PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE
EXAM HESI 2026 | COMPLETE STUDY
GUIDE & REVIEW QUESTIONS
| GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales Included
,1. Photosensitivity is a side effect of Prolixin and a vacation in the Bahamas (with its
A male client with schizophrenia who is taking tropical island climate) increases the client's chance of experiencing this side
fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin decanoate) is being effect. He should be instructed to avoid direct sun (A) and wear sunscreen. (B, C,
discharged in the morning. A repeat dose of medication and D) indicate accurate knowledge. Alcohol acts synergistically with Prolixin (B).
is scheduled for 20 days after discharge. The client tells (C) lists signs of agranulocytosis, which is also a side effect of Prolixin. In order to
the nurse that he is going on vacation in the Bahamas and avoid extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), anticholinergic drugs, such as Cogentin,
will return in 18 days. Which statement by the client are often prescribed prophylactically with Prolixin.
indicates a need for health teaching?
A) When I return from my tropical island vacation, I will Correct Answer(s): A
go to the clinic to get my Prolixin injection.
B) While I am on vacation and when I return, I will not eat
or drink anything that contains alcohol.
C) I will notify the healthcare provider if I have a sore
throat or flu-like symptoms.
D) I will continue to take my benztropine mesylate
(Cogentin) every day.
,2. The most important nursing diagnosis is related to alcohol detoxification (B)
A male client is admitted to the mental health unit because the client has elevated vital signs, a sign of alcohol detoxification.
because he was feeling depressed about the loss of his Maintaining client safety related to (A) should be addressed after giving the client
wife and job. The client has a history of alcohol Ativan for elevated vital signs secondary to alcohol withdrawal. (C and D) can be
dependency and admits that he was drinking alcohol 12 addressed when immediate needs for safety are met.
hours ago. Vital signs are: temperature, 100° F, pulse 100,
and BP 142/100. The nurse plans to give the client Correct Answer(s): B
lorazepam (Ativan) based on which priority nursing
diagnosis?
A) Risk for injury related to suicidal ideation.
B) Risk for injury related to alcohol detoxification.
C) Knowledge deficit related to ineffective coping.
D) Health seeking behaviors related to personal crisis.
3. The most important reason for closely observing a depressed client immediately
The charge nurse is collaborating with the nursing staff after admission is to maintain safety (B), since suicide is a risk with depression. (A,
about the plan of care for a client who is very depressed. C, and D) are all important interventions, but safety is the priority.
What is the most important intervention to implement
during the first 48 hours after the client's admission to the Correct Answer(s): B
unit?
A) Monitor appetite and observe intake at meals.
B) Maintain safety in the client's milieu.
C) Provide ongoing, supportive contact.
D) Encourage participation in activities.
4. (A) is the best choice cited. The nurse does not argue with the client nor demand
A 38-year-old female client is admitted with a diagnosis that she eat, but offers support by agreeing to "be there if needed", e.g., to warm
of paranoid schizophrenia. When her tray is brought to the food. (B and C) are arguing with the client's delusions, and (B) asks "why"
her, she refuses to eat and tells the nurse, "I know you are which is usually not a good question for a psychotic client. (D) has nothing to do
trying to poison me with that food." Which response is with the actual problem; i.e., the problem is not the diet (she thinks any food given
most appropriate for the nurse to make? to her is poisoned.)
A) I'll leave your tray here. I am available if you need
anything else. Correct Answer(s): A
B) You're not being poisoned. Why do you think someone
is trying to poison you?
C) No one on this unit has ever died from poisoning.
You're safe here.
D) I will talk to your healthcare provider about the
possibility of changing your diet.
, 5. Early side effects of lithium carbonate (occurring with serum lithium levels below
A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for 2.0 mEq per liter) generally follow a progressive pattern beginning with diarrhea,
bipolar disorder develops diarrhea, vomiting, and vomiting, drowsiness, and muscular weakness. At higher levels, ataxia, tinnitus,
drowsiness. What action should the nurse take? blurred vision, and large dilute urine output may occur. (B) is the best choice.
A) Notify the healthcare provider immediately and Although these are expected symptoms, the healthcare provider should be
prepare for administration of an antidote. notified prior to the next administration of the drug. (A, C, and D) would not
B) Notify the healthcare provider of the symptoms prior reflect good nursing judgment.
to the next administration of the drug.
C) Record the symptoms as normal side effects and Correct Answer(s): B
continue administration of the prescribed dosage.
D) Hold the medication and refuse to administer
additional amounts of the drug.
6. Knowledge of all substances taken (C) will guide further treatment, such as
The parents of a 14-year-old boy bring their son to the administration of antagonists, so obtaining this information has the highest priority.
hospital. He is lethargic, but responsive. The mother (A and B) are also valuable in planning treatment. (D) is not appropriate during the
states, "I think he took some of my pain pills." During acute management of a drug overdose.
initial assessment of the teenager, what information is
most important for the nurse to obtain from the parents? Correct Answer(s): C
A) If he has seemed depressed recently.
B) If a drug overdose has ever occurred before.
C) If he might have taken any other drugs.
D) If he has a desire to quit taking drugs.
7. The nurse should answer the client's question with factual information and explain
The wife of a male client recently diagnosed with that schizophrenia is a chemical imbalance in the brain (B). (A) is a therapeutic
schizophrenia asks the nurse, "What exactly is response but does not answer the question, and may be an appropriate response
schizophrenia? Is my husband all right?" Which response after the nurse answers the question asked. Although (C) is likely true to some
is best for the nurse to provide to this family member? degree, it is also true that some clients continue to have disorganized thinking
A) It sounds like you're worried about your husband. Let's even with antipsychotic medications. Referring the spouse to the psychologist (D)
sit down and talk. is avoiding the issue; the nurse can and should answer the question.
B) It is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes
disorganized thinking. Correct Answer(s): B
C) Your husband will be just fine if he takes his
medications regularly.
D) I think you should talk to your husband's psychologist
about this question.
8. The most important nursing problem is medication management (C) because
The community health nurse talks to a male client who compliance with the medication regimen will help prevent hospitalization. The
has bipolar disorder. The client explains that he sleeps 4 client is also exhibiting signs of (A, B, and C); however, these problems do not
to 5 hours a night and is working with his partner to start have the priority of medication management.
two new businesses and build an empire. The client
stopped taking his medications several days ago. What Correct Answer(s): C
nursing problem has the highest priority?
A) Excessive work activity.
B) Decreased need for sleep.
C) Medication management.
D) Inflated self-esteem.
EXAM HESI 2026 | COMPLETE STUDY
GUIDE & REVIEW QUESTIONS
| GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales Included
,1. Photosensitivity is a side effect of Prolixin and a vacation in the Bahamas (with its
A male client with schizophrenia who is taking tropical island climate) increases the client's chance of experiencing this side
fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin decanoate) is being effect. He should be instructed to avoid direct sun (A) and wear sunscreen. (B, C,
discharged in the morning. A repeat dose of medication and D) indicate accurate knowledge. Alcohol acts synergistically with Prolixin (B).
is scheduled for 20 days after discharge. The client tells (C) lists signs of agranulocytosis, which is also a side effect of Prolixin. In order to
the nurse that he is going on vacation in the Bahamas and avoid extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), anticholinergic drugs, such as Cogentin,
will return in 18 days. Which statement by the client are often prescribed prophylactically with Prolixin.
indicates a need for health teaching?
A) When I return from my tropical island vacation, I will Correct Answer(s): A
go to the clinic to get my Prolixin injection.
B) While I am on vacation and when I return, I will not eat
or drink anything that contains alcohol.
C) I will notify the healthcare provider if I have a sore
throat or flu-like symptoms.
D) I will continue to take my benztropine mesylate
(Cogentin) every day.
,2. The most important nursing diagnosis is related to alcohol detoxification (B)
A male client is admitted to the mental health unit because the client has elevated vital signs, a sign of alcohol detoxification.
because he was feeling depressed about the loss of his Maintaining client safety related to (A) should be addressed after giving the client
wife and job. The client has a history of alcohol Ativan for elevated vital signs secondary to alcohol withdrawal. (C and D) can be
dependency and admits that he was drinking alcohol 12 addressed when immediate needs for safety are met.
hours ago. Vital signs are: temperature, 100° F, pulse 100,
and BP 142/100. The nurse plans to give the client Correct Answer(s): B
lorazepam (Ativan) based on which priority nursing
diagnosis?
A) Risk for injury related to suicidal ideation.
B) Risk for injury related to alcohol detoxification.
C) Knowledge deficit related to ineffective coping.
D) Health seeking behaviors related to personal crisis.
3. The most important reason for closely observing a depressed client immediately
The charge nurse is collaborating with the nursing staff after admission is to maintain safety (B), since suicide is a risk with depression. (A,
about the plan of care for a client who is very depressed. C, and D) are all important interventions, but safety is the priority.
What is the most important intervention to implement
during the first 48 hours after the client's admission to the Correct Answer(s): B
unit?
A) Monitor appetite and observe intake at meals.
B) Maintain safety in the client's milieu.
C) Provide ongoing, supportive contact.
D) Encourage participation in activities.
4. (A) is the best choice cited. The nurse does not argue with the client nor demand
A 38-year-old female client is admitted with a diagnosis that she eat, but offers support by agreeing to "be there if needed", e.g., to warm
of paranoid schizophrenia. When her tray is brought to the food. (B and C) are arguing with the client's delusions, and (B) asks "why"
her, she refuses to eat and tells the nurse, "I know you are which is usually not a good question for a psychotic client. (D) has nothing to do
trying to poison me with that food." Which response is with the actual problem; i.e., the problem is not the diet (she thinks any food given
most appropriate for the nurse to make? to her is poisoned.)
A) I'll leave your tray here. I am available if you need
anything else. Correct Answer(s): A
B) You're not being poisoned. Why do you think someone
is trying to poison you?
C) No one on this unit has ever died from poisoning.
You're safe here.
D) I will talk to your healthcare provider about the
possibility of changing your diet.
, 5. Early side effects of lithium carbonate (occurring with serum lithium levels below
A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for 2.0 mEq per liter) generally follow a progressive pattern beginning with diarrhea,
bipolar disorder develops diarrhea, vomiting, and vomiting, drowsiness, and muscular weakness. At higher levels, ataxia, tinnitus,
drowsiness. What action should the nurse take? blurred vision, and large dilute urine output may occur. (B) is the best choice.
A) Notify the healthcare provider immediately and Although these are expected symptoms, the healthcare provider should be
prepare for administration of an antidote. notified prior to the next administration of the drug. (A, C, and D) would not
B) Notify the healthcare provider of the symptoms prior reflect good nursing judgment.
to the next administration of the drug.
C) Record the symptoms as normal side effects and Correct Answer(s): B
continue administration of the prescribed dosage.
D) Hold the medication and refuse to administer
additional amounts of the drug.
6. Knowledge of all substances taken (C) will guide further treatment, such as
The parents of a 14-year-old boy bring their son to the administration of antagonists, so obtaining this information has the highest priority.
hospital. He is lethargic, but responsive. The mother (A and B) are also valuable in planning treatment. (D) is not appropriate during the
states, "I think he took some of my pain pills." During acute management of a drug overdose.
initial assessment of the teenager, what information is
most important for the nurse to obtain from the parents? Correct Answer(s): C
A) If he has seemed depressed recently.
B) If a drug overdose has ever occurred before.
C) If he might have taken any other drugs.
D) If he has a desire to quit taking drugs.
7. The nurse should answer the client's question with factual information and explain
The wife of a male client recently diagnosed with that schizophrenia is a chemical imbalance in the brain (B). (A) is a therapeutic
schizophrenia asks the nurse, "What exactly is response but does not answer the question, and may be an appropriate response
schizophrenia? Is my husband all right?" Which response after the nurse answers the question asked. Although (C) is likely true to some
is best for the nurse to provide to this family member? degree, it is also true that some clients continue to have disorganized thinking
A) It sounds like you're worried about your husband. Let's even with antipsychotic medications. Referring the spouse to the psychologist (D)
sit down and talk. is avoiding the issue; the nurse can and should answer the question.
B) It is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes
disorganized thinking. Correct Answer(s): B
C) Your husband will be just fine if he takes his
medications regularly.
D) I think you should talk to your husband's psychologist
about this question.
8. The most important nursing problem is medication management (C) because
The community health nurse talks to a male client who compliance with the medication regimen will help prevent hospitalization. The
has bipolar disorder. The client explains that he sleeps 4 client is also exhibiting signs of (A, B, and C); however, these problems do not
to 5 hours a night and is working with his partner to start have the priority of medication management.
two new businesses and build an empire. The client
stopped taking his medications several days ago. What Correct Answer(s): C
nursing problem has the highest priority?
A) Excessive work activity.
B) Decreased need for sleep.
C) Medication management.
D) Inflated self-esteem.
