NUR208 / NUR 208 Mental Health Nursing HESI ACTUAL
REVIEW GUIDE 2026/2027 | Verified Questions and
Answers | Focus on Therapeutic Communication & Safety |
Grade A Target | Pass Guaranteed
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS & THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION
(20 Questions)
Q1: A client newly admitted to the psychiatric unit states, "I don't belong here. I'm not crazy like
these other people." Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. "You're here because the doctor thinks you need help, so you should listen to the
professionals."
B. "Tell me more about what you're feeling right now." [CORRECT]
C. "Don't worry, you'll fit in soon enough once you get to know everyone."
D. "I understand you're upset, but calling people 'crazy' is offensive."
Correct Answer: B
Q2: During the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, which action should the nurse
prioritize?
A. Confronting the client about maladaptive behaviors observed during admission
B. Establishing clear boundaries and discussing the purpose of the relationship [CORRECT]
C. Immediately exploring the client's childhood experiences and trauma history
D. Setting long-term goals for the client's discharge and community reintegration
Correct Answer: B
Q3: A client diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The voices are telling me to hurt
myself." Which is the nurse's priority action?
A. Ask the client to describe what the voices are saying specifically
B. Immediately assess the client's current suicidal ideation and plan [CORRECT]
,C. Distract the client with a favorite activity to redirect from the voices
D. Administer PRN antipsychotic medication without further assessment
Correct Answer: B
Q4: Select all that apply. Which actions by the nurse demonstrate violations of professional
boundaries? (Select all that apply.)
A. Accepting a $5 gift card from a client as a thank you for good care [CORRECT]
B. Sharing personal information about the nurse's own divorce when the client asks [CORRECT]
C. Providing the unit's phone number for the client to call after discharge with questions
D. Meeting the client for coffee after discharge to continue the therapeutic relationship
[CORRECT]
E. Assigning the same nurse to care for the client for three consecutive shifts to maintain
consistency
Correct Answers: A, B, D
Q5: A client states, "I just can't take it anymore. Everything is hopeless." Which response by the
nurse is most appropriate?
A. "Things aren't really that bad. You have a lot to live for."
B. "You sound like you're feeling overwhelmed. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
[CORRECT]
C. "Everyone feels this way sometimes. You'll feel better tomorrow."
D. "Let's talk about something more positive to cheer you up."
Correct Answer: B
Q6: Which statement accurately describes the legal criteria for involuntary commitment?
A. The client must be diagnosed with a severe mental illness regardless of dangerousness
B. The client presents an imminent danger to self or others or is gravely disabled [CORRECT]
C. The client's family requests commitment due to concern about medication nonadherence
D. The client has a history of multiple psychiatric hospitalizations
, Correct Answer: B
Q7: A client becomes angry and shouts, "You're all trying to poison me! I want to leave now!"
Which is the nurse's best initial response?
A. "You are not allowed to leave. You are on a legal hold."
B. "I can see you're upset. Let's talk about what's making you feel this way." [CORRECT]
C. "If you calm down, we can discuss your concerns with the doctor later."
D. "No one is trying to poison you. Your medication is to help you."
Correct Answer: B
Q8: When applying restraints to a client who is imminently dangerous to others, which action is
required by law?
A. Obtain a physician's order within 1 hour of application [CORRECT]
B. Remove restraints every 8 hours for range of motion exercises
C. Document the client's behavior every 30 minutes while restrained
D. Ensure the client is placed in prone position for safety
Correct Answer: A
Q9: A client tells the nurse, "I'm not taking that medication. It makes me feel like a zombie."
Which therapeutic response demonstrates active listening?
A. "The medication is important for your treatment. You need to take it."
B. "You're concerned about how the medication affects you." [CORRECT]
C. "Feeling like a zombie is better than being psychotic, isn't it?"
D. "I'll get the doctor to prescribe something else right away."
Correct Answer: B
Q10: Which scenario represents a breach of confidentiality?
A. Discussing a client's case with the multidisciplinary treatment team during rounds
REVIEW GUIDE 2026/2027 | Verified Questions and
Answers | Focus on Therapeutic Communication & Safety |
Grade A Target | Pass Guaranteed
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS & THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION
(20 Questions)
Q1: A client newly admitted to the psychiatric unit states, "I don't belong here. I'm not crazy like
these other people." Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. "You're here because the doctor thinks you need help, so you should listen to the
professionals."
B. "Tell me more about what you're feeling right now." [CORRECT]
C. "Don't worry, you'll fit in soon enough once you get to know everyone."
D. "I understand you're upset, but calling people 'crazy' is offensive."
Correct Answer: B
Q2: During the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, which action should the nurse
prioritize?
A. Confronting the client about maladaptive behaviors observed during admission
B. Establishing clear boundaries and discussing the purpose of the relationship [CORRECT]
C. Immediately exploring the client's childhood experiences and trauma history
D. Setting long-term goals for the client's discharge and community reintegration
Correct Answer: B
Q3: A client diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The voices are telling me to hurt
myself." Which is the nurse's priority action?
A. Ask the client to describe what the voices are saying specifically
B. Immediately assess the client's current suicidal ideation and plan [CORRECT]
,C. Distract the client with a favorite activity to redirect from the voices
D. Administer PRN antipsychotic medication without further assessment
Correct Answer: B
Q4: Select all that apply. Which actions by the nurse demonstrate violations of professional
boundaries? (Select all that apply.)
A. Accepting a $5 gift card from a client as a thank you for good care [CORRECT]
B. Sharing personal information about the nurse's own divorce when the client asks [CORRECT]
C. Providing the unit's phone number for the client to call after discharge with questions
D. Meeting the client for coffee after discharge to continue the therapeutic relationship
[CORRECT]
E. Assigning the same nurse to care for the client for three consecutive shifts to maintain
consistency
Correct Answers: A, B, D
Q5: A client states, "I just can't take it anymore. Everything is hopeless." Which response by the
nurse is most appropriate?
A. "Things aren't really that bad. You have a lot to live for."
B. "You sound like you're feeling overwhelmed. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
[CORRECT]
C. "Everyone feels this way sometimes. You'll feel better tomorrow."
D. "Let's talk about something more positive to cheer you up."
Correct Answer: B
Q6: Which statement accurately describes the legal criteria for involuntary commitment?
A. The client must be diagnosed with a severe mental illness regardless of dangerousness
B. The client presents an imminent danger to self or others or is gravely disabled [CORRECT]
C. The client's family requests commitment due to concern about medication nonadherence
D. The client has a history of multiple psychiatric hospitalizations
, Correct Answer: B
Q7: A client becomes angry and shouts, "You're all trying to poison me! I want to leave now!"
Which is the nurse's best initial response?
A. "You are not allowed to leave. You are on a legal hold."
B. "I can see you're upset. Let's talk about what's making you feel this way." [CORRECT]
C. "If you calm down, we can discuss your concerns with the doctor later."
D. "No one is trying to poison you. Your medication is to help you."
Correct Answer: B
Q8: When applying restraints to a client who is imminently dangerous to others, which action is
required by law?
A. Obtain a physician's order within 1 hour of application [CORRECT]
B. Remove restraints every 8 hours for range of motion exercises
C. Document the client's behavior every 30 minutes while restrained
D. Ensure the client is placed in prone position for safety
Correct Answer: A
Q9: A client tells the nurse, "I'm not taking that medication. It makes me feel like a zombie."
Which therapeutic response demonstrates active listening?
A. "The medication is important for your treatment. You need to take it."
B. "You're concerned about how the medication affects you." [CORRECT]
C. "Feeling like a zombie is better than being psychotic, isn't it?"
D. "I'll get the doctor to prescribe something else right away."
Correct Answer: B
Q10: Which scenario represents a breach of confidentiality?
A. Discussing a client's case with the multidisciplinary treatment team during rounds
