HESI RN PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH
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
1. A client with major depressive disorder states, "I
am worthless and everyone would be better off
without me." Which nursing response is most
therapeutic?
A. "You have so much to live for."
B. "I understand you feel that way, but you are
important to your family."
C. "Tell me more about what makes you feel
,worthless."
D. "Let’s focus on your strengths instead."
C. Tell me more about what makes you feel
worthless.
Rationale: Encouraging the client to explore
feelings promotes therapeutic communication and
validates their experience. Option A minimizes
feelings; B offers false reassurance; D changes the
subject prematurely.
2. A client with bipolar disorder, manic phase, is
pacing and talking rapidly. Which nursing action is
priority?
A. Administer PRN haloperidol.
B. Provide a quiet, structured environment.
C. Encourage the client to sit down and relax.
D. Engage the client in a competitive game.
B. Provide a quiet, structured environment.
Rationale: Reducing environmental stimuli helps
decrease agitation and prevent escalation.
Medication may be needed but is not the first-line
,intervention. Competitive games may increase
stimulation.
3. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia hears
voices saying, "You are evil." Which medication class
is most effective for this symptom?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Tricyclic antidepressants
C. Atypical antipsychotics
D. Mood stabilizers
C. Atypical antipsychotics
Rationale: Antipsychotics, especially atypical ones,
target positive symptoms like auditory
hallucinations. Benzodiazepines and
antidepressants are not first-line for psychotic
symptoms.
4. During a group session, a client with antisocial
personality disorder is charming and manipulative.
Which nursing approach is best?
A. Respond with warmth to build trust.
, B. Set firm, consistent limits on behavior.
C. Ignore manipulative comments to avoid conflict.
D. Assign the client as a group leader.
B. Set firm, consistent limits on behavior.
Rationale: Clients with antisocial PD need clear
boundaries to prevent manipulation. Warmth
without limits can be counterproductive. Ignoring
behavior enables it.
5. A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports
muscle tension and restlessness. Which non-
pharmacologic intervention is most effective?
A. Encourage vigorous exercise.
B. Teach diaphragmatic breathing.
C. Recommend caffeine reduction.
D. Use distraction techniques.
B. Teach diaphragmatic breathing.
Rationale: Breathing techniques activate the
parasympathetic nervous system, reducing anxiety
symptoms. Vigorous exercise may help but is not
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
1. A client with major depressive disorder states, "I
am worthless and everyone would be better off
without me." Which nursing response is most
therapeutic?
A. "You have so much to live for."
B. "I understand you feel that way, but you are
important to your family."
C. "Tell me more about what makes you feel
,worthless."
D. "Let’s focus on your strengths instead."
C. Tell me more about what makes you feel
worthless.
Rationale: Encouraging the client to explore
feelings promotes therapeutic communication and
validates their experience. Option A minimizes
feelings; B offers false reassurance; D changes the
subject prematurely.
2. A client with bipolar disorder, manic phase, is
pacing and talking rapidly. Which nursing action is
priority?
A. Administer PRN haloperidol.
B. Provide a quiet, structured environment.
C. Encourage the client to sit down and relax.
D. Engage the client in a competitive game.
B. Provide a quiet, structured environment.
Rationale: Reducing environmental stimuli helps
decrease agitation and prevent escalation.
Medication may be needed but is not the first-line
,intervention. Competitive games may increase
stimulation.
3. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia hears
voices saying, "You are evil." Which medication class
is most effective for this symptom?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Tricyclic antidepressants
C. Atypical antipsychotics
D. Mood stabilizers
C. Atypical antipsychotics
Rationale: Antipsychotics, especially atypical ones,
target positive symptoms like auditory
hallucinations. Benzodiazepines and
antidepressants are not first-line for psychotic
symptoms.
4. During a group session, a client with antisocial
personality disorder is charming and manipulative.
Which nursing approach is best?
A. Respond with warmth to build trust.
, B. Set firm, consistent limits on behavior.
C. Ignore manipulative comments to avoid conflict.
D. Assign the client as a group leader.
B. Set firm, consistent limits on behavior.
Rationale: Clients with antisocial PD need clear
boundaries to prevent manipulation. Warmth
without limits can be counterproductive. Ignoring
behavior enables it.
5. A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports
muscle tension and restlessness. Which non-
pharmacologic intervention is most effective?
A. Encourage vigorous exercise.
B. Teach diaphragmatic breathing.
C. Recommend caffeine reduction.
D. Use distraction techniques.
B. Teach diaphragmatic breathing.
Rationale: Breathing techniques activate the
parasympathetic nervous system, reducing anxiety
symptoms. Vigorous exercise may help but is not
