HESI RN Mental Health-Newest Updated
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Mental Health Nursing Comprehensive
Predictor
HESI RN Mental Health Practice Questions (Sample)
1. Therapeutic Communication
A client says, “I feel like nobody cares about me.”
Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A) “You’re overreacting.”
B) “Tell me more about your feelings.”
C) “I understand exactly how you feel.”
D) “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
Answer: B
Rationale: This response encourages the client to share their feelings without judgment. It
promotes active listening and therapeutic communication.
2. Depression
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is admitted to the unit. Which symptom
should the nurse assess first?
A) Low self-esteem
B) Loss of appetite
C) Suicidal thoughts
D) Difficulty concentrating
Answer: C
Rationale: Safety is the priority. Suicidal ideation requires immediate assessment and
intervention.
,3. Anxiety Disorders
A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports feeling restless and tense. Which intervention
is most appropriate?
A) Encourage avoidance of all stressors
B) Teach relaxation techniques
C) Advise isolation from social interactions
D) Administer PRN antipsychotics
Answer: B
Rationale: Relaxation techniques help reduce anxiety and are evidence-based interventions for
GAD.
4. Schizophrenia
A client with schizophrenia hears voices telling them to hurt themselves. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A) Explain that the voices are not real
B) Ensure client safety and initiate suicide precautions
C) Encourage the client to write the voices down
D) Ignore the statements to avoid reinforcing delusions
Answer: B
Rationale: Safety always comes first. Suicide precautions prevent harm.
5. Bipolar Disorder
A client in a manic episode is talking loudly and pacing. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A) Encourage participation in group activities
B) Provide a quiet environment and limit stimuli
C) Administer a high-protein snack immediately
D) Engage the client in rapid conversation
Answer: B
Rationale: Reducing environmental stimuli helps prevent escalation and promotes safety for
manic clients.
, 6. Personality Disorders
A client with borderline personality disorder becomes angry and threatens staff when
boundaries are set. What is the most appropriate nursing response?
A) Ignore the behavior
B) Set clear, consistent limits calmly
C) Argue with the client to prove your point
D) Allow the behavior to avoid conflict
Answer: B
Rationale: Clear boundaries maintain safety and consistency, which are essential for clients
with borderline personality disorder.
7. Crisis Intervention
A client calls a crisis hotline reporting they feel hopeless and overwhelmed. What is the nurse’s
first action?
A) Explore past coping strategies
B) Assess for immediate risk of harm
C) Suggest relaxation exercises
D) Provide general emotional support
Answer: B
Rationale: Immediate safety assessment is always the priority in crisis situations.
8. Psychopharmacology
A client is prescribed an SSRI for depression. Which side effect should the nurse monitor for?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Sexual dysfunction
C) Constipation
D) Hyperkalemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of SSRIs. Monitoring for adverse effects
ensures client adherence and safety.
9. Anxiety Management
Exam Solved with Verified A+ Results |
Mental Health Nursing Comprehensive
Predictor
HESI RN Mental Health Practice Questions (Sample)
1. Therapeutic Communication
A client says, “I feel like nobody cares about me.”
Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A) “You’re overreacting.”
B) “Tell me more about your feelings.”
C) “I understand exactly how you feel.”
D) “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
Answer: B
Rationale: This response encourages the client to share their feelings without judgment. It
promotes active listening and therapeutic communication.
2. Depression
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is admitted to the unit. Which symptom
should the nurse assess first?
A) Low self-esteem
B) Loss of appetite
C) Suicidal thoughts
D) Difficulty concentrating
Answer: C
Rationale: Safety is the priority. Suicidal ideation requires immediate assessment and
intervention.
,3. Anxiety Disorders
A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports feeling restless and tense. Which intervention
is most appropriate?
A) Encourage avoidance of all stressors
B) Teach relaxation techniques
C) Advise isolation from social interactions
D) Administer PRN antipsychotics
Answer: B
Rationale: Relaxation techniques help reduce anxiety and are evidence-based interventions for
GAD.
4. Schizophrenia
A client with schizophrenia hears voices telling them to hurt themselves. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A) Explain that the voices are not real
B) Ensure client safety and initiate suicide precautions
C) Encourage the client to write the voices down
D) Ignore the statements to avoid reinforcing delusions
Answer: B
Rationale: Safety always comes first. Suicide precautions prevent harm.
5. Bipolar Disorder
A client in a manic episode is talking loudly and pacing. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A) Encourage participation in group activities
B) Provide a quiet environment and limit stimuli
C) Administer a high-protein snack immediately
D) Engage the client in rapid conversation
Answer: B
Rationale: Reducing environmental stimuli helps prevent escalation and promotes safety for
manic clients.
, 6. Personality Disorders
A client with borderline personality disorder becomes angry and threatens staff when
boundaries are set. What is the most appropriate nursing response?
A) Ignore the behavior
B) Set clear, consistent limits calmly
C) Argue with the client to prove your point
D) Allow the behavior to avoid conflict
Answer: B
Rationale: Clear boundaries maintain safety and consistency, which are essential for clients
with borderline personality disorder.
7. Crisis Intervention
A client calls a crisis hotline reporting they feel hopeless and overwhelmed. What is the nurse’s
first action?
A) Explore past coping strategies
B) Assess for immediate risk of harm
C) Suggest relaxation exercises
D) Provide general emotional support
Answer: B
Rationale: Immediate safety assessment is always the priority in crisis situations.
8. Psychopharmacology
A client is prescribed an SSRI for depression. Which side effect should the nurse monitor for?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Sexual dysfunction
C) Constipation
D) Hyperkalemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of SSRIs. Monitoring for adverse effects
ensures client adherence and safety.
9. Anxiety Management
