Psych/Mental Health Exit HESI –
Saunders Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
A client newly prescribed haloperidol begins to have muscle rigidity and a high fever. What
should the nurse do first?
A. Provide a warm blanket.
✔✔B. Notify the provider of possible neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
C. Offer oral fluids.
D. Reassure the client that this is temporary.
A client with depression says, “Nothing matters anymore.” What is the nurse’s best therapeutic
response?
A. “You should stop thinking like that.”
✔✔B. “It sounds like you feel hopeless right now.”
C. “Don’t worry, things will get better.”
D. “Why do you feel like nothing matters?”
1
,A client in alcohol withdrawal develops tremors, sweating, and anxiety. Which medication
should the nurse expect to administer?
A. Haloperidol
✔✔B. Lorazepam
C. Fluoxetine
D. Lithium
A client taking sertraline reports restlessness, sweating, and muscle rigidity. What should the
nurse suspect?
A. Withdrawal syndrome
✔✔B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
D. Catatonia
A client with bipolar disorder is pacing rapidly, talking loudly, and interrupting others. What is
the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Allow the client to release energy in groups.
✔✔B. Redirect the client to a quiet, low-stimulation area.
C. Encourage detailed discussions.
2
,D. Ignore the behavior until it stops.
A client states, “I hear a voice telling me I am worthless.” What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “That voice isn’t real, don’t listen to it.”
✔✔B. “I understand the voices are upsetting. I don’t hear them.”
C. “Why do you think the voice says that?”
D. “You should ignore what you hear.”
A client prescribed lithium asks about fluid intake. What should the nurse teach?
A. “Avoid drinking too much water.”
✔✔B. “Maintain a consistent daily fluid intake.”
C. “Restrict fluids to reduce side effects.”
D. “Only drink when you feel thirsty.”
A client with schizophrenia refuses food, saying, “The staff poisoned it.” What should the nurse
do?
A. Force the client to eat.
✔✔B. Offer sealed, packaged food.
3
, C. Ignore the refusal and remove food.
D. Ask security to enforce eating.
A nurse teaching about disulfiram includes which statement?
A. “This medication reduces your craving for alcohol.”
✔✔B. “Drinking alcohol while on this drug can make you very ill.”
C. “You can safely drink alcohol in small amounts.”
D. “This drug cures alcoholism permanently.”
A client newly prescribed buspirone asks when it will begin working. Which response is correct?
A. “It works within minutes.”
✔✔B. “It may take a few weeks to notice effects.”
C. “It can be used only when needed.”
D. “It may cause dependence quickly.”
A client with OCD washes hands repeatedly. What is the best nursing action?
A. Stop the ritual immediately.
✔✔B. Allow handwashing but set time limits.
4
Saunders Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
A client newly prescribed haloperidol begins to have muscle rigidity and a high fever. What
should the nurse do first?
A. Provide a warm blanket.
✔✔B. Notify the provider of possible neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
C. Offer oral fluids.
D. Reassure the client that this is temporary.
A client with depression says, “Nothing matters anymore.” What is the nurse’s best therapeutic
response?
A. “You should stop thinking like that.”
✔✔B. “It sounds like you feel hopeless right now.”
C. “Don’t worry, things will get better.”
D. “Why do you feel like nothing matters?”
1
,A client in alcohol withdrawal develops tremors, sweating, and anxiety. Which medication
should the nurse expect to administer?
A. Haloperidol
✔✔B. Lorazepam
C. Fluoxetine
D. Lithium
A client taking sertraline reports restlessness, sweating, and muscle rigidity. What should the
nurse suspect?
A. Withdrawal syndrome
✔✔B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
D. Catatonia
A client with bipolar disorder is pacing rapidly, talking loudly, and interrupting others. What is
the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Allow the client to release energy in groups.
✔✔B. Redirect the client to a quiet, low-stimulation area.
C. Encourage detailed discussions.
2
,D. Ignore the behavior until it stops.
A client states, “I hear a voice telling me I am worthless.” What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “That voice isn’t real, don’t listen to it.”
✔✔B. “I understand the voices are upsetting. I don’t hear them.”
C. “Why do you think the voice says that?”
D. “You should ignore what you hear.”
A client prescribed lithium asks about fluid intake. What should the nurse teach?
A. “Avoid drinking too much water.”
✔✔B. “Maintain a consistent daily fluid intake.”
C. “Restrict fluids to reduce side effects.”
D. “Only drink when you feel thirsty.”
A client with schizophrenia refuses food, saying, “The staff poisoned it.” What should the nurse
do?
A. Force the client to eat.
✔✔B. Offer sealed, packaged food.
3
, C. Ignore the refusal and remove food.
D. Ask security to enforce eating.
A nurse teaching about disulfiram includes which statement?
A. “This medication reduces your craving for alcohol.”
✔✔B. “Drinking alcohol while on this drug can make you very ill.”
C. “You can safely drink alcohol in small amounts.”
D. “This drug cures alcoholism permanently.”
A client newly prescribed buspirone asks when it will begin working. Which response is correct?
A. “It works within minutes.”
✔✔B. “It may take a few weeks to notice effects.”
C. “It can be used only when needed.”
D. “It may cause dependence quickly.”
A client with OCD washes hands repeatedly. What is the best nursing action?
A. Stop the ritual immediately.
✔✔B. Allow handwashing but set time limits.
4
