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2025 HESI Exit Mental Health Exam – Crisis Intervention,
Psych Meds & Therapeutic Communication Questions &
Answers with Rationales | 100% Verified | Graded A+
Question 1:
nurse is assessing a client who expresses suicidal ideation. Which statement by the client indicates the
A
highest risk for suicide?
a) "I feel so hopeless, but I don’t have a plan."
b) "I think about dying, but I wouldn’t do it."
c) "I have a gun at home and plan to use it tonight."
d) "I wish I could sleep and never wake up."
ationale: The statement indicating a specific planand means (a gun and intent to use it tonight)
R
represents the highest suicide risk, requiring immediate intervention.
Question 2:
hich action should the nurse prioritize when a client with schizophrenia reports auditory hallucinations
W
commanding self-harm?
a) Administer an extra dose of antipsychotic medication.
b) Engage the client in a group therapy session.
c) Ensure the client’s safety and initiate one-to-one observation.
d) Encourage the client to ignore the voices.
ationale: Safety is the priority when hallucinationscommand self-harm. One-to-one observation
R
ensures immediate protection while further assessment and treatment are planned.
Question 3:
client taking haloperidol reports muscle stiffness and tremors. The nurse suspects which side effect?
A
a) Akathisia
b) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
,c ) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
d) Serotonin syndrome
ationale: Muscle stiffness and tremors are classicsigns of EPS, a common side effect of typical
R
antipsychotics like haloperidol.
Question 4:
client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor
A
closely?
a) Serum lithium levels
b) Blood glucose levels
c) Platelet count
d) Liver function tests
ationale: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range,and monitoring serum lithium levels is critical to
R
prevent toxicity and ensure efficacy.
Question 5:
hen using therapeutic communication with a client experiencing mania, which response by the nurse is
W
most appropriate?
a) "You need to calm down and stop talking so fast."
b) "Let’s take a moment to focus on one topic at a time."
c) "Why are you so excited today?"
d) "I’ll come back when you’re feeling better."
ationale: Focusing on one topic helps redirect theclient’s energy calmly and maintains engagement
R
without escalating agitation.
Question 6:
client with a history of trauma exhibits hypervigilance and avoidance behaviors. Which approach
A
reflects trauma-informed care?
a) Confronting the client about their avoidance
b) Creating a safe, predictable environment
c) Encouraging immediate discussion of the trauma
d) Assigning the client to a group therapy session
, ationale: Trauma-informed care prioritizes safety and stability, creating an environment that reduces
R
triggers and promotes trust.
Question 7:
client on clozapine reports fever and sore throat. What should the nurse do first?
A
a) Administer an antipyretic medication.
b) Encourage fluid intake.
c) Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
d) Monitor the client’s temperature every 4 hours.
ationale: Fever and sore throat may indicate agranulocytosis,a life-threatening side effect of clozapine,
R
requiring immediate medical attention.
Question 8:
hich statement by a client with schizophrenia indicates a positive symptom?
W
a) "I don’t feel like doing anything today."
b) "I hear voices telling me to hide."
c) "I don’t trust anyone around me."
d) "I can’t concentrate on anything."
ationale: Auditory hallucinations are a positivesymptom of schizophrenia, involving the presence of
R
abnormal perceptions.
Question 9:
nurse is teaching a client about sertraline. Which side effect should the client report immediately?
A
a) Dry mouth
b) Mild nausea
c) Worsening suicidal thoughts
d) Drowsiness
ationale: Worsening suicidal thoughts are a serious side effect of SSRIs like sertraline, requiring
R
immediate reporting to prevent harm.
Question 10:
2025 HESI Exit Mental Health Exam – Crisis Intervention,
Psych Meds & Therapeutic Communication Questions &
Answers with Rationales | 100% Verified | Graded A+
Question 1:
nurse is assessing a client who expresses suicidal ideation. Which statement by the client indicates the
A
highest risk for suicide?
a) "I feel so hopeless, but I don’t have a plan."
b) "I think about dying, but I wouldn’t do it."
c) "I have a gun at home and plan to use it tonight."
d) "I wish I could sleep and never wake up."
ationale: The statement indicating a specific planand means (a gun and intent to use it tonight)
R
represents the highest suicide risk, requiring immediate intervention.
Question 2:
hich action should the nurse prioritize when a client with schizophrenia reports auditory hallucinations
W
commanding self-harm?
a) Administer an extra dose of antipsychotic medication.
b) Engage the client in a group therapy session.
c) Ensure the client’s safety and initiate one-to-one observation.
d) Encourage the client to ignore the voices.
ationale: Safety is the priority when hallucinationscommand self-harm. One-to-one observation
R
ensures immediate protection while further assessment and treatment are planned.
Question 3:
client taking haloperidol reports muscle stiffness and tremors. The nurse suspects which side effect?
A
a) Akathisia
b) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
,c ) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
d) Serotonin syndrome
ationale: Muscle stiffness and tremors are classicsigns of EPS, a common side effect of typical
R
antipsychotics like haloperidol.
Question 4:
client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor
A
closely?
a) Serum lithium levels
b) Blood glucose levels
c) Platelet count
d) Liver function tests
ationale: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range,and monitoring serum lithium levels is critical to
R
prevent toxicity and ensure efficacy.
Question 5:
hen using therapeutic communication with a client experiencing mania, which response by the nurse is
W
most appropriate?
a) "You need to calm down and stop talking so fast."
b) "Let’s take a moment to focus on one topic at a time."
c) "Why are you so excited today?"
d) "I’ll come back when you’re feeling better."
ationale: Focusing on one topic helps redirect theclient’s energy calmly and maintains engagement
R
without escalating agitation.
Question 6:
client with a history of trauma exhibits hypervigilance and avoidance behaviors. Which approach
A
reflects trauma-informed care?
a) Confronting the client about their avoidance
b) Creating a safe, predictable environment
c) Encouraging immediate discussion of the trauma
d) Assigning the client to a group therapy session
, ationale: Trauma-informed care prioritizes safety and stability, creating an environment that reduces
R
triggers and promotes trust.
Question 7:
client on clozapine reports fever and sore throat. What should the nurse do first?
A
a) Administer an antipyretic medication.
b) Encourage fluid intake.
c) Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
d) Monitor the client’s temperature every 4 hours.
ationale: Fever and sore throat may indicate agranulocytosis,a life-threatening side effect of clozapine,
R
requiring immediate medical attention.
Question 8:
hich statement by a client with schizophrenia indicates a positive symptom?
W
a) "I don’t feel like doing anything today."
b) "I hear voices telling me to hide."
c) "I don’t trust anyone around me."
d) "I can’t concentrate on anything."
ationale: Auditory hallucinations are a positivesymptom of schizophrenia, involving the presence of
R
abnormal perceptions.
Question 9:
nurse is teaching a client about sertraline. Which side effect should the client report immediately?
A
a) Dry mouth
b) Mild nausea
c) Worsening suicidal thoughts
d) Drowsiness
ationale: Worsening suicidal thoughts are a serious side effect of SSRIs like sertraline, requiring
R
immediate reporting to prevent harm.
Question 10:
