Mental Health HESI Exam Review Questions and Answers |Fall
2025/2026 Update | 100% Correct Latest
Question 1
The nurse is admitting a client to the unit with a history of severe alcohol abuse. What are some of the signs of early
alcohol withdrawal? Select all that apply.
1.Anger
2.Tremors
3.Anorexia
4.Irritability
5.Restlessness
6.Hypotension
Correct Answer
ANS:2,3,4,5
Rationale:
Early signs of alcohol withdrawal include tremors, anorexia (nausea and vomiting may occur), irritability, and restlessness.
Anger is not a typical sign of early alcohol withdrawal, nor is hypotension. Other early signs include hypertension (not
hypotension), hyperalertness, tachycardia, insomnia, jerky movements, easy startling, hallucinations (or vivid nightmares,
illusions or delusions), and seizures. A feeling as though one is "shaking inside" may also occur.
Page 1 of 170
,Question 2
The nurse cares for an adolescent with a history of violence who now exhibits signs of sublimation. Which behavior by the
adolescent best represents sublimation?
A. Recently started wetting the bed.
B. Joined a competitive boxing team.
C. Kicks the dog after being scolded by his dad.
D. Starts a student organization to ban violence.
Correct Answer
ANS: B
Rationale: Sublimation is a coping mechanism characterized by substituting an unacceptable feeling or action with a
more socially acceptable one. Option A is an example of regression, Option C is characteristic of displacement, and
Option D is consistent with undoing.
Page 2 of 170
,Question 3
A client gives the home health nurse a bottle of clomipramine. The nurse notes that the medication has not been taken by
the client in 2 months. Which behavior observed in the client would validate noncompliance with this medication?
1. Complaints of insomnia
2. Complaints of hunger and fatigue
3. A pulse rate less than 60 beats/minute
4. Frequent hand washing with hot, soapy water
Correct Answer
ANS: 4
Rationale:
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Sedation sometimes occurs.
Insomnia seldom is a side effect. Weight gain and tachycardia are side and adverse effects of this medication.
Page 3 of 170
, Question 4
A client diagnosed with depression is prescribed amitriptyline hydrochloride. During the initial phases of treatment, the
client's care plan should include which nursing intervention?
1.Obtain daily drug blood levels.
2.Provide the client a tyramine-free diet.
3.Assess the client for anticholinergic effects.
4.Obtain postural blood pressure prior to each medication administration.
Correct Answer
ANS:4
Rationale:
Amitriptyline hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant. A common side/adverse effect is orthostatic blood pressure
changes, which can produce hypotension and tachycardia. The tachycardia can be frightening to the client, and the
hypotension is dangerous because it may result in dizziness and falling. The client must be instructed to move slowly
from a lying to a sitting or standing position to avoid injury if these changes are experienced. The client may experience
some side/adverse effects, such as sedation, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision (anticholinergic effects).
However, these effects are transient and will diminish with time. A tyramine-free diet is initiated for a client on a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Blood levels are required for the client taking lithium.
Page 4 of 170
2025/2026 Update | 100% Correct Latest
Question 1
The nurse is admitting a client to the unit with a history of severe alcohol abuse. What are some of the signs of early
alcohol withdrawal? Select all that apply.
1.Anger
2.Tremors
3.Anorexia
4.Irritability
5.Restlessness
6.Hypotension
Correct Answer
ANS:2,3,4,5
Rationale:
Early signs of alcohol withdrawal include tremors, anorexia (nausea and vomiting may occur), irritability, and restlessness.
Anger is not a typical sign of early alcohol withdrawal, nor is hypotension. Other early signs include hypertension (not
hypotension), hyperalertness, tachycardia, insomnia, jerky movements, easy startling, hallucinations (or vivid nightmares,
illusions or delusions), and seizures. A feeling as though one is "shaking inside" may also occur.
Page 1 of 170
,Question 2
The nurse cares for an adolescent with a history of violence who now exhibits signs of sublimation. Which behavior by the
adolescent best represents sublimation?
A. Recently started wetting the bed.
B. Joined a competitive boxing team.
C. Kicks the dog after being scolded by his dad.
D. Starts a student organization to ban violence.
Correct Answer
ANS: B
Rationale: Sublimation is a coping mechanism characterized by substituting an unacceptable feeling or action with a
more socially acceptable one. Option A is an example of regression, Option C is characteristic of displacement, and
Option D is consistent with undoing.
Page 2 of 170
,Question 3
A client gives the home health nurse a bottle of clomipramine. The nurse notes that the medication has not been taken by
the client in 2 months. Which behavior observed in the client would validate noncompliance with this medication?
1. Complaints of insomnia
2. Complaints of hunger and fatigue
3. A pulse rate less than 60 beats/minute
4. Frequent hand washing with hot, soapy water
Correct Answer
ANS: 4
Rationale:
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Sedation sometimes occurs.
Insomnia seldom is a side effect. Weight gain and tachycardia are side and adverse effects of this medication.
Page 3 of 170
, Question 4
A client diagnosed with depression is prescribed amitriptyline hydrochloride. During the initial phases of treatment, the
client's care plan should include which nursing intervention?
1.Obtain daily drug blood levels.
2.Provide the client a tyramine-free diet.
3.Assess the client for anticholinergic effects.
4.Obtain postural blood pressure prior to each medication administration.
Correct Answer
ANS:4
Rationale:
Amitriptyline hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant. A common side/adverse effect is orthostatic blood pressure
changes, which can produce hypotension and tachycardia. The tachycardia can be frightening to the client, and the
hypotension is dangerous because it may result in dizziness and falling. The client must be instructed to move slowly
from a lying to a sitting or standing position to avoid injury if these changes are experienced. The client may experience
some side/adverse effects, such as sedation, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision (anticholinergic effects).
However, these effects are transient and will diminish with time. A tyramine-free diet is initiated for a client on a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Blood levels are required for the client taking lithium.
Page 4 of 170
