HESI MEntal HEaltH 2 actual ExaM QuEStIonS and
anSwErS PractIcE QuEStIonS wItH SolutIonS nEwESt
2026 | alrEady GradEd a+
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 - ANSWER-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 behavior to the next shift. B. Offer to play a game of cards with the client. C.
Document the behavior in the chart. D. Plan to talk with the client the next day. - ANSWER-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 information is most important for the nurse to
include in the client's discharge plan? A. Do not take any over the counter meds. B. Eat a high carb, low fat,
low protein diet. C. Call the crisis hotline if feeling lonely. D. Avoid exposure to large crowds. - ANSWER-A.
Do not take any over the counter meds.
After receiving treatment for anorexia, a student asks the school RN for permission to work in the school
cafeteria as part of the school's work study program. What action should the RN take? A. Refer the student
to a psychiatrist for further discussion. B. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's office. C. Suggest
that student work in the athletic department. D. Determine the parent's opinion of the work assignment. -
ANSWER-B. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's office.
he Rn accepts a transfer to the metal health unit and understands that the client is distractible and is
exhibiting a decreased ability to concentrate. The RN only has 15 minutes to talk to the client. To develop
treatment plan for this client, which assessment is most important for the RN to obtain? A. Motivation of
treatment. B. History of substance use. C. Medication compliance. D. Mental status examination. -
ANSWER-D. Mental status examination.
A male client who recently lost a loved one arrives at the mental health center and tells the RN he is no
longer interested is his usual activities and has not slept for several days. Which priority nursing problem
should the RN include in the client's plan of care? A. Risk for suicide. B. Sleep deprivation. C. Situational
low self-esteem. D. Social isolation. - ANSWER-. Sleep deprivation
A male client with long history of alcohol dependency arrives in the emergency department describing the
feelings of bugs crawling on his body. His blood pressure is 170/102, his pulse rate is 110 bpm, and is blood
,alcohol level is 0mg/dL. Which prescription should the RN administer? A. Haloperidol (Haldol). B. Thiamine
(Vitamin B1). C. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). D. Lorazepam (Ativan). - ANSWER-D. Lorazepam (Ativan).
A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for manic depression begins to develop diarrhea,
vomiting, and drowsiness. What action should the nurse take? a. Notify the physician immediately and force
fluids. b. Prior to giving the next dose, notify the physician of the symptoms. c. Record the symptoms and
continue medication as prescribed. d. Hold the medication and refuse to administer additional amounts of
the drug. - ANSWER-b. Prior to giving the next dose, notify the physician of the symptoms.
While caring for an older client, the RN observes multiple bruises in Over the client's legs, arms, back, and
gluteal areas. When the client Contact, the RN suspects elder abuse. What action should the RN take? A.
Report family conversations and anger towards the client when visiting. B. Ask the client specific questions
about someone causing the bruising. C. Question the family members and caregiver how the bruising
occurred. D. Measure and document size, shape and color of the bruised areas. - ANSWER-D. Measure and
document size, shape and color of the bruised areas.
The RN is performing intake interviews at a psychiatric clinic. A female client with a known history of drug
abuse reports that she had a heart attack four years ago. Use of which substance places the client at
highest risk for myocardial infarction? A. Benzodiazepine B. Alcohol C. Methamphetamine D. Marijuana -
ANSWER-C. Methamphetamine
After receiving treatment for anorexia, a student asks the school RN for permission to work in the school
cafeteria as part of the school's work study program. What action should the RN take? A. Suggest that the
student work in the athletic department. B. Determine the parent's opinion of the work assignments. C.
Refer the student to a psychiatrist for further discussion. D. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's
office. - ANSWER-D. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's office.
A client who is homeless is diagnosed with schizophrenia and admitted on an involuntary basis to a mental
health hospital 4 days ago. The client stopped taking prescribed antipsychotic drugs approximately one
month ago. Since hospitalization the client continues to have poor judgment and refuses all medications.
What action should the RN take? A. Encourage the client to stay in the hospital so the client does not have
to be homeless. B. Provide the client with medication if the client presents an imminent risk to self and
others. C. Administer a long acting antipsychotic medication so that the client can be discharged to a
shelter. D. Describe to the client treatment options provided at the community mental health clinics. -
ANSWER-B. Provide the client with medication if the client presents an imminent risk to self and others.A
client who refuses antipsychotic medications disrupts group activities, talks with nonsensical words and
wanders into client's rooms. The RN decides that the client needs constant observation based on which of
these assessment findings? A. Wanders into the clients rooms. B. Refuses antipsychotic medications. C.
Talks with nonsensical words.D. Disrupts group activities - ANSWER-. Wanders into the clients rooms.
A client with schizophrenia explains that she has 20 children and then very seriously points to the RN and
explains that she is one of them. What is the most therapeutic response for the RN to provide/ A. "Let's go
ask another RN is this is true." B. "My name tag shows that I am a RN here." C. "I can't possibly be one if
your children." D. "I know that you don't have 20 children." - ANSWER-B. "My name tag shows that I am a
RN here."
, A high school girl reveals to the high school RN that she has been engaging in self-induced vomiting as
weight-control measure. Which initial assessment should the RN focus on with this adolescent? A. National
percentile of weight and height. B. Frequency of bingeing and purging behaviors. C. Perceptions of family
and social relationships. D. School grades and extracurricular activities. - ANSWER-B. Frequency of
bingeing and purging behaviors.
Narcan was administered to an adult client following a suicide attempt with an overdose of hydrocodone
bitartrate (Vicodin). Within 15 minutes, the client is alert and oriented. In planning nursing care, which
intervention has the highest priority at this time? A. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake. B. Obtain
the client's serum Vicodin level. C. Observe the client for further narcotic effects. D. Determine the client's
reason for attempting suicide. - ANSWER-. Observe the client for further narcotic effects.
Following surgery, a male client with antisocial personality disorder frequently requests that a specific RN
be assigned to is care and is belligerent when another RN is assigned. What action should the charge RN
implement? A. Reassure the client that his request will be met whenever possible. B. Advise the client that
assignments are not based on the client's request. C. Ask the client to explain why he constantly requests
the RN.D. Encourage the client to verbalize his feelings about the RN. - ANSWER-. Advise the client that
assignments are not based on the client's request.
When preparing to administer a prescribed medication to a homeless male at a community clinic, the client
tells the RN that he usually takes a different dosage. What action should the RN take? A. Tell him to take the
medication then verify the dosage at the next healthcare team meeting. B. Withhold the medication until the
dosage can be confirmed. C. Inform him that he may refuse the medication and document whether or not
he takes it. D. Explain to the client that the dosage has been changed. - ANSWER-B. Withhold the
medication until the dosage can be confirmed.
The nurse orients a female client with depression to the new room on the mental health unit. The client
states "It seems strange that I don't have a T.V in my room." Which statement would be best for the RN to
provide? A. "You can watch T.V as much as you want outside of your room." B. "Sometimes clients feel like
the T.V is sending them messages." C. "It's important to be out of you room and talking to others." D.
"Watching T.V is a passive activity and we want you to be active." - ANSWER-C. "It's important to be out of
you room and talking to others."
A client admitted with a closed head injury after a fall has a blood alcohol level of 0.28 (28%) and is difficult
to arouse. Which intervention during the first 6 hours following admission should the RN identify as the
priority? A. Give lorazepam (Ativan) PRN for signs of withdrawal. B. Administer disulfiram (Antabuse)
immediately. C. Place in a side lying position with head of bed elevated. D. Provide thiamine and folate
supplements as prescribed. - ANSWER-C. Place in a side lying position with head of bed elevated.
The RN is completing the admission assessment of an underweight adolescent who is admitted to a
psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of depression. Which finding requires notification to the HCP? A.
Potassium level of 2.9 mEq/dl.B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg. C. WBC of 10,000mm^3. D. Body mass
index of 21. - ANSWER-A. Potassium level of 2.9 mEq/dl.
The Rn is planning client teaching for a 35-year-old client with alcoholic cirrhosis. Which self-care measure
should the RN emphasize for the client's recovery? A. Support group meetings. B. Vitamin B and
anSwErS PractIcE QuEStIonS wItH SolutIonS nEwESt
2026 | alrEady GradEd a+
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 - ANSWER-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 behavior to the next shift. B. Offer to play a game of cards with the client. C.
Document the behavior in the chart. D. Plan to talk with the client the next day. - ANSWER-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 information is most important for the nurse to
include in the client's discharge plan? A. Do not take any over the counter meds. B. Eat a high carb, low fat,
low protein diet. C. Call the crisis hotline if feeling lonely. D. Avoid exposure to large crowds. - ANSWER-A.
Do not take any over the counter meds.
After receiving treatment for anorexia, a student asks the school RN for permission to work in the school
cafeteria as part of the school's work study program. What action should the RN take? A. Refer the student
to a psychiatrist for further discussion. B. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's office. C. Suggest
that student work in the athletic department. D. Determine the parent's opinion of the work assignment. -
ANSWER-B. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's office.
he Rn accepts a transfer to the metal health unit and understands that the client is distractible and is
exhibiting a decreased ability to concentrate. The RN only has 15 minutes to talk to the client. To develop
treatment plan for this client, which assessment is most important for the RN to obtain? A. Motivation of
treatment. B. History of substance use. C. Medication compliance. D. Mental status examination. -
ANSWER-D. Mental status examination.
A male client who recently lost a loved one arrives at the mental health center and tells the RN he is no
longer interested is his usual activities and has not slept for several days. Which priority nursing problem
should the RN include in the client's plan of care? A. Risk for suicide. B. Sleep deprivation. C. Situational
low self-esteem. D. Social isolation. - ANSWER-. Sleep deprivation
A male client with long history of alcohol dependency arrives in the emergency department describing the
feelings of bugs crawling on his body. His blood pressure is 170/102, his pulse rate is 110 bpm, and is blood
,alcohol level is 0mg/dL. Which prescription should the RN administer? A. Haloperidol (Haldol). B. Thiamine
(Vitamin B1). C. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). D. Lorazepam (Ativan). - ANSWER-D. Lorazepam (Ativan).
A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for manic depression begins to develop diarrhea,
vomiting, and drowsiness. What action should the nurse take? a. Notify the physician immediately and force
fluids. b. Prior to giving the next dose, notify the physician of the symptoms. c. Record the symptoms and
continue medication as prescribed. d. Hold the medication and refuse to administer additional amounts of
the drug. - ANSWER-b. Prior to giving the next dose, notify the physician of the symptoms.
While caring for an older client, the RN observes multiple bruises in Over the client's legs, arms, back, and
gluteal areas. When the client Contact, the RN suspects elder abuse. What action should the RN take? A.
Report family conversations and anger towards the client when visiting. B. Ask the client specific questions
about someone causing the bruising. C. Question the family members and caregiver how the bruising
occurred. D. Measure and document size, shape and color of the bruised areas. - ANSWER-D. Measure and
document size, shape and color of the bruised areas.
The RN is performing intake interviews at a psychiatric clinic. A female client with a known history of drug
abuse reports that she had a heart attack four years ago. Use of which substance places the client at
highest risk for myocardial infarction? A. Benzodiazepine B. Alcohol C. Methamphetamine D. Marijuana -
ANSWER-C. Methamphetamine
After receiving treatment for anorexia, a student asks the school RN for permission to work in the school
cafeteria as part of the school's work study program. What action should the RN take? A. Suggest that the
student work in the athletic department. B. Determine the parent's opinion of the work assignments. C.
Refer the student to a psychiatrist for further discussion. D. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's
office. - ANSWER-D. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's office.
A client who is homeless is diagnosed with schizophrenia and admitted on an involuntary basis to a mental
health hospital 4 days ago. The client stopped taking prescribed antipsychotic drugs approximately one
month ago. Since hospitalization the client continues to have poor judgment and refuses all medications.
What action should the RN take? A. Encourage the client to stay in the hospital so the client does not have
to be homeless. B. Provide the client with medication if the client presents an imminent risk to self and
others. C. Administer a long acting antipsychotic medication so that the client can be discharged to a
shelter. D. Describe to the client treatment options provided at the community mental health clinics. -
ANSWER-B. Provide the client with medication if the client presents an imminent risk to self and others.A
client who refuses antipsychotic medications disrupts group activities, talks with nonsensical words and
wanders into client's rooms. The RN decides that the client needs constant observation based on which of
these assessment findings? A. Wanders into the clients rooms. B. Refuses antipsychotic medications. C.
Talks with nonsensical words.D. Disrupts group activities - ANSWER-. Wanders into the clients rooms.
A client with schizophrenia explains that she has 20 children and then very seriously points to the RN and
explains that she is one of them. What is the most therapeutic response for the RN to provide/ A. "Let's go
ask another RN is this is true." B. "My name tag shows that I am a RN here." C. "I can't possibly be one if
your children." D. "I know that you don't have 20 children." - ANSWER-B. "My name tag shows that I am a
RN here."
, A high school girl reveals to the high school RN that she has been engaging in self-induced vomiting as
weight-control measure. Which initial assessment should the RN focus on with this adolescent? A. National
percentile of weight and height. B. Frequency of bingeing and purging behaviors. C. Perceptions of family
and social relationships. D. School grades and extracurricular activities. - ANSWER-B. Frequency of
bingeing and purging behaviors.
Narcan was administered to an adult client following a suicide attempt with an overdose of hydrocodone
bitartrate (Vicodin). Within 15 minutes, the client is alert and oriented. In planning nursing care, which
intervention has the highest priority at this time? A. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake. B. Obtain
the client's serum Vicodin level. C. Observe the client for further narcotic effects. D. Determine the client's
reason for attempting suicide. - ANSWER-. Observe the client for further narcotic effects.
Following surgery, a male client with antisocial personality disorder frequently requests that a specific RN
be assigned to is care and is belligerent when another RN is assigned. What action should the charge RN
implement? A. Reassure the client that his request will be met whenever possible. B. Advise the client that
assignments are not based on the client's request. C. Ask the client to explain why he constantly requests
the RN.D. Encourage the client to verbalize his feelings about the RN. - ANSWER-. Advise the client that
assignments are not based on the client's request.
When preparing to administer a prescribed medication to a homeless male at a community clinic, the client
tells the RN that he usually takes a different dosage. What action should the RN take? A. Tell him to take the
medication then verify the dosage at the next healthcare team meeting. B. Withhold the medication until the
dosage can be confirmed. C. Inform him that he may refuse the medication and document whether or not
he takes it. D. Explain to the client that the dosage has been changed. - ANSWER-B. Withhold the
medication until the dosage can be confirmed.
The nurse orients a female client with depression to the new room on the mental health unit. The client
states "It seems strange that I don't have a T.V in my room." Which statement would be best for the RN to
provide? A. "You can watch T.V as much as you want outside of your room." B. "Sometimes clients feel like
the T.V is sending them messages." C. "It's important to be out of you room and talking to others." D.
"Watching T.V is a passive activity and we want you to be active." - ANSWER-C. "It's important to be out of
you room and talking to others."
A client admitted with a closed head injury after a fall has a blood alcohol level of 0.28 (28%) and is difficult
to arouse. Which intervention during the first 6 hours following admission should the RN identify as the
priority? A. Give lorazepam (Ativan) PRN for signs of withdrawal. B. Administer disulfiram (Antabuse)
immediately. C. Place in a side lying position with head of bed elevated. D. Provide thiamine and folate
supplements as prescribed. - ANSWER-C. Place in a side lying position with head of bed elevated.
The RN is completing the admission assessment of an underweight adolescent who is admitted to a
psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of depression. Which finding requires notification to the HCP? A.
Potassium level of 2.9 mEq/dl.B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg. C. WBC of 10,000mm^3. D. Body mass
index of 21. - ANSWER-A. Potassium level of 2.9 mEq/dl.
The Rn is planning client teaching for a 35-year-old client with alcoholic cirrhosis. Which self-care measure
should the RN emphasize for the client's recovery? A. Support group meetings. B. Vitamin B and
