HESI RN Mental Health Exit Exam 2025 – Verified Questions and Correct Answers with Detailed Rationales

HESI RN Mental Health Exit Exam
2025 – Verified Questions and Correct
Answers with Detailed Rationales

Question 1
A client with major depressive disorder states, "I feel worthless and have no purpose." What is
the nurse’s best response?
A. "You’re not worthless; you have many strengths."
B. "Can you tell me more about how you’re feeling?"
C. "Everyone feels this way sometimes."
D. "Let’s focus on something positive instead."

Correct Answer: B. Can you tell me more about how you’re feeling?
Rationale: This response uses therapeutic communication to encourage the client to express
feelings, promoting trust and exploration of emotions. Option A dismisses the client’s feelings, C
minimizes them, and D redirects without addressing the underlying issue.




Question 2
Which symptom is most indicative of schizophrenia?
A. Persistent low mood
B. Auditory hallucinations
C. Excessive worry
D. Compulsive behaviors

Correct Answer: B. Auditory hallucinations
Rationale: Auditory hallucinations are a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia, particularly
positive symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. Low mood (A) is associated with
depression, excessive worry (C) with anxiety disorders, and compulsive behaviors (D) with
OCD.




Question 3

,A client with bipolar disorder is in a manic episode. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Encourage group activities
B. Provide a quiet, structured environment
C. Administer an antidepressant
D. Engage in lengthy conversations

Correct Answer: B. Provide a quiet, structured environment
Rationale: During a manic episode, a quiet, structured environment reduces stimulation and
promotes safety. Group activities (A) and lengthy conversations (D) may increase agitation, and
antidepressants (C) are not indicated for mania.




Question 4
What is the primary goal of therapeutic communication in mental health nursing?
A. To solve the client’s problems
B. To build a trusting relationship
C. To provide medical advice
D. To enforce treatment compliance

Correct Answer: B. To build a trusting relationship
Rationale: Therapeutic communication aims to establish trust, fostering a safe environment for
clients to express feelings. Solving problems (A), giving medical advice (C), or enforcing
compliance (D) are not the primary goals.




Question 5
A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports palpitations and shortness of breath. What is
the nurse’s first action?
A. Administer an anxiolytic medication
B. Assess the client’s vital signs
C. Teach deep breathing exercises
D. Reassure the client they are safe

Correct Answer: B. Assess the client’s vital signs
Rationale: Assessing vital signs is the priority to rule out physical causes (e.g., cardiac issues)
and establish a baseline. Administering medication (A), teaching exercises (C), or reassurance
(D) follows assessment.




Question 6

, Which medication is commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder to stabilize mood?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Lithium
C. Diazepam
D. Haloperidol

Correct Answer: B. Lithium
Rationale: Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used for bipolar disorder to manage manic
and depressive episodes. Fluoxetine (A) is an antidepressant, diazepam (C) is an anxiolytic, and
haloperidol (D) is an antipsychotic.




Question 7
A client with schizophrenia refuses medication, stating, "It’s poison." What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. "You must take it to get better."
B. "Can you share why you feel it’s poison?"
C. "It’s safe; the doctor prescribed it."
D. "You’ll be discharged if you don’t take it."

Correct Answer: B. Can you share why you feel it’s poison?
Rationale: This response explores the client’s concerns, promoting trust and understanding.
Options A and D are coercive, and C dismisses the client’s fears without addressing them.




Question 8
What is a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A. Weight loss
B. Sexual dysfunction
C. Hypertension
D. Tremors

Correct Answer: B. Sexual dysfunction
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of SSRIs due to serotonin’s impact on
sexual function. Weight loss (A) is less common, hypertension (C) is not typical, and tremors (D)
are more associated with other medications like lithium.




Question 9