior before and after taking the drug is
most important for the nurse to obtain?
The emotional quality of his attitude
A nurse is providing education about strategies for a safety plan for a female
client who is a victim of intimate partner violence. Which strategies should be
included in the safety plan?
B. Establish a code with family and friends to signify violence.
C. Plan an escape route to use if the abuser blocks the main exit.
D. Have a big ready that has extra clothes for self and children.
While setting in the dayroom of the mental health unit, a male adolescent avoids
eye contact, looks at the floor, and talks softly when interacting verbally with the
nurse. The two trade places, and the nurse demonstrate the client's behavior.
What is the main goal of this therapeutic techniques?
B. Allow the client to identify the way he interacts.
A client with depression remains in bed most of the day, and declines activities.
Which nursing problem has the greatest priority for this client?
C. Refusal to address nutritional needs.
,The RN is preparing medications for a client with bipolar disorder and notices
that the client discontinued antipsychotic medication for several days. Which
medication should also be discontinued?
b. Benzotropine (Cogentin).
A female client requests that her husband be allowed to stay in the room during
the admission assessment. When interviewing the client, the RN notes a
discrepancy between the client's verbal and nonverbal communication. What
action does the RN take?
A. Pay close attention and document the nonverbal messages.
A male client approaches the RN with an angry expression on his face and raises
his voice, saying "My roommate is the most selfish, self-centered, angry person I
have ever met. If he loses his temper one more time with me, I am going to punch
him out!" The RN recognizes that the client is using which defense mechanism?
B. Projection.
A male client with bipolar disorder who began taking lithium carbonate five days
ago is complaining of excessive thirst, and the RN finds him attempting to drink
water from the bathroom sink faucet. Which intervention should the RN
implement?
A. Report the client's serum lithium level to the HCP.
The RN is teaching a client about the initiation of the prescribed abstinence
therapy using disulfiram (Antabuse). What information should the client
acknowledge understanding?
B. Remain alcohol free for 12 hours prior to the first dose.
A male client with schizophrenia is admitted to the mental health unit after
abruptly stopping his prescription for ziprasidone (Geodon) one month ago.
Which question is most important for the RN to ask the client?
D. Do you hear sounds or voices that others do not hear?
During an annual physical by the occupational RN working in a corporate clinic, a
male employee tells the RN that is high-stress job is causing trouble in his
personal life. He further explains that he often gets so angry while driving to and
,from work that he has considered "getting even" with other drivers. How should
the RN respond?
D. "It sounds as if there are many situations that make you feel angry."
A client who has agoraphobia (a fear of crowds) is beginning desensitization with
the therapist, and the RN is reinforcing the process. Which intervention has the
highest priority for this client's plan of care?
B. Establish trust by providing a calm, safe environment.
Which nursing actions are likely to help promote the self-esteem of a male client
with modern depression?
A. Ask the client what his long term goals are.
D. Encourage the client to engage in recreational therapy.
E. Provide opportunities for the client to discuss his concerns.
A male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for recurrent negative symptoms
of chronic schizophrenia and medication adjustment of Risperidone (Risperdal).
When the client walks to the nurse's station in a laterally contracted position, he
states that something has made his body contort into a monster. What action
should the RN take?
D. Administer the prescribed anticholinergic benztropine (Cogentin) for dystonia.
A mental health worker is caring for a client with escalating aggressive behavior.
Which action by the MHW warrant immediate intervention by the RN?
A. Is attempting to physically restrain the patient.
A client on the mental health unit is becoming more agitated, shouting at the
staff, and pacing in the hallway. When the PRN medication is offered, the client
refuses the medication and defiantly sits on the floor in the middle of the unit
hallway. What nursing intervention should the RN implement first?
C. Take other clients in the area to the client lounge.
A client is admitted to the mental health unit and reports taking extra antianxiety
medication because, "I'm so stressed out. I just want to go to sleep." The RN
should plan one-on-one observation of the client based on which statement?
D. "I don't want to walk. Nothing matters anymore."
, A male hospital employee is pushed out the way by a female employee because
of an oncoming gurney. The pushed employee becomes very angry and swings at
the female employee. Both employees are referred for counseling with the staff
psychiatric RN. Which factor in the pushed employee's history is most related to
the reaction that occurred?
C. Was physically abused by his mother.
The RN documents the mental status of a female client who has been hospitalized
for several days by court order. The client states, "I don't need to be here" and
tells the RN that she believes the television talks to her. The RN should document
these assessment findings in which section of the mental status exam/
B. Insight and judgement.
A client is admitted to the mental health unit reports shortness of breath and
dizziness. The client tells the RN, "I feel like I'm going to die". Which nursing
problem should the RN include in this client's plan of care?
B. Moderate anxiety.
A female client who is wearing dirty clothes and has foul body odor, comes to the
clinic reporting feeling scared because she is being stalked. What action is most
important for the RN to take?
A. Offer the client a safe place to relax before interviewing her.
The RN leading a group session of adolescent clients gives the members a
handout about anger management. One of the male clients is fidgety, interrupts
peers when they try and talk, and talks about his pets at home. What nursing
action is best for the RN to take?
D. Redirect him by encouraging him to read from the handout.
A male adolescent was admitted to the unit two days ago for depression. When
the mental health RN tries to interview the client to establish rapport, he becomes
very irritated and sarcastic. Which action is best for the RN to take?
B. Offer to play a game of cards with the client.
A male adult is admitted because of an acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. After
transfer to the mental health unit, the client is told he has liver damage. Which
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS ALREADY PASSED
While interviewing a client, the nurse takes notes to assist with accurate
documentation later. Which statement is most accurate regarding note-taking
during an interview?
The nurse' ability to directly observe the client's nonverbal communication is limited with
note taking.
An adolescent make receives a prescription for an antidepressant drug because
he is exhibiting a depressed affect. While the client is taking the antidepressant,
which comparison of the client's behavior before and after taking the drug is
most important for the nurse to obtain?
The emotional quality of his attitude
A nurse is providing education about strategies for a safety plan for a female
client who is a victim of intimate partner violence. Which strategies should be
included in the safety plan?
B. Establish a code with family and friends to signify violence.
C. Plan an escape route to use if the abuser blocks the main exit.
D. Have a big ready that has extra clothes for self and children.
While setting in the dayroom of the mental health unit, a male adolescent avoids
eye contact, looks at the floor, and talks softly when interacting verbally with the
nurse. The two trade places, and the nurse demonstrate the client's behavior.
What is the main goal of this therapeutic techniques?
B. Allow the client to identify the way he interacts.
A client with depression remains in bed most of the day, and declines activities.
Which nursing problem has the greatest priority for this client?
C. Refusal to address nutritional needs.
,The RN is preparing medications for a client with bipolar disorder and notices
that the client discontinued antipsychotic medication for several days. Which
medication should also be discontinued?
b. Benzotropine (Cogentin).
A female client requests that her husband be allowed to stay in the room during
the admission assessment. When interviewing the client, the RN notes a
discrepancy between the client's verbal and nonverbal communication. What
action does the RN take?
A. Pay close attention and document the nonverbal messages.
A male client approaches the RN with an angry expression on his face and raises
his voice, saying "My roommate is the most selfish, self-centered, angry person I
have ever met. If he loses his temper one more time with me, I am going to punch
him out!" The RN recognizes that the client is using which defense mechanism?
B. Projection.
A male client with bipolar disorder who began taking lithium carbonate five days
ago is complaining of excessive thirst, and the RN finds him attempting to drink
water from the bathroom sink faucet. Which intervention should the RN
implement?
A. Report the client's serum lithium level to the HCP.
The RN is teaching a client about the initiation of the prescribed abstinence
therapy using disulfiram (Antabuse). What information should the client
acknowledge understanding?
B. Remain alcohol free for 12 hours prior to the first dose.
A male client with schizophrenia is admitted to the mental health unit after
abruptly stopping his prescription for ziprasidone (Geodon) one month ago.
Which question is most important for the RN to ask the client?
D. Do you hear sounds or voices that others do not hear?
During an annual physical by the occupational RN working in a corporate clinic, a
male employee tells the RN that is high-stress job is causing trouble in his
personal life. He further explains that he often gets so angry while driving to and
,from work that he has considered "getting even" with other drivers. How should
the RN respond?
D. "It sounds as if there are many situations that make you feel angry."
A client who has agoraphobia (a fear of crowds) is beginning desensitization with
the therapist, and the RN is reinforcing the process. Which intervention has the
highest priority for this client's plan of care?
B. Establish trust by providing a calm, safe environment.
Which nursing actions are likely to help promote the self-esteem of a male client
with modern depression?
A. Ask the client what his long term goals are.
D. Encourage the client to engage in recreational therapy.
E. Provide opportunities for the client to discuss his concerns.
A male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for recurrent negative symptoms
of chronic schizophrenia and medication adjustment of Risperidone (Risperdal).
When the client walks to the nurse's station in a laterally contracted position, he
states that something has made his body contort into a monster. What action
should the RN take?
D. Administer the prescribed anticholinergic benztropine (Cogentin) for dystonia.
A mental health worker is caring for a client with escalating aggressive behavior.
Which action by the MHW warrant immediate intervention by the RN?
A. Is attempting to physically restrain the patient.
A client on the mental health unit is becoming more agitated, shouting at the
staff, and pacing in the hallway. When the PRN medication is offered, the client
refuses the medication and defiantly sits on the floor in the middle of the unit
hallway. What nursing intervention should the RN implement first?
C. Take other clients in the area to the client lounge.
A client is admitted to the mental health unit and reports taking extra antianxiety
medication because, "I'm so stressed out. I just want to go to sleep." The RN
should plan one-on-one observation of the client based on which statement?
D. "I don't want to walk. Nothing matters anymore."
, A male hospital employee is pushed out the way by a female employee because
of an oncoming gurney. The pushed employee becomes very angry and swings at
the female employee. Both employees are referred for counseling with the staff
psychiatric RN. Which factor in the pushed employee's history is most related to
the reaction that occurred?
C. Was physically abused by his mother.
The RN documents the mental status of a female client who has been hospitalized
for several days by court order. The client states, "I don't need to be here" and
tells the RN that she believes the television talks to her. The RN should document
these assessment findings in which section of the mental status exam/
B. Insight and judgement.
A client is admitted to the mental health unit reports shortness of breath and
dizziness. The client tells the RN, "I feel like I'm going to die". Which nursing
problem should the RN include in this client's plan of care?
B. Moderate anxiety.
A female client who is wearing dirty clothes and has foul body odor, comes to the
clinic reporting feeling scared because she is being stalked. What action is most
important for the RN to take?
A. Offer the client a safe place to relax before interviewing her.
The RN leading a group session of adolescent clients gives the members a
handout about anger management. One of the male clients is fidgety, interrupts
peers when they try and talk, and talks about his pets at home. What nursing
action is best for the RN to take?
D. Redirect him by encouraging him to read from the handout.
A male adolescent was admitted to the unit two days ago for depression. When
the mental health RN tries to interview the client to establish rapport, he becomes
very irritated and sarcastic. Which action is best for the RN to take?
B. Offer to play a game of cards with the client.
A male adult is admitted because of an acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. After
transfer to the mental health unit, the client is told he has liver damage. Which
