(Complete) HESI Psych Mental Health Exit Exam (All Latest Versions) Brand New QUESTIONS and ANSWERS Included!! 2023-2024 Guarantee Pass,(Complete) HESI Psych Mental Health Exit Exam (All Latest Versions) Brand New QUESTIONS and ANSWERS Included!! 2023-2024 Guarantee Pass
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HESI MENTAL HEALTH RN
2022 – 2023
HESI MENTAL HEALTH RN
(V1, V2, V3)
(TEST BANK ALL
TOGETHER -BRAND
NEW!!!!
(SCORED 1186)
GUARANTEE PASS W/A+
W/QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
INCLUDED!!!
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HESI MENTAL HEALTH RN
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?
A. Transport of the client to the seclusion room.
B. Quietly approach the client with additional staff members.
C. Take other clients in the area to the client lounge.
D. Administer medication to chemically restrain the patient.
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?
A. “What should I do? Nothing seems to help.”
B. “I have been so tired lately and needed to sleep.”
C. “I really think that I don’t need to be here.”
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?
A. Is worried about losing his job to a woman.
B. Tortured animals as a child.
C. Was physically abused by his mother.
D. Hates to be touched by anyone.
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/
A. Level of concentration.
B. Insight and judgement.
C. Remote memory.
D. Mood and affect.
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HESI MENTAL HEALTH RN
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?
A. Mood disturbance.
B. Moderate anxiety.
C. Altered thoughts.
D. Social isolation.
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.
B. Ask the client to describe why she is being stalked.
C. Recommend that the client talk with a social worker.
D. Assure the client that the HCP will see her today.
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?
A. Explore the client’s feelings about his pets and home life.
B. Encourage his peers to help involve him in the activity.
C. Give the client permission to leave and return in 10 minutes.
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?
A. Report the behaviour to the next shift.
B. Offer to play a game of cards with the client.
C. Document the behaviour in the chart.
D. Plan to talk with the client the next day.
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HESI PSYCH MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
HESI Psych Mental Health
Exit Exam
(Q-Bank)
2023-2024
|Brand New Questions
GUARANTEE PASS A+
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALE INCLUDED!!!
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HESI PSYCH MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
The nurse is working with a client who despite making a heroic effort was unable to rescue a
neighbour trapped in a house fire. Which client-focused action should the nurse engage in during
the working phase of the nurse-client relationship?
- Exploring the client’s ability to function
- Exploring the client’s potential for self-harm
- Inquiring about the client’s perception or appraisal of why the rescue was unsuccessful
- Inquiring about and examining the client’s feelings for any that may block adaptive coping
Rationale:
The client must first deal with feelings and negative responses before the client can work through
the meaning of the crisis. The correct option pertains directly to the client’s feelings and is clientfocused. The remaining options do not directly focus on or address the client’s feelings.
The nurse employed in a mental health unit of a hospital is the leader of a group psychotherapy
session. What is the nurse’s role during the termination stage of group development? - Acknowledging that the group has identified goals
- Encouraging the accomplishment of the group’s work
- Acknowledging the contributions of each group member
- Encouraging members to become acquainted with one another
Rationale:
In the termination stage, the group leader’s task is to acknowledge the contributions of each
member and the experience of the group as a whole. In this stage, the group members prepare for
separation and assist each other to prepare for the future. Acknowledging that the group has
identified goals and encouraging group bonding both occur during the initial stage. Encouraging
accomplishment of the group’s work is appropriate during the working stage.
Which are characteristics of the termination stage of group development? Select all that apply. - The group evaluates the experience.
- The real work of the group is accomplished.
- Group interaction involves superficial conversation.
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HESI PSYCH MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
- Group members become acquainted with each other.
- Some structuring of group norms, roles, and responsibilities takes place.
- The group explores members’ feelings about the group and the impending separation.
Rationale:
The stages of group development include the initial stage, the working stage, and the termination
stage. During the initial stage, the group members become acquainted with each other, and some
structuring of group norms, roles, and responsibilities takes place. During the initial stage, group
interaction involves superficial conversation. During the working stage, the real work of the group is
accomplished. During the termination stage, the group evaluates the experience and explores
members’ feelings about the group and the impending separation.
When a client is admitted to an inpatient mental health unit with the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa,
a cognitive behavioural approach is used as part of the treatment plan. The nurse understands that
which is the purpose of this approach? - Providing a supportive environment
- Examining intrapsychic conflicts and past issues
- Emphasizing social interaction with clients who withdraw
- Helping the client to examine dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs
Rationale:
Cognitive behavioural therapy is used to help the client identify and examine dysfunctional thoughts
and to identify and examine values and beliefs that maintain these thoughts. The remaining options,
while therapeutic in certain situations, are not the focus of cognitive behavioural therapy.
The nurse understands that which best describes Gestalt therapy? - It emphasizes self-expression, self-exploration, and self-awareness in the present.
- It promotes the individual’s comfort in the group, which then transfers to other relationships.
- The therapist focuses on how irrational beliefs and thoughts contribute to psychological distress.
- The therapist’s goal is to help others express their feelings toward one another during group
sessions.
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HESI PSYCH MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
Rationale:
Gestalt therapy emphasizes self-expression, self-exploration, and self-awareness in the present. The
client and therapist focus on everyday problems and try to solve them. Interpersonal group therapy
promotes the individual’s comfort in the group, which then transfers to other relationships. In
rational emotive therapy, the therapist focuses on how irrational beliefs and thoughts contribute to
psychological distress. In Rogerian therapy, the therapist’s goal is to help others express their
feelings toward one another during group sessions.
A client is preparing to attend a Gamblers Anonymous meeting for the first time. The nurse should
tell the client that which is the first step in this 12-step program?
- Admitting to having a problem
- Substituting other activities for gambling
- Stating that the gambling will be stopped
- Discontinuing relationships with people who gamble
Rationale:
The first step in the 12-step program is to admit that a problem exists. Substituting other activities
for gambling may be a strategy but it is not the first step. The remaining options are not realistic
strategies for the initial step in a 12-step program.
Which describes the primary focus of milieu therapy? - A form of behaviour modification therapy
- A cognitive approach to changing behaviour
- A living, learning, or working environment
- A behavioural approach to changing behaviour
Rationale:
Milieu therapy, or “therapeutic community,” has as its focus a living, learning, or working
environment. Such therapy may be based on numerous therapeutic modalities ranging from
structured behavioural therapy to spontaneous, humanistic ally-oriented approaches. Although
milieu therapy may include behavioural approaches, the correct option describes its primary focus.
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HESI PSYCH MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
HESI PSYCH MENTAL
HEALTH EXIT EXAM V3
QUESTIONS BRAND NEW
QUESTIONS
GUARANTEE PASS (SCORE A+)
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HESI PSYCH MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder: depressive phase intentionally overdoses on sertraline
(Zoloft). Family members report that the client has experience anorexia, insomnia, and recent job
loss. What should be the priority nursing diagnosis for this client?
A. Risk for suicide r/t hopelessness.
B. Anxiety: severe r/t hyperactivity
C. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements r/t refusal to eat
D. Dysfunctional grieving r/t loss of employment.
A client diagnosed with BP disorder: manic episode refuses to take lithium carbonate due to
excessive weight gain. in order to increase compliance, which medication should a nurse anticipate
that a physician will prescribe?
A. Sertraline (Zoloft)
B. Valproic acid (Depakote)
C. Trazodone (Desyrel)
D. Paroxetine (Paxil)
[Correct Ans:- Answer:
(Prescribed to help with weight loss.)
A client diagnosed with BP disorder is exhibiting severe manic behaviours. A physician prescribes
lithium carbonate (Eskalith) and olanzapine (Zyprexa). The client’s spouse questions the Zyprexa
order. Which is the appropriate nursing response?
A. “Zyprexa in combination with Eskalith cures manic symptoms.”
B. “Zyprexa prevents extrapyramidal side effects.”
C. “Zyprexa ensures a good night’s sleep.”
D. “Zyprexa calms hyperactivity until the Eskalith takes effect.”
(When it comes to psych meds, it takes 4-6 wks to see effect. Give Zyprexa as a bridge until
Lithium takes in effect.”
A client began taking lithium for the treatment of BP disorder approximately 1 month ago. The client
asks if it is normal to have gained 12 pounds in this time frame. Which is the appropriate nursing
response?
A. “Thats strange. Weight loss is the typical pattern.”
B. “What have you been eating? Weight gain is not usually associate with lithium.”
C. “Weight gain is a common but troubling side effect.”
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HESI PSYCH MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
D. “Weight gain only occurs during the first month of treatment with this drug.”
A client diagnosed with BP disorder has been taking lithium carbonate (Lithaine) for 1 year. The
client presents in an emergency department with a temp of 101F (38C), severe diarrhea, blurred
vision, and tinnitus. How should the nurse interpret these symptoms?
A. Symptoms indicate consumption of foods high in tyramine.
B. Symptoms indicate lithium carbonate discontinuation syndrome.
C. Symptoms indicate the development of lithium carbonate tolerance.
D. Symptoms indicate lithium carbonate toxicity.
(0.6-1.2 normal range. blurred vision and tinnitus is most obvious clue)
A nursing instructor is discussing various challenges in the treatment of clients diagnosed with bp
disorder. Which student statement demonstrates an understanding of the most critical challenge in
the care of these clients?
A. “Treatment is compromised when clients can’t sleep.”
B. “Treatment is compromised with irritability interferes with social interactions.”
C. “Treatment is compromised when clients have no insight into their problems.”
D. “Treatment is compromised when clients choose not to take their medications.”
A clients diagnosed with bp disorder: manic phase. Which nursing intervention would be
implemented to achieve the outcome of “Client will gain 2 lb by the end of the week?”
A. Provide client with high-calorie finger foods throughout the day.
B. Accompany client to cafeteria to encourage adequate dietary consumption.
C. Initiate total parenteral nutrition to meet dietary needs.
D. Teach the importance of a varied diet to meet nutritional needs.
(Pt is in manic phase. Finger foods will be best for them because pt cannot sit down and eat a
meal, they will not slow down or stop long enough to eat a meal.)
A nurse discovers a client’s suicide note that details the time, place, and means to commit suicide.
What should be the priority nursing action and why?
A. Administering lorazepam (Ativan) prn, because the client is angry at exposure of plan.
B. Establishing room restrictions, because the client’s threat is an attempt to manipulate the staff.
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HESI PSYCH MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
HESI PSYCH MENTAL
HEALTH EXIT EXAM V2
BRAND NEW QUESTIONS
2023-2024
GUARANTEE PASS (A+)
A female victim of sexual assault is being seen in the crisis centre. The client states that she still feels
“as though the rape just happened yesterday,” even though it has been a few months since the
incident. The appropriate nursing response is which of the following?
1) “You need to try and be realistic. The rape did not just occur.”
2) “It will take some time to get over these feelings about your rape.”
3) “Tell me more about the incident that causes you to feel like the rape just occurred.”
4) “What do you think that you can do to alleviate some of your fears about being raped again?”
A nurse is preparing to care for a dying client, and several family members are at the client’ bedside.
Select the therapeutic techniques that the nurse would use when communicating with the family.
Select all that apply.
1) Discourage reminiscing
2) Make decisions for the family
3) Encourage expression of feelings, concerns, and fears
4) Explain everything that is happening to all family members
5) Touch and hold the client’s or family member’s hands if appropriate
6) Be honest and let the client and family know that they will not be abandoned by the nurse
A client’s medication sheet contains a prescription for sertraline (Zoloft). To ensure safe
administration of the medication, a nurse would administer the dose:
1) On an empty stomach
2) At the same time each evening
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HESI PSYCH MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
3) Evenly spaced around the clock
4) As needed when the client complains of depression
A nurse is preforming a follow-up teaching session with a client discharged 1 month ago. The client is
taking fluoxetine (Prozac). What information would be important for the nurse to obtain during this
client visit regarding the side effects of the medication?
1) Cardiovascular symptoms
2) Gastrointestinal dysfunctions
3) Problems with mouth dryness
4) Problems with excessive sweating
A nurse is caring for a client with anorexia nervosa. The nurse is monitoring the behaviour of the
client and understands that a client with anorexia nervosa manages anxiety by:
1) Engaging in immoral acts
2) Always reinforcing self-approval
3) Observing rigid rules and regulations
4) Having the need always to make the right decision
A nurse is caring for a suicidal client. The appropriate nursing intervention in dealing with this client
is to:
1) Demonstrate confidence in the client’s ability to deal with stressors
2) Provide hope and reassurance that the problems will resolve themselves
3) Display an attitude of detachment, confrontation, and efficiency
4) Provide authority, action, and participation
A client in a long-term care facility who has multiple sclerosis is embarrassed about the need to use a
wheelchair and the muscle spasms that are readily visible in her legs. Which approach is therapeutic
in assisting the client to cope?
1) Keep the client in her room as much as possible
2) Assist the client with all activities of daily living
3) Tell the client that many of the people in the facility have these same sorts of problems
4) Encourage and praise perseverance in performing ADLs, and assist the client to dress and groom
daily
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HESI PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
HESI Psychiatric-Mental Health EXIT Exam
Questions and Answers 2023-2014
QUESTIONS 1:
A male client with schizophrenia who is taking fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin decanoate) is being
discharged in the morning. A repeat dose of medication is scheduled for 20 days after discharge. The
client tells the nurse that he is going on vacation in the Bahamas and will return in 18 days. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for health teaching?
A) When I return from my tropical island vacation, I will go to the clinic to get my Prolixin injection.
B) While I am on vacation and when I return, I will not eat or drink anything that contains alcohol.
C) I will notify the healthcare provider if I have a sore throat or flu-like symptoms.
D) I will continue to take my benztropine mesylate (Cogentin) every day.
-Rationale:: Photosensitivity is a side effect of Prolixin and a vacation in the Bahamas (with its
tropical island climate) increases the client’s chance of experiencing this side effect. He should be
instructed to avoid direct sun (A) and wear sunscreen. (B, C, and D) indicate accurate knowledge.
Alcohol acts synergistically with Prolixin (B). (C) lists signs of agranulocytosis, which is also a side
effect of Prolixin. In order to avoid extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), anticholinergic drugs, such as
Cogentin, are often prescribed prophylactically with Prolixin.
Correct Answer(s): A
QUESTIONS 2.
A male client is admitted to the mental health unit because he was feeling depressed about the loss
of his wife and job. The client has a history of alcohol dependency and admits that he was drinking
alcohol 12 hours ago. Vital signs are: temperature, 100° F, pulse 100, and BP 142/100. The nurse
plans to give the client lorazepam (Ativan) based on which priority nursing diagnosis?
A) Risk for injury related to suicidal ideation.
B) Risk for injury related to alcohol detoxification.
C) Knowledge deficit related to ineffective coping.
D) Health seeking behaviors related to personal crisis.
-Rationale:: The most important nursing diagnosis is related to alcohol detoxification (B) because the
client has elevated vital signs, a sign of alcohol detoxification. Maintaining client safety related to (A)
should be addressed after giving the client Ativan for elevated vital signs secondary to alcohol
withdrawal. (C and D) can be addressed when immediate needs for safety are met.
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HESI PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
Correct Answer(s): B
QUESTIONS 3.
The charge nurse is collaborating with the nursing staff about the plan of care for a client who is very
depressed. What is the most important intervention to implement during the first 48 hours after the
client’s admission to the unit?
A) Monitor appetite and observe intake at meals.
B) Maintain safety in the client’s milieu.
C) Provide ongoing, supportive contact.
D) Encourage participation in activities.
-Rationale:: The most important reason for closely observing a depressed client immediately after
admission is to maintain safety (B), since suicide is a risk with depression. (A, C, and D) are all
important interventions, but safety is the priority.
Correct Answer(s): B
QUESTIONS 4.
A 38-year-old female client is admitted with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. When her tray is
brought to her, she refuses to eat and tells the nurse, “I know you are trying to poison me with that
food.” Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to make?
A) I’ll leave your tray here. I am available if you need anything else.
B) You’re not being poisoned. Why do you think someone is trying to poison you?
C) No one on this unit has ever died from poisoning. You’re safe here.
D) I will talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of changing your diet.
-Rationale:: (A) is the best choice cited. The nurse does not argue with the client nor demand that
she eat, but offers support by agreeing to “be there if needed”, e.g., to warm the food. (B and C) are
arguing with the client’s delusions, and (B) asks “why” which is usually not a good question for a
psychotic client. (D) has nothing to do with the actual problem; i.e., the problem is not the diet (she
thinks any food given to her is poisoned.)
Correct Answer(s): A
QUESTIONS 5.
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HESI PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder develops diarrhea,
vomiting, and drowsiness. What action should the nurse take?
A) Notify the healthcare provider immediately and prepare for administration of an antidote.
B) Notify the healthcare provider of the symptoms prior to the next administration of the drug.
C) Record the symptoms as normal side effects and continue administration of the prescribed
dosage.
D) Hold the medication and refuse to administer additional amounts of the drug.
-Rationale:: Early side effects of lithium carbonate (occurring with serum lithium levels below 2.0
mEq per liter) generally follow a progressive pattern beginning with diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness,
and muscular weakness. At higher levels, ataxia, tinnitus, blurred vision, and large dilute urine
output may occur. (B) is the best choice. Although these are expected symptoms, the healthcare
provider should be notified prior to the next administration of the drug. (A, C, and D) would not
reflect good nursing judgment.
Correct Answer(s): B
QUESTIONS 6.
The parents of a 14-year-old boy bring their son to the hospital. He is lethargic, but responsive. The
mother states, “I think he took some of my pain pills.” During initial assessment of the teenager,
what information is most important for the nurse to obtain from the parents?
A) If he has seemed depressed recently.
B) If a drug overdose has ever occurred before.
C) If he might have taken any other drugs.
D) If he has a desire to quit taking drugs.
-Rationale:: Knowledge of all substances taken (C) will guide further treatment, such as
administration of antagonists, so obtaining this information has the highest priority. (A and B) are
also valuable in planning treatment. (D) is not appropriate during the acute management of a drug
overdose.
Correct Answer(s): C
QUESTIONS 7.
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?
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HESI PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH EXIT EXAM
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.
-Rationale:: The nurse should answer the client’s question with factual information and explain that
schizophrenia is a chemical imbalance in the brain (B). (A) is a therapeutic response but does not
answer the question, and may be an appropriate response after the nurse answers the question
asked. Although (C) is likely true to some degree, it is also true that some clients continue to have
disorganized thinking even with antipsychotic medications. Referring the spouse to the psychologist
(D) is avoiding the issue; the nurse can and should answer the question.
Correct Answer(s): B
QUESTIONS 8.
The community health nurse talks to a male client who has bipolar disorder. The client explains that
he sleeps 4 to 5 hours a night and is working with his partner to start two new businesses and build
an empire. The client stopped taking his medications several days ago. What nursing problem has
the highest priority?
A) Excessive work activity.
B) Decreased need for sleep.
C) Medication management.
D) Inflated self-esteem.
-Rationale:: The most important nursing problem is medication management (C) because
compliance with the medication regimen will help prevent hospitalization. The client is also
exhibiting signs of (A, B, and C); however, these problems do not have the priority of medication
management.
Correct Answer(s): C
QUESTIONS 9.
At a support meeting of parents of a teenager with polysubstance dependency, a parent states,
“Each time my son tries to quit taking drugs, he gets so depressed that I’m afraid he will commit
suicide.” The nurse’s response should be based on which information?
A) Addiction is a chronic, incurable disease.
B) Tolerance to the effects of drugs causes feelings of depression.
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HESI PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE EXAM 2023
HESI Psychiatric Mental Health Practice Exam
2023 Brand New Questions| Guarantee Pass
A+
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of depression. The nurse knows that which characteristic is most
indicative of depression?
A) Grandiose ideation.
B) Self-destructive thoughts.
C) Suspiciousness of others.
D) A negative view of self and the future.
A 45-year-old female client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for evaluation. Her husband states
that she has been reluctant to leave home for the last six months. The client has not gone to work
for a month and has been terminated from her job. She has not left the house since that time. This
client is displaying symptoms of what condition?
A) Claustrophobia.
B) Acrophobia.
C) Agoraphobia.
D) Post-traumatic stress disorder.
A client who has been admitted to the psychiatric unit tells the nurse, “My problems are so bad that
no one can help me.” Which response is best for the nurse to make?
A) “How can I help?”
B) “Things probably aren’t as bad as they seem right now.”
C) “Let’s talk about what is right with your life.”
D) “I hear how miserable you are, but things will get better soon.”
A woman brings her 48-year-old husband to the outpatient psychiatric unit and describes his
behaviour to the admitting nurse. She states that he has been sleepwalking, cannot remember who
he is, and exhibits multiple personalities. The nurse knows that these behaviours are often
associated with
A) dissociative disorder.
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HESI PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE EXAM 2023
B) obsessive-compulsive disorder.
C) panic disorder.
D) post-traumatic
A 27-year-old female client is admitted to the psychiatric hospital with a diagnosis of bipolar
disorder, manic phase. She is demanding and active. Which intervention should the nurse include in
this client’s plan of care?
A) Schedule her to attend various group activities.
B) Reinforce her ability to make her own decisions.
C) Encourage her to identify feelings of anger.
D) Provide a structured environment with little stimuli.
The nurse plans to help an 18-year-old female mentally retarded client ambulate the first
postoperative day after an appendectomy. When the nurse tells the client it is time to get out of
bed, the client becomes angry and tells the nurse, “Get out of here! I’ll get up when I’m ready!”
Which response is best for the nurse to make?
A) “Your healthcare provider has prescribed ambulation on the first postoperative day.”
B) “You must ambulate to avoid complications which could cause more discomfort than
ambulating.”
C) “I know how you feel. You’re angry about having to ambulate, but this will help you get well.”
D) “I’ll be back in 30 minutes to help you get out of bed and walk around the room.”
A 46-year-old female client has been on antipsychotic neuroleptics for the past three days. She has
had a decrease in psychotic behaviour and appears to be responding well to the medication. On the
fourth day, the client’s blood pressure increases, she becomes pale and febrile, and demonstrates
muscular rigidity. Which action should the nurse initiate?
A) Place the client on seizure precautions and monitor carefully.
B) Immediately transfer the client to ICU.
C) Describe the symptoms to the charge nurse and record on the client’s chart.
D) No action is required at this time as these are known side effects of such drugs.
A male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a medical diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.
During the admission procedure, the client looks up and states, “No, it’s not MY fault. You can’t
blame me. I didn’t kill him, you did.” What action is best for the nurse to take?
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HESI PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE EXAM 2023
A) Reassure the client by telling him that his fear of the admission procedure is to be expected.
B) Tell the client that no one is accusing him of murder and remind him that the hospital is a safe
place.
C) Assess the content of the hallucinations by asking the client what he is hearing.
D) Ignore the behaviour and make no response at all to his delusional statements.
A 35-year-old male client on the psychiatric ward 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.
A client who is diagnosed with schizophrenia is admitted to the hospital. The nurse assesses the
client’s mental status. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of a client with
schizophrenia?
A) Mood swings.
B) Extreme sadness.
C) Manipulative behaviour.
D) Flat affect.
The nurse is conducting discharge teaching for a client with schizophrenia who plans to live in a
group home. Which statement is most indicative of the need for careful follow-up after discharge?
A) “Crickets are a good source of protein.”
B) “I have not heard any voices for a week.”
C) “Only my belief in God can help me.”
D) “Sometimes I have a hard time sitting still.”
A 52-year-old male client in the intensive care unit who has been oriented suddenly becomes
disoriented and fearful. Assessment of vital signs and other physical parameters reveal no significant
change and the nurse formulates the diagnosis, “Confusion related to ICU psychosis.” Which
intervention is best to implement?
A) Move all machines away from the client’s immediate area.
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MENTAL HEALTH PSYCH HESI REVIEW QUESTIONS 2023
Mental Health Psych HESI Review Questions
2023 (50 Questions study with rationale)
Rated A+
A client believes that his health care provider is an FBI agent and that his apartment is a site for slave
trading. The client believes that the FBI has cameras in the apartment, so it is not safe to return
there. Based on these symptoms, which class of medication is most likely to find to be prescribed for
this client?
A. Antianxiety medication
B. Mood stabilizer
C. Antipsychotic
D. Sedative-hypnotic
An antipsychotic (C) will be most likely prescribed because the client’s thoughts are delusional. The
client needs an antipsychotic medication to promote rational thoughts. (A) may lessen anxiety
associated with the delusions, but is not the treatment of choice for altered thoughts. (B) will
manage mood swings, and (D) will be prescribed for sleep.
The nurse is caring for a client who is taking the mood stabilizer divalproex sodium (Depakote).
Which laboratory finding is most important to include in this client’s record?
A. Liver function test results
B. Creatinine clearance
C. Complete blood count
D. Chemistry panel
Depakote is metabolized by the liver and can cause hepatotoxicity, so laboratory findings of liver
function tests (A) should be included in the client’s record. (B) should be in the client record of those
who are receiving lithium because it is excreted by the kidneys. (C and D) are routine laboratory
tests and are not specifically related to administration of Depakote.
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MENTAL HEALTH PSYCH HESI REVIEW QUESTIONS 2023
The nurse is assessing a young client admitted to the psychiatric unit for acute depression related to
a recent divorce. Which statement is most indicative of a client suffering from depression?
A. “I’m not very pretty or likeable.”
B. “I’ve lost 20 pounds in the past month.”
C.”I like to keep things to myself.”
D.”I think everyone is out to get me.”
Feelings of hopelessness (A) are characteristic of one who is depressed. Although (B) might be
indicative of depression, further assessment would be required to rule out an organic cause before
attributing the statement to depression. (C and D) are indicative of a paranoid personality.
Which behaviour indicates to the nurse that a client with paranoid ideas is improving?
A. Arrives on time for all activities
B. Talks more openly about plans to protect his possessions
C. Aggressively uses the punching bag in the gym
D. Discusses his feelings of anxiety with the nurse
Anxious feelings increase paranoid ideation. If the client is able to discuss these feelings (D), then the
client is improving because of fewer paranoid ideas. (A) would indicate that a client with depression
or one who is passive-aggressive is improving. (B) indicates feelings of paranoia. (C) indicates the
release of anger, and “anger turned inward” is sometimes used as a definition for depression.
A client who recently retired is admitted to the psychiatric inpatient unit with a diagnosis of major
depression. The initial nursing care plan includes the goal, “Assist client to express feelings of guilt.”
What is true about the goal statement referring to the client’s depression?
A. Implementation of the goal should be deferred until further data can be gathered.
B. The depression will dissipate once the client becomes accustomed to retirement.
C. Depressed clients may be unaware of guilt feelings and should be encouraged to increase selfawareness.
D. Nursing goals should be approved by the treatment team before they are initiated.
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MENTAL HEALTH PSYCH HESI REVIEW QUESTIONS 2023
Depression is associated with feelings of guilt, and clients are often not aware of these feelings (C).
Awareness is the first step in dealing with guilt (or any other feeling), so the nurse’s efforts should be
directed toward increasing the client’s awareness of feelings. Although a goal may be changed based
on an evaluation of interventions to meet the goal, a goal should never be ignored (A). (B) dismisses
the client’s symptoms as age-related. Setting goals for the nursing care plan is a function of the
nurse (D), although the nurse can collaborate with the treatment team.
A 25-year-old client has been particularly restless and the nurse finds the client trying to leave the
psychiatric unit. The client tells the nurse, “Please let me go! I must leave because the secret police
are after me.” Which response is best for the nurse to make?
A. “No one is after you. You’re safe here.”
B. “You’ll feel better after you have rested.”
C.”I know you must feel lonely and frightened.”
D. “Come with me to your room, and I will sit with you.”
(D) is the best response because it offers support without judgment or demands. (A) is challenging
the client’s delusion. (B) is offering false reassurance. (C) is a violation of therapeutic communication
because the nurse is telling the client how she or he feels (frightened and lonely), rather than
allowing the client to describe his or her own feelings. Hallucinating and delusional clients are not
capable of discussing their feelings, particularly when they perceive a crisis.
Physical examination of a 6-year-old boy reveals several bite marks in various locations on his body.
X-ray examination reveals healed fractures of the ribs. The mother tells the nurse that her child is
always having accidents. Which initial response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
A.”I need to tell the health care provider about your child’s tendency to be accident-prone.”
B. “Tell me more about these accidents that your child has been having.”
C.”I need to report these injuries to the authorities because they do not seem accidental.”
D. “Boys this age always seem to require more supervision and can be quite accident-prone.”
(B) seeks more information using an open-ended, nonthreatening statement. (A) might be
appropriate, but is not the best answer because the nurse is being somewhat sarcastic and is also
avoiding the situation by referring it to the health care provider for resolution. Although it is true
that suspected cases of child abuse must be reported, (C) is almost an attack and is jumping ahead
before conclusive data are obtained. (D) is a cliché and dismisses the seriousness of the situation.
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PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH ASSIGNMENT EXAM HESI
Psychiatric Mental Health Assignment Exam
HESI Brand New 2023-2024| Guarantee
Pass| Rated A+
A client is responding to auditory hallucinations and shakes a fist at a nurse and says, “Back off,
witch!” The nurse follows the client to the unit’s day room. What action should the nurse
implement?
A. Sit down in a chair near the client.
B. Position self within an arm’s length of the client.
C. Ensure that there is physical space between the nurse and client.
D. Move to a position that allows the client to be closest to the room’s door.
Personal space should increase when a client feels anxious and threatened. An adequate social
space (4 to 12 feet) between the nurse and the client should be maintained to minimize the
client’s escalation and physical contact with the nurse. The other positions increase the risk for
injury if the client becomes aggressive.
The nurse completes an emergency admission of a male client with schizophrenia who has not been
taking his antipsychotic medications. The client is pacing, is extremely irritable, and has a blood
pressure of 146/96. What is the priority nursing action?
[Correct Ans:- Re-evaluate the client’s blood pressure in an hour.
The client is irritable and pacing, which can contribute to the elevated BP. A re-evaluation of the
client’s BP in an hour allows time for the excitement and stress of the admission process to abate.
The other actions are not indicated at this time.
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PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH ASSIGNMENT EXAM HESI
A client who reports feeling depressed tells the nurse on admitted, “I want to feel normal again.”
How should the nurse respond?
A. How long have you felt this way?
B. We are all here to help you get better.
C. What do you think the hospital can do for you?
D. Tell me more about how things are with you.
When a client offers psycho-emotional complaints as the reason for admission, open-ended
statements that seek clarification and elaboration provide the nurse with information about the
client’s life experiences that helps the nurse empathize, establish rapport, and support the client
while re-examining and expressing feelings. The other responses do not allow the client to vent
and is not therapeutic.
A client who abuses alcohol says to the nurse, “I am glad I went in for treatment. Now my problems
with alcohol are all behind me.” Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
A. Yes, but do you know that the treatment program you attended has an excellent success profile?
B. Tell me more about what you mean when you say that your problems with alcohol are now
behind you.
C. You are likely to have a difficult time staying sober if you think that problems with alcohol are
behind you.
D. Do you know what “one day at a time” means for those who have problems with alcohol?
Those who attend alcohol treatment programs and Alcoholics Anonymous never put drinking
problems behind them and describe alcoholics as only one step away from a slip with maintaining
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PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH ASSIGNMENT EXAM HESI
sobriety. The nurse should use reflection and encourage the client to further describe the feelings.
The other responses do not encourage the client to reflect on his recovery.
At the end of a group therapy session, a client who is hospitalized for psychosis falls to the floor
when attempting to stand. What intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Ask a group member to seek help.
B. Obtain the client’s blood pressure.
C. Position in a recovery position.
D. Assess the client’s level of orientation.
First, help should be obtained while the nurse remains with the client. Next, assessment of the
client should be completed. Lastly, the client should be positioned to prevent aspiration while
recovering.
During the admission of a male client to the mental health unit, the client tells the nurse that he had
a panic attack today and ran out of the physician’s office. Which question is most important for the
nurse to ask this client?
A. On a scale of 1 to 10 how do you rate your anxiety level?
B. How would you describe your mood right now?
C. Have you had any thoughts of hurting yourself?
D. What medications have you taken in the last 24 hours?
Assessing for suicidal ideation is most essential. The other assessments should be made, and to
ensure client safety, thoughts of self-harm are most important.
BESTMAXSOLUTIONS 4
PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH ASSIGNMENT EXAM HESI
An adolescent who attempted suicide with a drug overdose arrives in the emergency department
with an empty 30-tablet bottle of acetaminophen (Tylenol). Which action should the nurse
implement?
A. Administer acetylcysteine (Mucocyst).
B. Monitor cardiac rhythm for flat T waves.
C. Check both serum AST and ALT levels.
D. Prepare to administer Syrup of Ipecac.
Tylenol overdose is treated with immediate administration of Mucomyst to prevent hepatic insult.
The other actions are not indicated.
A female client who is admitted for treatment of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is withdrawn and
tearful. She complains she has gained excessive weight because she hates her diet, hates taking
insulin, and just wants to be normal again. What therapeutic action should the nurse take?
A. Assist the client in verbalizing distress about the disease.
B. Inquire about emotional factors affecting the client’s present condition.
C. Assess priorities to be set for the client’s overall nursing care plan.
D. Encourage the client to emotionally accept the chronicity of the disease.
Holistic care considers biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that influences one’s
health status. The client is giving clues to psychological distress, so assessment for emotional
factors that have impacted the client’s present condition should be made. The other actions are
not the priority.