Mental Health HESI Practice Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Information regarding shelters. Providing information about shelters is crucial in cases of family violence as it ensures the client has a safe place to go after discharge, prioritizing their immediate safety. Option B, instructions regarding calling the police, may be necessary but ensuring a safe place to stay is more immediate. Option C, instructions regarding self-defense classes, may not be appropriate as the priority is to ensure the client's safety rather than teaching self-defense. Option D, explaining the importance of leaving the violent situation, is relevant but providing information on immediate shelter options is the priority.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Projection. In this scenario, the client is projecting his own feelings of anger and selfishness onto his roommate. Projection is a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and motives to another person. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Denial is refusing to acknowledge an aspect of reality or experience. Rationalization is providing logical-sounding reasons to justify unacceptable behaviors or feelings. Splitting is seeing individuals as all good or all bad, with no middle ground.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering prescribed medication to manage symptoms is the priority intervention for a client with symptoms of mania. During a manic episode, the client may be at risk of harm to self or others due to impulsivity and poor judgment. Medication helps stabilize the client, reduce manic symptoms, and prevent further escalation. Providing a calm environment (choice B) is important but not the priority when the client's safety is at risk. Encouraging expression of feelings (choice C) and reinforcing medication adherence (choice D) are valuable aspects of care but addressing the acute symptoms of mania takes precedence to ensure the client's immediate safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most important assessment to perform for a client on a methadone maintenance program is to evaluate the client's respiratory status. Methadone can cause respiratory depression as a side effect, making it crucial to monitor the client's breathing to prevent potential complications. Monitoring for signs of withdrawal (choice A) is important but not the most critical in this scenario. Assessing for signs of methadone toxicity (choice B) is relevant, but respiratory status takes precedence due to the risk of respiratory depression. Checking the client's blood pressure regularly (choice D) is important for overall assessment but is not as crucial as monitoring respiratory status in this case.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of SSRIs. While hypertension (A) can occur with other medications, it is not typically associated with SSRIs. Increased appetite (C) and weight gain (D) are potential side effects of some antidepressants, but sexual dysfunction is more specific to SSRIs. Therefore, the nurse should educate the client about the risk of sexual dysfunction when taking an SSRI.