HESI Mental Health Exam Test Bank
Complete Study Guide with Practice
Questions, Verified Correct Answers &
Detailed Rationales Latest Edition -
HESI Mental Health Exam Test Bank Complete | Comprehensive
Examination
HESI Mental Health Exam Test Bank Complete Study Guide
with Practice Questions, Verified Correct Answers & Detailed
Rationales Latest Edition - Updated 2026/2027 actual exam
INTRODUCTION
This document is an important and very helpful preparation
resource for HESI Mental Health Exam Test Bank Complete
Study Guide with Practice Questions, Verified Correct Answers
& Detailed Rationales Latest Edition - Updated 2026/2027.
Every item uses a focused exam stem, four response options, a
keyed response, and a clear rationale, making it easier to
understand the subject, spot distractors, and build real exam
confidence.
Page 1
, Question 1
A client with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine. Which laboratory finding
would require the nurse to hold the medication and notify the provider
immediately?
A. Absolute neutrophil count of 1,200/µL
B. Fasting glucose of 110 mg/dL
C. Total cholesterol of 210 mg/dL
D. Serum prolactin of 18 ng/mL
Correct Answer: A - Absolute neutrophil count of 1,200/µL
RATIONALE
Clozapine carries a boxed warning for severe neutropenia; an ANC <
1,500/µL mandates holding the drug and immediate provider
notification. The other values represent metabolic monitoring
parameters that require follow-up but do not necessitate immediate
discontinuation.
Question 2
During a group therapy session, a member discloses a specific plan to overdose
on insulin. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Explore the member's feelings about the disclosure with the group.
B. Escort the member from the group and initiate suicide precautions.
C. Document the disclosure and continue the session as scheduled.
D. Ask the group to provide feedback and support to the member.
Correct Answer: B - Escort the member from the group and
initiate suicide precautions.
RATIONALE
A specific, lethal plan constitutes a psychiatric emergency requiring
immediate removal from the group and initiation of one-to-one suicide
precautions. Processing feelings or seeking group support delays
safety interventions and violates the nurse's duty to protect.
Page 2
, Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client with anorexia nervosa who reports palpitations
and muscle weakness. Which electrolyte abnormality is most consistent with
these findings and the client's history?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hyperphosphatemia
Correct Answer: B - Hypokalemia
RATIONALE
Purging behaviors and malnutrition in anorexia nervosa commonly
cause hypokalemia, leading to cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle
weakness. Hypernatremia, hypercalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia are
not typical primary findings in this presentation.
Question 4
Which statement by a client prescribed lithium carbonate indicates a need for
further teaching?
A. "I will maintain a consistent sodium intake."
B. "I should drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid daily."
C. "I can take ibuprofen for headaches."
D. "I will have my lithium level checked regularly."
Correct Answer: C - "I can take ibuprofen for headaches."
RATIONALE
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen reduce renal lithium clearance and can
precipitate toxicity; acetaminophen is a safer alternative. Consistent
sodium and fluid intake and regular level monitoring are appropriate
self-management behaviors.
Page 3
Complete Study Guide with Practice
Questions, Verified Correct Answers &
Detailed Rationales Latest Edition -
HESI Mental Health Exam Test Bank Complete | Comprehensive
Examination
HESI Mental Health Exam Test Bank Complete Study Guide
with Practice Questions, Verified Correct Answers & Detailed
Rationales Latest Edition - Updated 2026/2027 actual exam
INTRODUCTION
This document is an important and very helpful preparation
resource for HESI Mental Health Exam Test Bank Complete
Study Guide with Practice Questions, Verified Correct Answers
& Detailed Rationales Latest Edition - Updated 2026/2027.
Every item uses a focused exam stem, four response options, a
keyed response, and a clear rationale, making it easier to
understand the subject, spot distractors, and build real exam
confidence.
Page 1
, Question 1
A client with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine. Which laboratory finding
would require the nurse to hold the medication and notify the provider
immediately?
A. Absolute neutrophil count of 1,200/µL
B. Fasting glucose of 110 mg/dL
C. Total cholesterol of 210 mg/dL
D. Serum prolactin of 18 ng/mL
Correct Answer: A - Absolute neutrophil count of 1,200/µL
RATIONALE
Clozapine carries a boxed warning for severe neutropenia; an ANC <
1,500/µL mandates holding the drug and immediate provider
notification. The other values represent metabolic monitoring
parameters that require follow-up but do not necessitate immediate
discontinuation.
Question 2
During a group therapy session, a member discloses a specific plan to overdose
on insulin. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Explore the member's feelings about the disclosure with the group.
B. Escort the member from the group and initiate suicide precautions.
C. Document the disclosure and continue the session as scheduled.
D. Ask the group to provide feedback and support to the member.
Correct Answer: B - Escort the member from the group and
initiate suicide precautions.
RATIONALE
A specific, lethal plan constitutes a psychiatric emergency requiring
immediate removal from the group and initiation of one-to-one suicide
precautions. Processing feelings or seeking group support delays
safety interventions and violates the nurse's duty to protect.
Page 2
, Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client with anorexia nervosa who reports palpitations
and muscle weakness. Which electrolyte abnormality is most consistent with
these findings and the client's history?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hyperphosphatemia
Correct Answer: B - Hypokalemia
RATIONALE
Purging behaviors and malnutrition in anorexia nervosa commonly
cause hypokalemia, leading to cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle
weakness. Hypernatremia, hypercalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia are
not typical primary findings in this presentation.
Question 4
Which statement by a client prescribed lithium carbonate indicates a need for
further teaching?
A. "I will maintain a consistent sodium intake."
B. "I should drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid daily."
C. "I can take ibuprofen for headaches."
D. "I will have my lithium level checked regularly."
Correct Answer: C - "I can take ibuprofen for headaches."
RATIONALE
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen reduce renal lithium clearance and can
precipitate toxicity; acetaminophen is a safer alternative. Consistent
sodium and fluid intake and regular level monitoring are appropriate
self-management behaviors.
Page 3
