HESI COMPASS MODULE EXAM 3 FINAL
PAPER 2026 PRIORITIZATION AND
DELEGATION FULL ANSWERS AND
CLINICAL INSIGHT
◉ Katie, anxious about her work, is now afraid of her new boss. She
dislikes going to work because she is afraid of being reprimanded,
hates feeling inadequate and worthless, and fears demotion. Katie
decides to seek help for her problem because she doesn't like taking
her frustrations out on her children and makes an appointment to
speak to the nurse at the mental health clinic. Which conclusion
regarding Katie's defense mechanisms does the nurse make?
A. They need restructuring
B. They must be used at work to deal with this situation.
C. They are used to cope with the stress and to maintain self-esteem
and ego integrity.
D. They should not be used at all, because Katie must learn to deal
with the situation on her own.
Answer: C
Rationale: A defense mechanism is used to protect oneself from
painful awareness of feelings that can provoke anxiety. Use of
, defense mechanisms help an individual cope with stressful
situations and maintain self-esteem and ego integrity. The nurse
would encourage the client to use constructive defenses and
discourage the use of nonconstructive defenses. Returning the client
to an earlier level of function, not the restructuring of defenses, is
the goal of the nurse-client interaction.
◉ Just before a session with the nurse, Katie receives a call from her
boss. After the call, Katie is extremely upset and unable to sit down.
She paces the room, crying and repeating, "I don't know what to do.
He hates me!" Which nursing interventions will be most likely to be
effective at this time? Select all that apply.
A. Speaking to Katie in slow, firm, short statements
B. Leaving Katie alone until she has settled down
C. Assessing the need for medication at this time
D. Exploring problem-solving strategies with Katie
E. Moving Katie to a quiet setting and staying with her
F. Using nonverbal cues, without speaking, to convey concern
Answer: A, E
Rationale: Katie is showing signs of a severe to panic level of anxiety.
During this time it is important to keep her safe, meet her physical
needs, and reduce anxiety. Moving to a quiet environment and
speaking to her in slow, firm, short statements can help. Medication
PAPER 2026 PRIORITIZATION AND
DELEGATION FULL ANSWERS AND
CLINICAL INSIGHT
◉ Katie, anxious about her work, is now afraid of her new boss. She
dislikes going to work because she is afraid of being reprimanded,
hates feeling inadequate and worthless, and fears demotion. Katie
decides to seek help for her problem because she doesn't like taking
her frustrations out on her children and makes an appointment to
speak to the nurse at the mental health clinic. Which conclusion
regarding Katie's defense mechanisms does the nurse make?
A. They need restructuring
B. They must be used at work to deal with this situation.
C. They are used to cope with the stress and to maintain self-esteem
and ego integrity.
D. They should not be used at all, because Katie must learn to deal
with the situation on her own.
Answer: C
Rationale: A defense mechanism is used to protect oneself from
painful awareness of feelings that can provoke anxiety. Use of
, defense mechanisms help an individual cope with stressful
situations and maintain self-esteem and ego integrity. The nurse
would encourage the client to use constructive defenses and
discourage the use of nonconstructive defenses. Returning the client
to an earlier level of function, not the restructuring of defenses, is
the goal of the nurse-client interaction.
◉ Just before a session with the nurse, Katie receives a call from her
boss. After the call, Katie is extremely upset and unable to sit down.
She paces the room, crying and repeating, "I don't know what to do.
He hates me!" Which nursing interventions will be most likely to be
effective at this time? Select all that apply.
A. Speaking to Katie in slow, firm, short statements
B. Leaving Katie alone until she has settled down
C. Assessing the need for medication at this time
D. Exploring problem-solving strategies with Katie
E. Moving Katie to a quiet setting and staying with her
F. Using nonverbal cues, without speaking, to convey concern
Answer: A, E
Rationale: Katie is showing signs of a severe to panic level of anxiety.
During this time it is important to keep her safe, meet her physical
needs, and reduce anxiety. Moving to a quiet environment and
speaking to her in slow, firm, short statements can help. Medication
