UF NUR 3535C Psych/Mental Health Exit
HESI 2026 Questions, Verified Rationales
1. Describe how self-control therapy differs from aversion therapy in terms
of reinforcement.
Self-control therapy is only effective in group settings.
Self-control therapy focuses on positive change rather than
negative reinforcement.
Self-control therapy uses punishment to modify behavior.
Self-control therapy emphasizes the importance of medication.
2. A client expresses a desire to begin attending to self-help group AA.
which nursing response gives the client pertinent information about this
type of group?
" in this type of group, membership is always within a fixed time
frame"
group members receive comfort and advice from others
undergoing similar experiences
the purpose of this type of group is to convey information to a
number of individuals
the function of this type of group is to accomplish a specific
outcome
3. Why is it important for the nurse to be nonjudgmental when assessing a
client with drug dependence?
Being nonjudgmental allows the nurse to avoid difficult
conversations.
Being nonjudgmental is less important than gathering information
,quickly.
, Being nonjudgmental means the nurse does not need to ask any
questions.
Being nonjudgmental helps to build trust and encourages open
communication.
4. The nurse is caring for a client with an admitting diagnosis of bipolar
affective disorder, mania. The symptom presented by the client that
requires the nurse's immediate intervention is the client's
Grandiose delusions
Non-stop physical activity and poor nutritional intake
Odd behaviors and inappropriate dress
Constant, incessant talking that includes sexual innuendos
5. Why is it important for the nurse to call the nursing supervisor when a
client wants to leave against medical advice?
To prevent the client from leaving the hospital at all costs.
To ensure the client speaks to the healthcare provider before
leaving and to avoid false imprisonment.
To immediately restrain the client for their safety.
To inform the client of hospital policies regarding discharge.
6. A patient is admitted to the nursing unit with a diagnosis of acute
blindness. Many tests are performed, and there seems to be no organic
reason why the patient cannot see. The nurse later learns that the
patient became blind after witnessing a fatal hit & run accident. The
nurse suspects the patient may be experiencing a:
dissociative disorder
conversion disorder
repression
, psychotic reaction
7. Why is it important to provide small, frequent meals to a client with
major depression rather than larger meals?
Meals should be forced to ensure compliance.
Larger meals are more nutritious and should be prioritized.
Clients with depression should not be encouraged to eat at all.
Providing small, frequent meals helps prevent the client from
feeling overwhelmed and encourages better nutritional intake.
8. What term describes a client's immobile facial expression and blank look
in mental health nursing?
Blunted affect
Flat affect
Inappropriate affect
Bizarre behavior
9. Why is it inappropriate to initiate confinement measures during the
escalation of aggressive behavior in a client?
Confinement measures are always the first step in managing
aggressive behavior.
Confinement measures help to calm the client immediately
during escalation.
Confinement measures are only necessary if the client is
completely out of control.
Initiating confinement measures is inappropriate during
escalation as it may increase the client's agitation and is more
suitable during a crisis.
HESI 2026 Questions, Verified Rationales
1. Describe how self-control therapy differs from aversion therapy in terms
of reinforcement.
Self-control therapy is only effective in group settings.
Self-control therapy focuses on positive change rather than
negative reinforcement.
Self-control therapy uses punishment to modify behavior.
Self-control therapy emphasizes the importance of medication.
2. A client expresses a desire to begin attending to self-help group AA.
which nursing response gives the client pertinent information about this
type of group?
" in this type of group, membership is always within a fixed time
frame"
group members receive comfort and advice from others
undergoing similar experiences
the purpose of this type of group is to convey information to a
number of individuals
the function of this type of group is to accomplish a specific
outcome
3. Why is it important for the nurse to be nonjudgmental when assessing a
client with drug dependence?
Being nonjudgmental allows the nurse to avoid difficult
conversations.
Being nonjudgmental is less important than gathering information
,quickly.
, Being nonjudgmental means the nurse does not need to ask any
questions.
Being nonjudgmental helps to build trust and encourages open
communication.
4. The nurse is caring for a client with an admitting diagnosis of bipolar
affective disorder, mania. The symptom presented by the client that
requires the nurse's immediate intervention is the client's
Grandiose delusions
Non-stop physical activity and poor nutritional intake
Odd behaviors and inappropriate dress
Constant, incessant talking that includes sexual innuendos
5. Why is it important for the nurse to call the nursing supervisor when a
client wants to leave against medical advice?
To prevent the client from leaving the hospital at all costs.
To ensure the client speaks to the healthcare provider before
leaving and to avoid false imprisonment.
To immediately restrain the client for their safety.
To inform the client of hospital policies regarding discharge.
6. A patient is admitted to the nursing unit with a diagnosis of acute
blindness. Many tests are performed, and there seems to be no organic
reason why the patient cannot see. The nurse later learns that the
patient became blind after witnessing a fatal hit & run accident. The
nurse suspects the patient may be experiencing a:
dissociative disorder
conversion disorder
repression
, psychotic reaction
7. Why is it important to provide small, frequent meals to a client with
major depression rather than larger meals?
Meals should be forced to ensure compliance.
Larger meals are more nutritious and should be prioritized.
Clients with depression should not be encouraged to eat at all.
Providing small, frequent meals helps prevent the client from
feeling overwhelmed and encourages better nutritional intake.
8. What term describes a client's immobile facial expression and blank look
in mental health nursing?
Blunted affect
Flat affect
Inappropriate affect
Bizarre behavior
9. Why is it inappropriate to initiate confinement measures during the
escalation of aggressive behavior in a client?
Confinement measures are always the first step in managing
aggressive behavior.
Confinement measures help to calm the client immediately
during escalation.
Confinement measures are only necessary if the client is
completely out of control.
Initiating confinement measures is inappropriate during
escalation as it may increase the client's agitation and is more
suitable during a crisis.
