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 (Questions 1–20)
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. "It sounds like you're feeling uncomfortable about being hospitalized. Can you tell me more
about that?" [CORRECT]
C. "Don't worry, you'll fit in once you get to know everyone."
D. "What makes you think you're better than the other clients?"
Correct Answer: B
Q2: During the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, which activity is the nurse's
priority?
A. Assisting the client to solve immediate problems
B. Establishing trust and defining the parameters of the relationship [CORRECT]
C. Implementing the treatment plan
D. Evaluating outcomes of interventions
Correct Answer: B
Q3: A client tells the nurse, "I'm going to kill my neighbor because he poisoned my dog." Which
legal and ethical action must the nurse take?
A. Maintain confidentiality as this is part of the therapeutic relationship
B. Document the statement and assess the client's intent, but take no further action
C. Warn the neighbor and initiate involuntary commitment proceedings if necessary
[CORRECT]
D. Suggest the client talk to their therapist about these feelings
Correct Answer: C
,Q4: Which statement by the nurse demonstrates the therapeutic technique of "clarifying"?
A. "You're feeling anxious about your discharge tomorrow."
B. "What I hear you saying is that you're worried about how your family will react. Is that
correct?" [CORRECT]
C. "Many clients feel nervous before discharge. You'll be fine."
D. "Why are you worried about going home?"
Correct Answer: B
Q5: A client with depression states, "Nothing matters anymore. I just want to end it all." Which
is the nurse's priority response?
A. "Things will get better soon, I promise."
B. "Have you thought about how you would kill yourself?" [CORRECT]
C. "You have so much to live for—think about your children."
D. "Let's talk about something more positive."
Correct Answer: B
Q6: Select all that apply: Which behaviors by a nurse demonstrate appropriate professional
boundaries? (Select all that apply.)
A. Accepting a $50 gift card from a grateful client at discharge
B. Declining a client's friend request on social media [CORRECT]
C. Sharing personal struggles with depression to help a client feel less alone
D. Providing care for a client assigned to another nurse without discussing it with the team
E. Explaining the reason for refusing to share personal contact information [CORRECT]
Correct Answers: B, E
Q7: A client experiencing mania is dancing in the hallway, removing clothing, and approaching
other clients inappropriately. Which is the nurse's priority action?
A. Offer PRN haloperidol immediately
B. Escort the client to a quiet area with decreased stimulation [CORRECT]
C. Allow the behavior to continue until the client burns off energy
D. Restrain the client to prevent injury to others
Correct Answer: B
, Q8: During a family therapy session, the mother of a client with schizophrenia states, "I just
wish my child would snap out of it and be normal." Which response by the nurse demonstrates
the most therapeutic approach?
A. "Schizophrenia is a biological illness, not a choice your child is making."
B. "It sounds like you're struggling with accepting your child's illness. Let's explore those
feelings." [CORRECT]
C. "Your child is doing the best they can. You need to be more supportive."
D. "Many families feel this way initially. Don't worry, it gets easier."
Correct Answer: B
Q9: A client is placed in seclusion after assaulting another client. Which action by the nurse
demonstrates the principle of least restrictive intervention?
A. Keeping the client in seclusion for 24 hours to ensure safety
B. Assessing the client every 15 minutes and removing restraints as soon as criteria are met
[CORRECT]
C. Administering PRN antipsychotics to sedate the client
D. Requiring the client to apologize before release from seclusion
Correct Answer: B
Q10: A client states, "I hear voices telling me to hurt myself." Which is the nurse's most
therapeutic initial response?
A. "There are no voices here. You're just imagining things."
B. "I don't hear any voices, but I believe that you do. Tell me what they're saying." [CORRECT]
C. "Ignore the voices and they'll go away."
D. "The doctor will give you medicine to stop the voices."
Correct Answer: B
Q11: Which scenario requires the nurse to obtain informed consent?
A. Administering routine morning medications to a voluntary client
B. Initiating electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for a client with severe depression [CORRECT]
C. Providing hygiene care for a client with dementia
D. Escorting a client to group therapy
Correct Answer: B
REVIEW GUIDE 2026/2027 | Verified Questions and
Answers | Focus on Therapeutic Communication & Safety |
Grade A Target | Pass Guaranteed
SECTION 1: Foundational Concepts & Therapeutic Communication (Questions 1–20)
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. "It sounds like you're feeling uncomfortable about being hospitalized. Can you tell me more
about that?" [CORRECT]
C. "Don't worry, you'll fit in once you get to know everyone."
D. "What makes you think you're better than the other clients?"
Correct Answer: B
Q2: During the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, which activity is the nurse's
priority?
A. Assisting the client to solve immediate problems
B. Establishing trust and defining the parameters of the relationship [CORRECT]
C. Implementing the treatment plan
D. Evaluating outcomes of interventions
Correct Answer: B
Q3: A client tells the nurse, "I'm going to kill my neighbor because he poisoned my dog." Which
legal and ethical action must the nurse take?
A. Maintain confidentiality as this is part of the therapeutic relationship
B. Document the statement and assess the client's intent, but take no further action
C. Warn the neighbor and initiate involuntary commitment proceedings if necessary
[CORRECT]
D. Suggest the client talk to their therapist about these feelings
Correct Answer: C
,Q4: Which statement by the nurse demonstrates the therapeutic technique of "clarifying"?
A. "You're feeling anxious about your discharge tomorrow."
B. "What I hear you saying is that you're worried about how your family will react. Is that
correct?" [CORRECT]
C. "Many clients feel nervous before discharge. You'll be fine."
D. "Why are you worried about going home?"
Correct Answer: B
Q5: A client with depression states, "Nothing matters anymore. I just want to end it all." Which
is the nurse's priority response?
A. "Things will get better soon, I promise."
B. "Have you thought about how you would kill yourself?" [CORRECT]
C. "You have so much to live for—think about your children."
D. "Let's talk about something more positive."
Correct Answer: B
Q6: Select all that apply: Which behaviors by a nurse demonstrate appropriate professional
boundaries? (Select all that apply.)
A. Accepting a $50 gift card from a grateful client at discharge
B. Declining a client's friend request on social media [CORRECT]
C. Sharing personal struggles with depression to help a client feel less alone
D. Providing care for a client assigned to another nurse without discussing it with the team
E. Explaining the reason for refusing to share personal contact information [CORRECT]
Correct Answers: B, E
Q7: A client experiencing mania is dancing in the hallway, removing clothing, and approaching
other clients inappropriately. Which is the nurse's priority action?
A. Offer PRN haloperidol immediately
B. Escort the client to a quiet area with decreased stimulation [CORRECT]
C. Allow the behavior to continue until the client burns off energy
D. Restrain the client to prevent injury to others
Correct Answer: B
, Q8: During a family therapy session, the mother of a client with schizophrenia states, "I just
wish my child would snap out of it and be normal." Which response by the nurse demonstrates
the most therapeutic approach?
A. "Schizophrenia is a biological illness, not a choice your child is making."
B. "It sounds like you're struggling with accepting your child's illness. Let's explore those
feelings." [CORRECT]
C. "Your child is doing the best they can. You need to be more supportive."
D. "Many families feel this way initially. Don't worry, it gets easier."
Correct Answer: B
Q9: A client is placed in seclusion after assaulting another client. Which action by the nurse
demonstrates the principle of least restrictive intervention?
A. Keeping the client in seclusion for 24 hours to ensure safety
B. Assessing the client every 15 minutes and removing restraints as soon as criteria are met
[CORRECT]
C. Administering PRN antipsychotics to sedate the client
D. Requiring the client to apologize before release from seclusion
Correct Answer: B
Q10: A client states, "I hear voices telling me to hurt myself." Which is the nurse's most
therapeutic initial response?
A. "There are no voices here. You're just imagining things."
B. "I don't hear any voices, but I believe that you do. Tell me what they're saying." [CORRECT]
C. "Ignore the voices and they'll go away."
D. "The doctor will give you medicine to stop the voices."
Correct Answer: B
Q11: Which scenario requires the nurse to obtain informed consent?
A. Administering routine morning medications to a voluntary client
B. Initiating electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for a client with severe depression [CORRECT]
C. Providing hygiene care for a client with dementia
D. Escorting a client to group therapy
Correct Answer: B
