Psych HESI Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
A client reports feeling worthless and hopeless after losing their job. What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. “You just need to think more positively.”
✔✔B. “It sounds like this loss has been very hard for you.”
C. “Why would losing a job make you feel that way?”
D. “Don’t worry, you’ll find another job soon.”
A nurse observes a client with schizophrenia talking to an empty chair. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Leave the client alone.
✔✔B. Ask the client what they are experiencing.
C. Explain that no one is there.
D. Distract the client with activities.
A client is admitted with alcohol withdrawal. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
1
,A. Tremors
✔✔B. Seizure activity
C. Diaphoresis
D. Anxiety
A client receiving haloperidol develops severe muscle stiffness and fever. What should the nurse
suspect?
A. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Serotonin syndrome
✔✔C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
D. Akathisia
A nurse teaches a client taking fluoxetine about side effects. Which statement shows
understanding?
A. “I can stop the drug when I feel better.”
✔✔B. “It may take a few weeks before I notice improvement.”
C. “I can drink alcohol while on this medication.”
D. “It will cure my depression permanently.”
2
,A client with bipolar disorder is pacing the hallway, shouting, and refusing meals. What is the
nurse’s priority?
A. Allow the client to release energy.
✔✔B. Provide high-calorie finger foods.
C. Encourage the client to join group therapy.
D. Leave the client alone until calmer.
A nurse asks a client to describe their mood, and the client says, “I feel happy, then angry, then
sad, all within minutes.” How should the nurse document this?
A. Flat affect
B. Blunted affect
✔✔C. Labile mood
D. Euphoric affect
A client with schizophrenia says, “The government has placed a chip in my brain.” This is an
example of:
A. Illusion
B. Hallucination
3
, ✔✔C. Delusion
D. Obsession
A client with depression tells the nurse, “I don’t want to live anymore.” What should the nurse do
first?
A. Encourage the client to think positively.
B. Tell the client that life is worth living.
✔✔C. Assess the client’s suicide risk and plan.
D. Ask the family to provide reassurance.
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. What is the nurse’s priority
intervention?
A. Ask the client to explain their feelings.
✔✔B. Stay with the client and speak calmly.
C. Leave the client alone in a quiet room.
D. Begin psychoeducation immediately.
A client reports hearing voices telling them to hurt others. What is the nurse’s priority action?
4
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
A client reports feeling worthless and hopeless after losing their job. What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. “You just need to think more positively.”
✔✔B. “It sounds like this loss has been very hard for you.”
C. “Why would losing a job make you feel that way?”
D. “Don’t worry, you’ll find another job soon.”
A nurse observes a client with schizophrenia talking to an empty chair. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Leave the client alone.
✔✔B. Ask the client what they are experiencing.
C. Explain that no one is there.
D. Distract the client with activities.
A client is admitted with alcohol withdrawal. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
1
,A. Tremors
✔✔B. Seizure activity
C. Diaphoresis
D. Anxiety
A client receiving haloperidol develops severe muscle stiffness and fever. What should the nurse
suspect?
A. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Serotonin syndrome
✔✔C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
D. Akathisia
A nurse teaches a client taking fluoxetine about side effects. Which statement shows
understanding?
A. “I can stop the drug when I feel better.”
✔✔B. “It may take a few weeks before I notice improvement.”
C. “I can drink alcohol while on this medication.”
D. “It will cure my depression permanently.”
2
,A client with bipolar disorder is pacing the hallway, shouting, and refusing meals. What is the
nurse’s priority?
A. Allow the client to release energy.
✔✔B. Provide high-calorie finger foods.
C. Encourage the client to join group therapy.
D. Leave the client alone until calmer.
A nurse asks a client to describe their mood, and the client says, “I feel happy, then angry, then
sad, all within minutes.” How should the nurse document this?
A. Flat affect
B. Blunted affect
✔✔C. Labile mood
D. Euphoric affect
A client with schizophrenia says, “The government has placed a chip in my brain.” This is an
example of:
A. Illusion
B. Hallucination
3
, ✔✔C. Delusion
D. Obsession
A client with depression tells the nurse, “I don’t want to live anymore.” What should the nurse do
first?
A. Encourage the client to think positively.
B. Tell the client that life is worth living.
✔✔C. Assess the client’s suicide risk and plan.
D. Ask the family to provide reassurance.
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. What is the nurse’s priority
intervention?
A. Ask the client to explain their feelings.
✔✔B. Stay with the client and speak calmly.
C. Leave the client alone in a quiet room.
D. Begin psychoeducation immediately.
A client reports hearing voices telling them to hurt others. What is the nurse’s priority action?
4
