HESI RN MENTAL HEALTH NURSING ACCURATE
PRACTICE EXAM WITH ALL POSSIBLE APPROVED
WELL ELABORATED PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
100% CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES PLUS EXPERT ANSWER
KEY (100% CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS) 2026-
2027 CURRENTLY UPDATED VERSION Q&A
GUARANTEED PASS A+ INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A client with major depressive disorder states, "I
feel like a failure at everything." Which response by
the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. "You have many successes in your life."
B. "Tell me more about what makes you feel like a
failure."
C. "That feeling will pass with time."
D. "Let's focus on your strengths instead."
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: This response uses
,open-ended exploration, encouraging the client to
express feelings without minimizing or dismissing
them. A, C, and D are nontherapeutic (false
reassurance, cliché, and changing the subject).
2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing
auditory hallucinations commanding self-harm.
What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer prescribed antipsychotic medication.
B. Place the client in seclusion.
C. Ask the client what the voices are saying.
D. Initiate one-to-one observation.
Correct Answer: D. Rationale: Safety is the priority;
one-to-one observation prevents harm while the
nurse assesses and intervenes. A is important but
not immediate; B is restrictive; C is assessment but
not the first action for safety.
3. A client with bipolar disorder in a manic phase is
pacing and talking rapidly. Which nursing
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Engage the client in a complex cognitive task.
B. Provide a quiet, structured environment with low
,stimulation.
C. Allow the client to wander freely to expend
energy.
D. Offer a high-calorie snack.
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Reduced stimulation
and structure help decrease manic agitation. A
increases frustration; C may worsen agitation; D is
physical care but not the primary intervention.
4. A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports
palpitations and sweating before an exam. Which
medication class is most likely prescribed for acute
symptoms?
A. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
B. Benzodiazepines
C. Mood stabilizers
D. Antipsychotics
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Benzodiazepines
provide rapid relief for acute anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs are for long-term management; C and D are
not first-line for acute anxiety.
, 5. A nurse is assessing a client with anorexia
nervosa. Which finding indicates the most
immediate risk?
A. Serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/L.
B. Body mass index (BMI) of 16.
C. Lanugo hair on the arms.
D. Use of laxatives.
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Hypokalemia
(normal 3.5-5.0) can cause cardiac dysrhythmias
and is life-threatening. BMI, lanugo, and laxative
use are serious but not as immediately lethal.
6. A client with PTSD has a flashback and begins
screaming. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "You are safe now. You are in the hospital."
B. "Stop screaming and calm down."
C. "What is causing this flashback?"
D. "I will give you medication to help."
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Orienting to reality
with a calm, firm voice promotes safety. B is
commanding; C is inappropriate during a
flashback; D is secondary to grounding.
PRACTICE EXAM WITH ALL POSSIBLE APPROVED
WELL ELABORATED PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
100% CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES PLUS EXPERT ANSWER
KEY (100% CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS) 2026-
2027 CURRENTLY UPDATED VERSION Q&A
GUARANTEED PASS A+ INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A client with major depressive disorder states, "I
feel like a failure at everything." Which response by
the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. "You have many successes in your life."
B. "Tell me more about what makes you feel like a
failure."
C. "That feeling will pass with time."
D. "Let's focus on your strengths instead."
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: This response uses
,open-ended exploration, encouraging the client to
express feelings without minimizing or dismissing
them. A, C, and D are nontherapeutic (false
reassurance, cliché, and changing the subject).
2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing
auditory hallucinations commanding self-harm.
What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer prescribed antipsychotic medication.
B. Place the client in seclusion.
C. Ask the client what the voices are saying.
D. Initiate one-to-one observation.
Correct Answer: D. Rationale: Safety is the priority;
one-to-one observation prevents harm while the
nurse assesses and intervenes. A is important but
not immediate; B is restrictive; C is assessment but
not the first action for safety.
3. A client with bipolar disorder in a manic phase is
pacing and talking rapidly. Which nursing
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Engage the client in a complex cognitive task.
B. Provide a quiet, structured environment with low
,stimulation.
C. Allow the client to wander freely to expend
energy.
D. Offer a high-calorie snack.
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Reduced stimulation
and structure help decrease manic agitation. A
increases frustration; C may worsen agitation; D is
physical care but not the primary intervention.
4. A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports
palpitations and sweating before an exam. Which
medication class is most likely prescribed for acute
symptoms?
A. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
B. Benzodiazepines
C. Mood stabilizers
D. Antipsychotics
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Benzodiazepines
provide rapid relief for acute anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs are for long-term management; C and D are
not first-line for acute anxiety.
, 5. A nurse is assessing a client with anorexia
nervosa. Which finding indicates the most
immediate risk?
A. Serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/L.
B. Body mass index (BMI) of 16.
C. Lanugo hair on the arms.
D. Use of laxatives.
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Hypokalemia
(normal 3.5-5.0) can cause cardiac dysrhythmias
and is life-threatening. BMI, lanugo, and laxative
use are serious but not as immediately lethal.
6. A client with PTSD has a flashback and begins
screaming. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "You are safe now. You are in the hospital."
B. "Stop screaming and calm down."
C. "What is causing this flashback?"
D. "I will give you medication to help."
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Orienting to reality
with a calm, firm voice promotes safety. B is
commanding; C is inappropriate during a
flashback; D is secondary to grounding.
