HESI Psychiatric/Mental Health Practice
Exam Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A client reports, “I feel like everyone is watching me on television.” What should the nurse
document?
A. Hallucination
✔✔B. Delusion of reference
C. Obsession
D. Flight of ideas
A client experiencing severe anxiety says, “I can’t breathe.” What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Ask about childhood history.
✔✔B. Stay with the client and remain calm.
C. Leave to get medication.
D. Encourage group discussion.
A client diagnosed with major depression has not bathed in several days. What is the nurse’s best
intervention?
1
,A. Tell the client bathing is mandatory.
✔✔B. Offer simple choices such as, “Would you like to shower now or after breakfast?”
C. Avoid addressing hygiene needs.
D. Assign the task to another client.
A client on haloperidol presents with stiff neck and difficulty moving the eyes upward. What
should the nurse do?
A. Provide reassurance.
✔✔B. Administer prescribed benztropine.
C. Encourage deep breathing.
D. Continue to observe.
A client with panic disorder says, “I feel like I’m dying.” What is the nurse’s priority
intervention?
A. Provide detailed education about anxiety.
✔✔B. Remain with the client and speak slowly.
C. Leave to call the provider.
D. Encourage the client to explain symptoms.
2
,A nurse overhears a client muttering, “The CIA has planted cameras in my room.” What is this
an example of?
A. Illusion
✔✔B. Paranoid delusion
C. Obsession
D. Derealization
A client who is depressed refuses meals. What is the best nursing action?
A. Remove the food tray.
✔✔B. Offer high-calorie snacks and finger foods.
C. Force the client to eat.
D. Ignore the behavior.
A client experiencing mania is rapidly pacing and shouting. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Provide educational materials.
✔✔B. Reduce environmental stimuli.
C. Invite the client to a group activity.
3
, D. Offer caffeinated drinks.
A client reports, “I keep checking the door every 10 minutes to be sure it’s locked.” This
behavior is best described as:
A. Illusion
✔✔B. Compulsion
C. Hallucination
D. Delusion
A nurse caring for a suicidal client develops a plan of care. Which intervention is priority?
A. Increase time spent in group therapy.
✔✔B. Implement constant observation.
C. Encourage journaling of feelings.
D. Assign the client extra activities.
A client on lithium develops diarrhea and muscle weakness. What should the nurse do?
A. Encourage exercise.
✔✔B. Hold the dose and notify the provider.
4
Exam Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A client reports, “I feel like everyone is watching me on television.” What should the nurse
document?
A. Hallucination
✔✔B. Delusion of reference
C. Obsession
D. Flight of ideas
A client experiencing severe anxiety says, “I can’t breathe.” What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Ask about childhood history.
✔✔B. Stay with the client and remain calm.
C. Leave to get medication.
D. Encourage group discussion.
A client diagnosed with major depression has not bathed in several days. What is the nurse’s best
intervention?
1
,A. Tell the client bathing is mandatory.
✔✔B. Offer simple choices such as, “Would you like to shower now or after breakfast?”
C. Avoid addressing hygiene needs.
D. Assign the task to another client.
A client on haloperidol presents with stiff neck and difficulty moving the eyes upward. What
should the nurse do?
A. Provide reassurance.
✔✔B. Administer prescribed benztropine.
C. Encourage deep breathing.
D. Continue to observe.
A client with panic disorder says, “I feel like I’m dying.” What is the nurse’s priority
intervention?
A. Provide detailed education about anxiety.
✔✔B. Remain with the client and speak slowly.
C. Leave to call the provider.
D. Encourage the client to explain symptoms.
2
,A nurse overhears a client muttering, “The CIA has planted cameras in my room.” What is this
an example of?
A. Illusion
✔✔B. Paranoid delusion
C. Obsession
D. Derealization
A client who is depressed refuses meals. What is the best nursing action?
A. Remove the food tray.
✔✔B. Offer high-calorie snacks and finger foods.
C. Force the client to eat.
D. Ignore the behavior.
A client experiencing mania is rapidly pacing and shouting. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Provide educational materials.
✔✔B. Reduce environmental stimuli.
C. Invite the client to a group activity.
3
, D. Offer caffeinated drinks.
A client reports, “I keep checking the door every 10 minutes to be sure it’s locked.” This
behavior is best described as:
A. Illusion
✔✔B. Compulsion
C. Hallucination
D. Delusion
A nurse caring for a suicidal client develops a plan of care. Which intervention is priority?
A. Increase time spent in group therapy.
✔✔B. Implement constant observation.
C. Encourage journaling of feelings.
D. Assign the client extra activities.
A client on lithium develops diarrhea and muscle weakness. What should the nurse do?
A. Encourage exercise.
✔✔B. Hold the dose and notify the provider.
4
