1
HESI Exit Exam Bank on Anxiety,
Depression & Crisis Intervention
Techniques
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Assessment and Diagnosis of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders. 2
Subtopic 2: Pharmacological Management of Anxiety and Depression.........11
Subtopic 3: Psychotherapeutic Approaches in Anxiety and Depression
Management..................................................................................................20
Subtopic 4: Crisis Intervention and Acute Stabilization Strategies................30
Subtopic 5: Suicide Prevention and Risk Assessment....................................39
Subtopic 6: Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Health Emergencies................48
Subtopic 7: Substance Use and Dual Diagnosis Management in Mental Health
.......................................................................................................................57
Subtopic 8: Trauma-Informed Care and Abuse Response Strategies.............67
Subtopic 9: Suicide Risk Assessment and Prevention Strategies...................76
Subtopic 10: Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Management of Anxiety
& Depression..................................................................................................85
, 2
Subtopic 1: Assessment and Diagnosis of
Anxiety and Depressive Disorders
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient who reports chronic worry, restlessness,
fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are most consistent
with which diagnosis?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Major Depressive Disorder
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Correct Answer: B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Rationale: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive
anxiety and worry for more than 6 months, often accompanied by
restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.
Question 2
Which screening tool is commonly used in primary care to detect symptoms
of depression?
A. GAD-7
B. DSM-5
C. PHQ-9
D. HAMD
Correct Answer: C. PHQ-9
, 3
Rationale: The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) is a validated screening
tool for detecting depression and assessing its severity in clinical settings.
Question 3
A patient with suspected depression reports anhedonia. What does this term
refer to?
A. Trouble sleeping
B. Suicidal thoughts
C. Loss of interest or pleasure
D. Feelings of worthlessness
Correct Answer: C. Loss of interest or pleasure
Rationale: Anhedonia is a hallmark symptom of depression and refers to a
diminished interest or pleasure in activities that are usually enjoyable.
Question 4
Which of the following findings is most indicative of a panic attack?
A. Sadness and withdrawal
B. Sudden onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, and fear of dying
C. Continuous worry for months
D. Compulsive hand washing
Correct Answer: B. Sudden onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, and fear
of dying
Rationale: Panic attacks present with intense fear and physical symptoms
that peak within minutes, often mimicking cardiac events.
, 4
Question 5
When assessing a client with major depressive disorder, which cognitive
symptom is most commonly observed?
A. Compulsive behaviors
B. Hopelessness and guilt
C. Paranoia
D. Grandiosity
Correct Answer: B. Hopelessness and guilt
Rationale: Clients with depression frequently express feelings of guilt,
hopelessness, and worthlessness, which are cognitive symptoms of the
disorder.
Question 6
A patient describes intense fear of being in public spaces where escape
might be difficult. Which disorder is most likely?
A. Specific Phobia
B. Agoraphobia
C. PTSD
D. GAD
Correct Answer: B. Agoraphobia
Rationale: Agoraphobia involves anxiety about situations like crowds or open
spaces, often leading to avoidance of these settings.
HESI Exit Exam Bank on Anxiety,
Depression & Crisis Intervention
Techniques
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Assessment and Diagnosis of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders. 2
Subtopic 2: Pharmacological Management of Anxiety and Depression.........11
Subtopic 3: Psychotherapeutic Approaches in Anxiety and Depression
Management..................................................................................................20
Subtopic 4: Crisis Intervention and Acute Stabilization Strategies................30
Subtopic 5: Suicide Prevention and Risk Assessment....................................39
Subtopic 6: Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Health Emergencies................48
Subtopic 7: Substance Use and Dual Diagnosis Management in Mental Health
.......................................................................................................................57
Subtopic 8: Trauma-Informed Care and Abuse Response Strategies.............67
Subtopic 9: Suicide Risk Assessment and Prevention Strategies...................76
Subtopic 10: Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Management of Anxiety
& Depression..................................................................................................85
, 2
Subtopic 1: Assessment and Diagnosis of
Anxiety and Depressive Disorders
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient who reports chronic worry, restlessness,
fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are most consistent
with which diagnosis?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Major Depressive Disorder
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Correct Answer: B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Rationale: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive
anxiety and worry for more than 6 months, often accompanied by
restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.
Question 2
Which screening tool is commonly used in primary care to detect symptoms
of depression?
A. GAD-7
B. DSM-5
C. PHQ-9
D. HAMD
Correct Answer: C. PHQ-9
, 3
Rationale: The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) is a validated screening
tool for detecting depression and assessing its severity in clinical settings.
Question 3
A patient with suspected depression reports anhedonia. What does this term
refer to?
A. Trouble sleeping
B. Suicidal thoughts
C. Loss of interest or pleasure
D. Feelings of worthlessness
Correct Answer: C. Loss of interest or pleasure
Rationale: Anhedonia is a hallmark symptom of depression and refers to a
diminished interest or pleasure in activities that are usually enjoyable.
Question 4
Which of the following findings is most indicative of a panic attack?
A. Sadness and withdrawal
B. Sudden onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, and fear of dying
C. Continuous worry for months
D. Compulsive hand washing
Correct Answer: B. Sudden onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, and fear
of dying
Rationale: Panic attacks present with intense fear and physical symptoms
that peak within minutes, often mimicking cardiac events.
, 4
Question 5
When assessing a client with major depressive disorder, which cognitive
symptom is most commonly observed?
A. Compulsive behaviors
B. Hopelessness and guilt
C. Paranoia
D. Grandiosity
Correct Answer: B. Hopelessness and guilt
Rationale: Clients with depression frequently express feelings of guilt,
hopelessness, and worthlessness, which are cognitive symptoms of the
disorder.
Question 6
A patient describes intense fear of being in public spaces where escape
might be difficult. Which disorder is most likely?
A. Specific Phobia
B. Agoraphobia
C. PTSD
D. GAD
Correct Answer: B. Agoraphobia
Rationale: Agoraphobia involves anxiety about situations like crowds or open
spaces, often leading to avoidance of these settings.
