1 | Page
HESI - Psych Hesi Book Questions and
Answers Latest 2026
Primary tool used in the delivery of psychiatric nursing
care and all nurse-client interactions? Ans:
Communication
What is the focus of therapeutic interaction? Ans: To
assist the pt in gaining insight into thoughts, feelings, &
behaviors.
Recognizing the pt's opinions & statements w/o imposing
your own values and judgment? Ans: Acknowledgment
The process of making sure you have understood the
meaning of what was said? Ans: Clarifying
Calling attention to inconsistent behavior; info shared or
not shared? Ans: Confrontation
Assisting the pt to explore a specific topic, which may
include sharing perceptions and theme identification?
Ans: Focusing
Feedback about pt's observed behavior? Ans: Information
giving
Paraphrasing or repeating what the pt has said (do not
overuse or pt will feel like you're not listening)? Ans:
Reflecting/restating
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, 2 | Page
Can be therapeutic or used to control interaction; use
carefully with paranoid pt; may be misinterpreted or
could be used to support paranoid ideation? Ans: Silence
7 useful phrases in therapeutic interaction? Ans: Tell me
about...
Go on...
I'd like to discuss what you're thinking...
What are your thoughts...?
Are you saying that...?
What are you feeling...?
It seems as if...
Phrases that should NOT be used when interacting with
clients; AVOID at all costs (esp. on exam)? Ans: You
should...
You'll have to...
You can't...
If it were me, I'd...
Why don't you...
I think you...
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, 3 | Page
It's the policy on this unit.
Don't worry.
Everyone...
Why...?
Just a second...
I know...
HESI HINT 1 (p. 304) Ans: The purpose of therapeutic
interaction with pts is to allow them the autonomy to
make choices when appropriate.
Keep statements value-free, advice-free, & reassurance-
free.
Just the facts!
NO opinions!
HESI HINT 2 (p. 304):
What action should the nurse take in a psychiatric
situation when the pt describes a physical problem such
as:
- A pt with paranoid schizophrenia who c/o chest pain?
- An OB pt who delivered a dead fetus c/o perineal pain?
Ans: Assess, assess, assess!
© 2025 All rights reserved
HESI - Psych Hesi Book Questions and
Answers Latest 2026
Primary tool used in the delivery of psychiatric nursing
care and all nurse-client interactions? Ans:
Communication
What is the focus of therapeutic interaction? Ans: To
assist the pt in gaining insight into thoughts, feelings, &
behaviors.
Recognizing the pt's opinions & statements w/o imposing
your own values and judgment? Ans: Acknowledgment
The process of making sure you have understood the
meaning of what was said? Ans: Clarifying
Calling attention to inconsistent behavior; info shared or
not shared? Ans: Confrontation
Assisting the pt to explore a specific topic, which may
include sharing perceptions and theme identification?
Ans: Focusing
Feedback about pt's observed behavior? Ans: Information
giving
Paraphrasing or repeating what the pt has said (do not
overuse or pt will feel like you're not listening)? Ans:
Reflecting/restating
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
Can be therapeutic or used to control interaction; use
carefully with paranoid pt; may be misinterpreted or
could be used to support paranoid ideation? Ans: Silence
7 useful phrases in therapeutic interaction? Ans: Tell me
about...
Go on...
I'd like to discuss what you're thinking...
What are your thoughts...?
Are you saying that...?
What are you feeling...?
It seems as if...
Phrases that should NOT be used when interacting with
clients; AVOID at all costs (esp. on exam)? Ans: You
should...
You'll have to...
You can't...
If it were me, I'd...
Why don't you...
I think you...
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 3 | Page
It's the policy on this unit.
Don't worry.
Everyone...
Why...?
Just a second...
I know...
HESI HINT 1 (p. 304) Ans: The purpose of therapeutic
interaction with pts is to allow them the autonomy to
make choices when appropriate.
Keep statements value-free, advice-free, & reassurance-
free.
Just the facts!
NO opinions!
HESI HINT 2 (p. 304):
What action should the nurse take in a psychiatric
situation when the pt describes a physical problem such
as:
- A pt with paranoid schizophrenia who c/o chest pain?
- An OB pt who delivered a dead fetus c/o perineal pain?
Ans: Assess, assess, assess!
© 2025 All rights reserved
