HESI MENTAL HEALTH EXAM 160 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED EXPLANATIONS
2026
◉ While caring for an older client, the RN observes multiple bruises
in Over the client's legs, arms, back, and gluteal areas. When the
client Contact, the RN suspects elder abuse. What action should the
RN take?
A. Report family conversations and anger towards the client when
visiting.
B. Ask the client specific questions about someone causing the
bruising.
C. Question the family members and caregiver how the bruising
occurred.
D. Measure and document size, shape and color of the bruised areas.
Answer: D
◉ The RN is performing intake interviews at a psychiatric clinic. A
female client with a known history of drug abuse reports that she
had a heart attack four years ago. Use of which substance places the
client at highest risk for myocardial infarction?
A. Benzodiazepine
B. Alcohol
,C. Methamphetamine
D. Marijuana
Answer: C
◉ After receiving treatment for anorexia, a student asks the school
RN for permission to work in the school cafeteria as part of the
school's work study program. What action should the RN take?
A. Suggest that the student work in the athletic department.
B. Determine the parent's opinion of the work assignments.
C. Referthestudenttoapsychiatristforfurtherdiscussion.
D. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's office.
Answer: D
◉ A client who is homeless is diagnosed with schizophrenia and
admitted on an involuntary basis to a mental health hospital 4 days
ago. The client stopped taking prescribed antipsychotic drugs
approximately one month ago. Since hospitalization the client
continues to have poor judgment and refuses all medications. What
action should the RN take?
A. Encourage the client to stay in the hospital so the client does not
have to be homeless.
B. Provide the client with medication if the client presents an
imminent risk to self and
others.
,C. Administer a long acting antipsychotic medication so that the
client can be discharged to a shelter.
D. Describe to the client treatment options provided at the
community mental health clinics.
Answer: B
◉ A male client comes to the emergency center because he has an
erection that will not resolve. The client reports that he is taking
trazodone (Desyrel) for insomnia. Which information is most
important for the nurse ask the client?
A. When was the last time you drank alcoholic beverage?
B. Have you taken any medications for erectile dysfunction?
C. Are you having any other sexual dysfunctions or problems?
D. Do you have a history of angina or high blood pressure?
Answer: B
◉ On admission to the mental health unit, a client diagnosed with
schizophrenia tells the RN that he is the son of god. Based on this
statement, which intervention should the RN include in this client's
plan of care?
A. Lead the client by his arm to the seclusion room.
B. Ensure the client's environment is safe.
C. Schedule activity therapy twice a week.
D. Confront his delusion as not consistent with reality.
, Answer: D
◉ The RN on the day shift receive report about a client with
depression who was in bed most of the weekend. The RN walks into
the client's room in the morning and finds the client in bed. What
intervention is best for the RN to implement?
A. Monitor the client's appetite and pattern of sleep.
B. Assess the client's feelings about the hospital stay.
C. Assist the client to get out of bed and involved in an activity.
D. Explain that staff will check on the client every 30 minutes.
Answer: C
◉ Which client information indicates the need for the RN to use
CAGE questionnaire during the admission interview?
A. Client's medication history includes the frequent use of
antidepressants.
B. Describe self as a social drinker who drinks alcoholic beverages
daily.
C. Reports difficulties with short term memory since traumatic brain
injury.
D. Medical history includes that the client was recently sexually
assaulted.
Answer: B
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED EXPLANATIONS
2026
◉ While caring for an older client, the RN observes multiple bruises
in Over the client's legs, arms, back, and gluteal areas. When the
client Contact, the RN suspects elder abuse. What action should the
RN take?
A. Report family conversations and anger towards the client when
visiting.
B. Ask the client specific questions about someone causing the
bruising.
C. Question the family members and caregiver how the bruising
occurred.
D. Measure and document size, shape and color of the bruised areas.
Answer: D
◉ The RN is performing intake interviews at a psychiatric clinic. A
female client with a known history of drug abuse reports that she
had a heart attack four years ago. Use of which substance places the
client at highest risk for myocardial infarction?
A. Benzodiazepine
B. Alcohol
,C. Methamphetamine
D. Marijuana
Answer: C
◉ After receiving treatment for anorexia, a student asks the school
RN for permission to work in the school cafeteria as part of the
school's work study program. What action should the RN take?
A. Suggest that the student work in the athletic department.
B. Determine the parent's opinion of the work assignments.
C. Referthestudenttoapsychiatristforfurtherdiscussion.
D. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's office.
Answer: D
◉ A client who is homeless is diagnosed with schizophrenia and
admitted on an involuntary basis to a mental health hospital 4 days
ago. The client stopped taking prescribed antipsychotic drugs
approximately one month ago. Since hospitalization the client
continues to have poor judgment and refuses all medications. What
action should the RN take?
A. Encourage the client to stay in the hospital so the client does not
have to be homeless.
B. Provide the client with medication if the client presents an
imminent risk to self and
others.
,C. Administer a long acting antipsychotic medication so that the
client can be discharged to a shelter.
D. Describe to the client treatment options provided at the
community mental health clinics.
Answer: B
◉ A male client comes to the emergency center because he has an
erection that will not resolve. The client reports that he is taking
trazodone (Desyrel) for insomnia. Which information is most
important for the nurse ask the client?
A. When was the last time you drank alcoholic beverage?
B. Have you taken any medications for erectile dysfunction?
C. Are you having any other sexual dysfunctions or problems?
D. Do you have a history of angina or high blood pressure?
Answer: B
◉ On admission to the mental health unit, a client diagnosed with
schizophrenia tells the RN that he is the son of god. Based on this
statement, which intervention should the RN include in this client's
plan of care?
A. Lead the client by his arm to the seclusion room.
B. Ensure the client's environment is safe.
C. Schedule activity therapy twice a week.
D. Confront his delusion as not consistent with reality.
, Answer: D
◉ The RN on the day shift receive report about a client with
depression who was in bed most of the weekend. The RN walks into
the client's room in the morning and finds the client in bed. What
intervention is best for the RN to implement?
A. Monitor the client's appetite and pattern of sleep.
B. Assess the client's feelings about the hospital stay.
C. Assist the client to get out of bed and involved in an activity.
D. Explain that staff will check on the client every 30 minutes.
Answer: C
◉ Which client information indicates the need for the RN to use
CAGE questionnaire during the admission interview?
A. Client's medication history includes the frequent use of
antidepressants.
B. Describe self as a social drinker who drinks alcoholic beverages
daily.
C. Reports difficulties with short term memory since traumatic brain
injury.
D. Medical history includes that the client was recently sexually
assaulted.
Answer: B
