HESI RN Mental Health Exam Prep
Questions & Knowledge Review
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A client with schizophrenia states, “The FBI has planted cameras in my room.” What is the
nurse’s best response?
A. “That’s not true, there are no cameras.”
✔✔B. “It sounds like you feel unsafe right now.”
C. “Why do you think they would do that?”
D. “Ignore those thoughts and they will go away.”
A client with bipolar disorder presents with pressured speech, pacing, and little need for sleep.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Offer the client group activities.
✔✔B. Provide a quiet environment with minimal stimulation.
C. Ask the client to explain their thoughts.
D. Encourage lengthy discussions about feelings.
1
,A client recently started on haloperidol develops muscle stiffness, fever, and confusion. What
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Serotonin syndrome
✔✔B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Akathisia
A client reports taking fluoxetine for one week but feels no change. What is the best nurse
response?
A. “Stop the medication and try another.”
✔✔B. “It may take several weeks to notice improvement.”
C. “Increase your dosage without consulting your provider.”
D. “The medication is not working for you.”
A client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is at greatest risk for which complication?
A. Depression
B. Aggression
✔✔C. Seizures
2
,D. Overhydration
A client with OCD repeatedly checks the door lock. What is the best nursing intervention?
A. Remove the lock from the door.
✔✔B. Allow checking but set time limits.
C. Ignore the ritual completely.
D. Force the client to stop immediately.
A client states, “I want to kill myself tonight.” What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Notify the family.
✔✔B. Assess the client’s suicide plan and means.
C. Encourage the client to rest.
D. Suggest a relaxation activity.
A client with depression has not eaten for 2 days. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Offer large family-style meals.
✔✔B. Provide small, frequent, high-calorie foods.
C. Ask the client to wait until hungry.
3
, D. Avoid addressing food until the client requests it.
A client on lithium reports diarrhea, vomiting, and unsteady gait. What should the nurse do first?
A. Encourage oral fluids.
✔✔B. Hold the dose and notify the provider.
C. Reassure the client these are normal effects.
D. Continue giving the next dose as scheduled.
A client with schizophrenia is laughing and talking to themselves while sitting alone. What is the
nurse’s best response?
A. “You’re imagining things again.”
✔✔B. “Are you hearing voices right now?”
C. “You should stop laughing like that.”
D. “Don’t pay attention to those voices.”
A nurse teaching about MAOIs should advise clients to avoid which foods?
A. Citrus fruits
✔✔B. Aged cheeses and processed meats
4
Questions & Knowledge Review
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A client with schizophrenia states, “The FBI has planted cameras in my room.” What is the
nurse’s best response?
A. “That’s not true, there are no cameras.”
✔✔B. “It sounds like you feel unsafe right now.”
C. “Why do you think they would do that?”
D. “Ignore those thoughts and they will go away.”
A client with bipolar disorder presents with pressured speech, pacing, and little need for sleep.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Offer the client group activities.
✔✔B. Provide a quiet environment with minimal stimulation.
C. Ask the client to explain their thoughts.
D. Encourage lengthy discussions about feelings.
1
,A client recently started on haloperidol develops muscle stiffness, fever, and confusion. What
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Serotonin syndrome
✔✔B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Akathisia
A client reports taking fluoxetine for one week but feels no change. What is the best nurse
response?
A. “Stop the medication and try another.”
✔✔B. “It may take several weeks to notice improvement.”
C. “Increase your dosage without consulting your provider.”
D. “The medication is not working for you.”
A client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is at greatest risk for which complication?
A. Depression
B. Aggression
✔✔C. Seizures
2
,D. Overhydration
A client with OCD repeatedly checks the door lock. What is the best nursing intervention?
A. Remove the lock from the door.
✔✔B. Allow checking but set time limits.
C. Ignore the ritual completely.
D. Force the client to stop immediately.
A client states, “I want to kill myself tonight.” What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Notify the family.
✔✔B. Assess the client’s suicide plan and means.
C. Encourage the client to rest.
D. Suggest a relaxation activity.
A client with depression has not eaten for 2 days. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Offer large family-style meals.
✔✔B. Provide small, frequent, high-calorie foods.
C. Ask the client to wait until hungry.
3
, D. Avoid addressing food until the client requests it.
A client on lithium reports diarrhea, vomiting, and unsteady gait. What should the nurse do first?
A. Encourage oral fluids.
✔✔B. Hold the dose and notify the provider.
C. Reassure the client these are normal effects.
D. Continue giving the next dose as scheduled.
A client with schizophrenia is laughing and talking to themselves while sitting alone. What is the
nurse’s best response?
A. “You’re imagining things again.”
✔✔B. “Are you hearing voices right now?”
C. “You should stop laughing like that.”
D. “Don’t pay attention to those voices.”
A nurse teaching about MAOIs should advise clients to avoid which foods?
A. Citrus fruits
✔✔B. Aged cheeses and processed meats
4
