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psych hesi Questions and Answers
Latest 2026
A 38-year-old female client is admitted with a diagnosis
of paranoid schizophrenia. When her tray is brought to
her, she refuses to eat and tells the nurse, "I know you
are trying to poison me with that food." Which response
is most appropriate for the nurse to make? Ans: I'll leave
your tray here. I am available if you need anything else.
A male client is admitted to the psychiatric inpatient unit
with a bandaged flesh wound after attempting to shoot
himself. he is recently divorced one year ago, lost his job
four months ago, and suffered a break up of his current
relationship last week. What is the most likely source of
this client's current feelings of depression Ans: a sense of
loss
A female client engages in repeated checks of door and
window locks. Behavior that prevents her form arriving
on time and interferes with her ability to function
effectively. What action should the nures take Ans: plan a
list of activities to be carried out daily
A male client arrives at the mental health clinc and asks
the nurse for more lithium and the antidepressant (Elavil)
that he uses to help him sleep. After reviewing his
assesment findings with the healthcare provider, a serum
creatinine is obtained. What information supports the
reason for this laboratory test Ans: Lithium is excreted
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by the kidneys and creatinine is related to kidney
functioning
During a one-to-one session, the nurse begins to become
angry with the client. Which action should the nurse
take? Ans: Terminate the session before the feelings
escalate.
A MHW mental health worker is caring for a client with
escalating aggression behavior, what action by the MHW
warrants immediate intervention by the nurse Ans:
attempting to physically restrain the client
A client with paranoia is admitted to the mental health
unit and immediately goes to the corner of the room and
sits quietly without communicating. In approaching the
client, what intervention should the nurse implement
first? Ans: Explain the nurse's role to the client.
middle aged female no previous psychiatric history
because her family described her having paranoid
thoughts "i want to find out why these people are
stalking me" Ans: it sounds like this experience is
frightening you
A client comes out dressed in short skirt, low top, bright
red lipstick. What should the nurse do. Ans: assist the
client back to her room and help her select appropriate
clothing
The nurse on the evening shift received report that a
client is scheduled for electroconvulsive treatment (ECT)
in the morning. Which interventions should the nurse
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implement the evening before the scheduled ECT? Ans:
Keep the client NPO after midnight.
A chronically depressed older male resident of a long-
term care facility has become more reclusive and today
refuses to leave his room. His family moved away from
the local area and they are unable to visit as much as they
had in the past. Which comment by the nurse is like to be
most helpful to this client? Ans: "May I sit with you for a
while?"
The nurse interacts with a male client who is very
depressed and slow to respond to questions. The nurse
asks the client to explain how he is feeling, but the client
looks down at the table. What action would be best for
the nurse to implement? Ans: Return at a later time to
talk
A teenaged male client is admitted to the postoperative
unit following open reduction of a fractured femur which
occurred when he fell down the stairs at a party. The
nurse notices needle marks on the client's arms and
plans to observe for narcotic withdrawal. Early signs of
narcotic withdrawal include which assessment findings?
Ans: Agitation, sweating, and abdominal cramps.
When developing a plan of care for a client to the
psychiatric unit following aspiration of a caustic material
related to a suicide attempt, which nursing diagnosis has
the highest priority? Ans: Ineffective breathing patterns.
Common side effects of anti-depressants (this is a select
all question). Ans: -Dry mouth
© 2025 All rights reserved
psych hesi Questions and Answers
Latest 2026
A 38-year-old female client is admitted with a diagnosis
of paranoid schizophrenia. When her tray is brought to
her, she refuses to eat and tells the nurse, "I know you
are trying to poison me with that food." Which response
is most appropriate for the nurse to make? Ans: I'll leave
your tray here. I am available if you need anything else.
A male client is admitted to the psychiatric inpatient unit
with a bandaged flesh wound after attempting to shoot
himself. he is recently divorced one year ago, lost his job
four months ago, and suffered a break up of his current
relationship last week. What is the most likely source of
this client's current feelings of depression Ans: a sense of
loss
A female client engages in repeated checks of door and
window locks. Behavior that prevents her form arriving
on time and interferes with her ability to function
effectively. What action should the nures take Ans: plan a
list of activities to be carried out daily
A male client arrives at the mental health clinc and asks
the nurse for more lithium and the antidepressant (Elavil)
that he uses to help him sleep. After reviewing his
assesment findings with the healthcare provider, a serum
creatinine is obtained. What information supports the
reason for this laboratory test Ans: Lithium is excreted
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
by the kidneys and creatinine is related to kidney
functioning
During a one-to-one session, the nurse begins to become
angry with the client. Which action should the nurse
take? Ans: Terminate the session before the feelings
escalate.
A MHW mental health worker is caring for a client with
escalating aggression behavior, what action by the MHW
warrants immediate intervention by the nurse Ans:
attempting to physically restrain the client
A client with paranoia is admitted to the mental health
unit and immediately goes to the corner of the room and
sits quietly without communicating. In approaching the
client, what intervention should the nurse implement
first? Ans: Explain the nurse's role to the client.
middle aged female no previous psychiatric history
because her family described her having paranoid
thoughts "i want to find out why these people are
stalking me" Ans: it sounds like this experience is
frightening you
A client comes out dressed in short skirt, low top, bright
red lipstick. What should the nurse do. Ans: assist the
client back to her room and help her select appropriate
clothing
The nurse on the evening shift received report that a
client is scheduled for electroconvulsive treatment (ECT)
in the morning. Which interventions should the nurse
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 3 | Page
implement the evening before the scheduled ECT? Ans:
Keep the client NPO after midnight.
A chronically depressed older male resident of a long-
term care facility has become more reclusive and today
refuses to leave his room. His family moved away from
the local area and they are unable to visit as much as they
had in the past. Which comment by the nurse is like to be
most helpful to this client? Ans: "May I sit with you for a
while?"
The nurse interacts with a male client who is very
depressed and slow to respond to questions. The nurse
asks the client to explain how he is feeling, but the client
looks down at the table. What action would be best for
the nurse to implement? Ans: Return at a later time to
talk
A teenaged male client is admitted to the postoperative
unit following open reduction of a fractured femur which
occurred when he fell down the stairs at a party. The
nurse notices needle marks on the client's arms and
plans to observe for narcotic withdrawal. Early signs of
narcotic withdrawal include which assessment findings?
Ans: Agitation, sweating, and abdominal cramps.
When developing a plan of care for a client to the
psychiatric unit following aspiration of a caustic material
related to a suicide attempt, which nursing diagnosis has
the highest priority? Ans: Ineffective breathing patterns.
Common side effects of anti-depressants (this is a select
all question). Ans: -Dry mouth
© 2025 All rights reserved
