HESI RN PSYCHOSOCIAL INTEGRITY ACCURATE
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM WITH ALL
POSSIBLE APPROVED WELL ELABORATED
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT
VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES
PLUS EXPERT ANSWER KEY (100% CORRECT
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS) 2026-2027 CURRENTLY
UPDATED VERSION Q&A GUARANTEED PASS A+
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Question 1
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is started on phenelzine, a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Which dietary instruction is most critical for the
nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A. Avoid foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses and cured meats.
B. Increase intake of foods rich in tryptophan, like turkey and milk.
C. Limit consumption of foods containing vitamin K, such as leafy greens.
D. Restrict fluid intake to prevent fluid retention and hypertension.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI that inhibits the breakdown of tyramine.
Consuming tyramine-rich foods can precipitate a hypertensive crisis, a life-
threatening condition. The most critical teaching is to avoid these foods.
Tryptophan is not a concern, vitamin K interacts with warfarin, and fluid
restriction is not a primary dietary instruction for MAOIs.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client who is exhibiting signs of acute anxiety. The client
,reports a feeling of impending doom and is breathing rapidly. Which nursing
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer a prescribed PRN anxiolytic medication.
B. Encourage the client to describe their feelings in detail.
C. Instruct the client to take slow, deep breaths.
D. Place the client in a quiet room away from others.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation
secondary to anxiety is to address the physiological symptom first. Assisting the
client to take slow, deep breaths can help decrease respiratory rate and reduce
carbon dioxide loss. While medication, exploring feelings, and providing a quiet
environment are all important, immediate physiological stabilization takes
precedence.
Question 3
A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is exhibiting echolalia. Which statement
by the nurse best describes this symptom to a new staff member?
A. "The client is repeating words or phrases spoken by others."
B. "The client is making up new, meaningless words."
C. "The client is holding a rigid, unmoving posture."
D. "The client is showing a sudden stop in the flow of thought."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Echolalia is defined as the repetition of words or phrases spoken by
another person. This is a common symptom of schizophrenia. Making up new
words is neologism, rigid posture is catalepsy, and a sudden stop in thought is
thought blocking.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a client who has just been informed of a terminal diagnosis.
The client states, "The doctors must have made a mistake. I feel fine. Let's get a
second opinion." Which stage of grief, according to Kübler-Ross, is the client most
likely exhibiting?
A. Denial
B. Anger
C. Bargaining
D. Depression
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client's statement, "The doctors must have made a mistake," is a
classic example of denial. In this stage, the individual refuses to accept the
reality of the situation as a defense mechanism against the overwhelming news.
Anger involves resentment, bargaining involves negotiation for more time, and
depression involves sadness and hopelessness.
Question 5
A client with a history of alcohol use disorder is admitted for detoxification. The
nurse would expect to implement which intervention to prevent complications
during the withdrawal phase?
A. Administer a benzodiazepine as prescribed.
B. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings about drinking.
C. Implement a high-calorie, high-protein diet.
D. Place the client in a brightly lit room to improve orientation.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Benzodiazepines are the mainstay of pharmacological treatment for
alcohol withdrawal to prevent severe complications like seizures and delirium
tremens. They work by cross-tolerance with alcohol at GABA receptors. While a
nutritious diet and emotional support are important, medication is the priority to
prevent life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. A quiet, dimly lit room is
preferable to reduce stimulation.
Question 6
A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder,
manic episode. Which finding is the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Psychomotor retardation and social withdrawal.
B. Grandiose delusions and increased activity.
C. Excessive guilt and somatic complaints.
D. Slowed speech and anhedonia.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The manic phase of bipolar disorder is characterized by an elevated,
expansive, or irritable mood, increased goal-directed activity, grandiosity, and a
decreased need for sleep. Psychomotor retardation, withdrawal, guilt, and
somatic complaints are more characteristic of a depressive episode.
, Question 7
A client is taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. The nurse's morning
assessment reveals a lithium level of 1.5 mEq/L. Which of the following signs or
symptoms would the nurse expect to find in this client?
A. Lethargy and muscle weakness.
B. Polydipsia and polyuria.
C. Fine hand tremors.
D. Nausea and vomiting.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. A level of 1.5 mEq/L
is in the toxic range. Early signs of lithium toxicity include nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, and coarse tremors. Fine hand tremors are a common side effect at
therapeutic levels. Polydipsia and polyuria are expected side effects, not toxicity
signs. Lethargy and muscle weakness are signs of more severe toxicity.
Question 8
A nurse is conducting a mental status examination on a client. The nurse asks the
client, "What does the proverb, 'A rolling stone gathers no moss' mean?" Which
cognitive function is the nurse primarily assessing?
A. Memory
B. Insight
C. Abstract reasoning
D. Judgment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Proverb interpretation is a classic test of abstract reasoning. It assesses
the client's ability to think conceptually and understand metaphors. Memory is
assessed by asking clients to recall information. Insight is the client's
understanding of their own condition. Judgment is the ability to make sound
decisions and solve problems in real-life situations.
Question 9
The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. The client is
trembling, hyperventilating, and reports feeling like they are dying. Which
statement by the nurse is the most therapeutic at this moment?
A. "Calm down, you are not having a heart attack. It's just anxiety."
B. "I need you to tell me exactly what you are feeling right now."
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM WITH ALL
POSSIBLE APPROVED WELL ELABORATED
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT
VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES
PLUS EXPERT ANSWER KEY (100% CORRECT
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS) 2026-2027 CURRENTLY
UPDATED VERSION Q&A GUARANTEED PASS A+
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Question 1
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is started on phenelzine, a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Which dietary instruction is most critical for the
nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A. Avoid foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses and cured meats.
B. Increase intake of foods rich in tryptophan, like turkey and milk.
C. Limit consumption of foods containing vitamin K, such as leafy greens.
D. Restrict fluid intake to prevent fluid retention and hypertension.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI that inhibits the breakdown of tyramine.
Consuming tyramine-rich foods can precipitate a hypertensive crisis, a life-
threatening condition. The most critical teaching is to avoid these foods.
Tryptophan is not a concern, vitamin K interacts with warfarin, and fluid
restriction is not a primary dietary instruction for MAOIs.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client who is exhibiting signs of acute anxiety. The client
,reports a feeling of impending doom and is breathing rapidly. Which nursing
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer a prescribed PRN anxiolytic medication.
B. Encourage the client to describe their feelings in detail.
C. Instruct the client to take slow, deep breaths.
D. Place the client in a quiet room away from others.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation
secondary to anxiety is to address the physiological symptom first. Assisting the
client to take slow, deep breaths can help decrease respiratory rate and reduce
carbon dioxide loss. While medication, exploring feelings, and providing a quiet
environment are all important, immediate physiological stabilization takes
precedence.
Question 3
A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is exhibiting echolalia. Which statement
by the nurse best describes this symptom to a new staff member?
A. "The client is repeating words or phrases spoken by others."
B. "The client is making up new, meaningless words."
C. "The client is holding a rigid, unmoving posture."
D. "The client is showing a sudden stop in the flow of thought."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Echolalia is defined as the repetition of words or phrases spoken by
another person. This is a common symptom of schizophrenia. Making up new
words is neologism, rigid posture is catalepsy, and a sudden stop in thought is
thought blocking.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a client who has just been informed of a terminal diagnosis.
The client states, "The doctors must have made a mistake. I feel fine. Let's get a
second opinion." Which stage of grief, according to Kübler-Ross, is the client most
likely exhibiting?
A. Denial
B. Anger
C. Bargaining
D. Depression
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client's statement, "The doctors must have made a mistake," is a
classic example of denial. In this stage, the individual refuses to accept the
reality of the situation as a defense mechanism against the overwhelming news.
Anger involves resentment, bargaining involves negotiation for more time, and
depression involves sadness and hopelessness.
Question 5
A client with a history of alcohol use disorder is admitted for detoxification. The
nurse would expect to implement which intervention to prevent complications
during the withdrawal phase?
A. Administer a benzodiazepine as prescribed.
B. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings about drinking.
C. Implement a high-calorie, high-protein diet.
D. Place the client in a brightly lit room to improve orientation.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Benzodiazepines are the mainstay of pharmacological treatment for
alcohol withdrawal to prevent severe complications like seizures and delirium
tremens. They work by cross-tolerance with alcohol at GABA receptors. While a
nutritious diet and emotional support are important, medication is the priority to
prevent life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. A quiet, dimly lit room is
preferable to reduce stimulation.
Question 6
A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder,
manic episode. Which finding is the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Psychomotor retardation and social withdrawal.
B. Grandiose delusions and increased activity.
C. Excessive guilt and somatic complaints.
D. Slowed speech and anhedonia.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The manic phase of bipolar disorder is characterized by an elevated,
expansive, or irritable mood, increased goal-directed activity, grandiosity, and a
decreased need for sleep. Psychomotor retardation, withdrawal, guilt, and
somatic complaints are more characteristic of a depressive episode.
, Question 7
A client is taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. The nurse's morning
assessment reveals a lithium level of 1.5 mEq/L. Which of the following signs or
symptoms would the nurse expect to find in this client?
A. Lethargy and muscle weakness.
B. Polydipsia and polyuria.
C. Fine hand tremors.
D. Nausea and vomiting.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. A level of 1.5 mEq/L
is in the toxic range. Early signs of lithium toxicity include nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, and coarse tremors. Fine hand tremors are a common side effect at
therapeutic levels. Polydipsia and polyuria are expected side effects, not toxicity
signs. Lethargy and muscle weakness are signs of more severe toxicity.
Question 8
A nurse is conducting a mental status examination on a client. The nurse asks the
client, "What does the proverb, 'A rolling stone gathers no moss' mean?" Which
cognitive function is the nurse primarily assessing?
A. Memory
B. Insight
C. Abstract reasoning
D. Judgment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Proverb interpretation is a classic test of abstract reasoning. It assesses
the client's ability to think conceptually and understand metaphors. Memory is
assessed by asking clients to recall information. Insight is the client's
understanding of their own condition. Judgment is the ability to make sound
decisions and solve problems in real-life situations.
Question 9
The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. The client is
trembling, hyperventilating, and reports feeling like they are dying. Which
statement by the nurse is the most therapeutic at this moment?
A. "Calm down, you are not having a heart attack. It's just anxiety."
B. "I need you to tell me exactly what you are feeling right now."
