HESI MENTAL HEALTH EXAM (2025–2026)
200+ QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS & RATIONALES
1. A male client comes to the emergency center because he has an erection that will
not resolve. The client reports that he is taking trazodone (Desyrel) for insomnia.
Which information is most important for the nurse ask the client?
A. When was the last time you drank alcoholic beverage?
B. Have you taken any medications for erectile dysfunction?
C. Are you having any other sexual dysfunctions or problems?
D. Do you have a history of angina or high blood pressure? - ANSWER--B
2. On admission to the mental health unit, a client diagnosed with schizophrenia tells
the RN that he is the son of god. Based on this statement, which intervention should
the RN include in this client's plan of care?
A. Lead the client by his arm to the seclusion room.
B. Ensure the client's environment is safe.
C. Schedule activity therapy twice a week.
D. Confront his delusion as not consistent with reality. - ANSWER--D
3. The RN on the day shift receive report about a client with depression who was in bed
most of the weekend. The RN walks into the client's room in the morning and finds
the client in bed. What intervention is best for the RN to implement?
A. Monitor the client's appetite and pattern of sleep.
B. Assess the client's feelings about the hospital stay.
C. Assist the client to get out of bed and involved in an activity.
D. Explain that staff will check on the client every 30 minutes. - ANSWER--C
4. Which client information indicates the need for the RN to use CAGE questionnaire
during the admission interview?
A. Client's medication history includes the frequent use of antidepressants.
B. Describe self as a social drinker who drinks alcoholic beverages daily.
C. Reports difficulties with short term memory since traumatic brain injury.
D. Medical history includes that the client was recently sexually assaulted. -
ANSWER--B
5. A female client admitted to the mental health unit starts to shout and scream at the
RN. What is the best approach for the RN to take?
A. Stay quietly with the patient
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, B. Tell her that she is out of control.
C. Distractherbyofferingherfingerfoods.
D. Ignore the client's acting out behavior. - ANSWER--A
6. A woman is brought to the psychiatric clinic by her husband. He reports that his wife
is reluctant to leave home because of what she describes as a fear of open places
and crowds. Which nursing problem applies to this client's behavior?
A. Ineffective protection to guard self from internal or external threats.
B. Risk for injury related to inability to communicate.
C. Risk prone health behavior related to self-esteem assault.
D. Anxiety related to real or perceived threat to physical integrity. - ANSWER--D
7. A client is receiving benztropine mesylate (Cogentin) for drug-induced extrapyramidal
syndrome (EPS). Which finding indicates that the RN should further evaluate the
client?
A. Decreased bowel movements.
B. Presence of a dry mouth.
C. Decreasinghandtremors.
D. Increased mouth movements. - ANSWER--B
8. A male client in the mental health unit is guarded and vaguely answers the nurse's
questions. He isolates in his room and sometimes opens the door to peek into the
hall. Which problem can the RN anticipate?
A. Visual hallucinations.
B. Auditory hallucinations.
C. Excessive motor activity.
D. Delusions of persecution. - ANSWER--D
9. A female client with obsessive compulsive personality disorder is admitted to the
hospital for a cardiac catheterization. The afternoon before the procedure, the client
begins to keep detailed notes of the nursing care she is receiving, and reports her
findings to the RN at bedtime. What action should the nurse implement?
A. Explain to the client that her behavior invades the rights of the nursing staff.
B. Ask the client to explain why she is keeping a detailed record of her nursing
care.
C. Teach the client strategies to control her obsessive compulsive behavior.
D. Encourage the client to express her feelings regarding the upcoming
procedure. - ANSWER--D
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, 10. During admission to the psychiatric unit, a female client is extremely anxious and
states that she is worried about the sun coming up the next day. What intervention is
most important for the RN to implement during the admission process?
A. Assist the client in developing alternative coping skills.
B. Remain calm and use a matter of fact approach.
C. Ask the client why she is so anxious
D. Administer a PRN sedative to help relieve her anxiety. - ANSWER--A
11. A female client is brought to the emergency department after police officers found
her disoriented, disorganized, and confused. The RN also determines that the client is
homeless and is exhibiting suspiciousness. The client's plan of care should include
what priority problem?
A. Acute confusion.
B. Ineffective community coping
C. Disturbed sensory perception.
D. Self-care deficit. - ANSWER--A
12. The occupational health nurse is working with a female employee who was just
notified that her child was involved in a MVA and taken to the hospital. The
employee states, "I can't believe this. What should I do?" Which response is best for
the RN to provide in this crisis?
A. Tell me what you think should happen.
B. How serious was the collision?
C. Whatdoyouthinkyoushoulddo?
D. Call for transportation to the hospital. - ANSWER--D
13. A client tells the RN that he has an IQ of 400+ and is a genius and an inventor. He also
reports that he is married to a female movie star and thinks that his brother wants a
sexual relationship with her. What is the priority nursing problem for admission to
the psychiatric unit?
A. Ineffective sexual patterns.
B. Impaired environmental interpretation.
C. Disturbed sensory perception.
D. Compromised family coping. - ANSWER--A
14. The RN is providing care for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder
who has self-inflicted lacerations on the abdomen. Which approach should the RN
use when changing this client's dressing?
A. Provide detailed thorough explanations when cleansing wound.
B. Perform the dressing change in a non-judgmental manner.
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, C. Ask in a non-threatening manner why the client cut own abdomen.
D. Request another staff member assist with the dressing change. - ANSWER--B
15. While sitting in the day room of the mental health unit, a male adolescent avoids eye
contact, looks at the floor, and talks softly when interacting verbally with the RN. The
two trade places, and the RN demonstrates the client's behaviors. What is the main
goal of this therapeutic technique?
A. Initiate a non-threatening conversation with the client.
B. Dialog about the ineffectiveness of his interactions.
C. Allow the client to identify the way he interacts.
D. Discuss the client's feelings when he responds. - ANSWER--C
16. An antidepressant medication is prescribed for a client who reports sleeping only 4
hours in the past 2 days and weight loss of 9 lbs within the last month. Which client
goal is most important to achieve within the first three days of treatment?
A. Meet scheduled appointment with dietitian.
B. Sleep at least 6 hours a night.
C. Understands the purpose of the medication regimen.
D. Describes the reasons for hospitalization. - ANSWER--B
17. When preparing to administer to domestic violence screening tool to a female client,
which statement should the RN provide?
A. If your partner is abusing you, I need to ask these questions.
B. State law mandates that I ask if you are a victim of domestic violence.
C. The HCP provider needs to know if you are experiencing any domestic abuse.
D. All clients are screened for domestic abuse because it is common in our
society. - ANSWER--D
18. A young adult female visits the mental health clinic complaining of diarrhea,
headache, and muscle aches. She is afebrile, denies chills, and all laboratory findings
are within normal limits. During the physical assessment, the client tells the RN that
her sister thinks she is neurotic and calls her a hypochondriac. Which response is
best for the RN to provide?
A. Unless your sister has a medical education, ignore her comments.
B. I can hear that your sister comments are over-whelming you.
C. Do you think it's possible that you might be a hypochondriac?
D. Besides your sister's comments, what in your life is troubling you? - ANSWER-
-D
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200+ QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS & RATIONALES
1. A male client comes to the emergency center because he has an erection that will
not resolve. The client reports that he is taking trazodone (Desyrel) for insomnia.
Which information is most important for the nurse ask the client?
A. When was the last time you drank alcoholic beverage?
B. Have you taken any medications for erectile dysfunction?
C. Are you having any other sexual dysfunctions or problems?
D. Do you have a history of angina or high blood pressure? - ANSWER--B
2. On admission to the mental health unit, a client diagnosed with schizophrenia tells
the RN that he is the son of god. Based on this statement, which intervention should
the RN include in this client's plan of care?
A. Lead the client by his arm to the seclusion room.
B. Ensure the client's environment is safe.
C. Schedule activity therapy twice a week.
D. Confront his delusion as not consistent with reality. - ANSWER--D
3. The RN on the day shift receive report about a client with depression who was in bed
most of the weekend. The RN walks into the client's room in the morning and finds
the client in bed. What intervention is best for the RN to implement?
A. Monitor the client's appetite and pattern of sleep.
B. Assess the client's feelings about the hospital stay.
C. Assist the client to get out of bed and involved in an activity.
D. Explain that staff will check on the client every 30 minutes. - ANSWER--C
4. Which client information indicates the need for the RN to use CAGE questionnaire
during the admission interview?
A. Client's medication history includes the frequent use of antidepressants.
B. Describe self as a social drinker who drinks alcoholic beverages daily.
C. Reports difficulties with short term memory since traumatic brain injury.
D. Medical history includes that the client was recently sexually assaulted. -
ANSWER--B
5. A female client admitted to the mental health unit starts to shout and scream at the
RN. What is the best approach for the RN to take?
A. Stay quietly with the patient
1|Page
, B. Tell her that she is out of control.
C. Distractherbyofferingherfingerfoods.
D. Ignore the client's acting out behavior. - ANSWER--A
6. A woman is brought to the psychiatric clinic by her husband. He reports that his wife
is reluctant to leave home because of what she describes as a fear of open places
and crowds. Which nursing problem applies to this client's behavior?
A. Ineffective protection to guard self from internal or external threats.
B. Risk for injury related to inability to communicate.
C. Risk prone health behavior related to self-esteem assault.
D. Anxiety related to real or perceived threat to physical integrity. - ANSWER--D
7. A client is receiving benztropine mesylate (Cogentin) for drug-induced extrapyramidal
syndrome (EPS). Which finding indicates that the RN should further evaluate the
client?
A. Decreased bowel movements.
B. Presence of a dry mouth.
C. Decreasinghandtremors.
D. Increased mouth movements. - ANSWER--B
8. A male client in the mental health unit is guarded and vaguely answers the nurse's
questions. He isolates in his room and sometimes opens the door to peek into the
hall. Which problem can the RN anticipate?
A. Visual hallucinations.
B. Auditory hallucinations.
C. Excessive motor activity.
D. Delusions of persecution. - ANSWER--D
9. A female client with obsessive compulsive personality disorder is admitted to the
hospital for a cardiac catheterization. The afternoon before the procedure, the client
begins to keep detailed notes of the nursing care she is receiving, and reports her
findings to the RN at bedtime. What action should the nurse implement?
A. Explain to the client that her behavior invades the rights of the nursing staff.
B. Ask the client to explain why she is keeping a detailed record of her nursing
care.
C. Teach the client strategies to control her obsessive compulsive behavior.
D. Encourage the client to express her feelings regarding the upcoming
procedure. - ANSWER--D
2|Page
, 10. During admission to the psychiatric unit, a female client is extremely anxious and
states that she is worried about the sun coming up the next day. What intervention is
most important for the RN to implement during the admission process?
A. Assist the client in developing alternative coping skills.
B. Remain calm and use a matter of fact approach.
C. Ask the client why she is so anxious
D. Administer a PRN sedative to help relieve her anxiety. - ANSWER--A
11. A female client is brought to the emergency department after police officers found
her disoriented, disorganized, and confused. The RN also determines that the client is
homeless and is exhibiting suspiciousness. The client's plan of care should include
what priority problem?
A. Acute confusion.
B. Ineffective community coping
C. Disturbed sensory perception.
D. Self-care deficit. - ANSWER--A
12. The occupational health nurse is working with a female employee who was just
notified that her child was involved in a MVA and taken to the hospital. The
employee states, "I can't believe this. What should I do?" Which response is best for
the RN to provide in this crisis?
A. Tell me what you think should happen.
B. How serious was the collision?
C. Whatdoyouthinkyoushoulddo?
D. Call for transportation to the hospital. - ANSWER--D
13. A client tells the RN that he has an IQ of 400+ and is a genius and an inventor. He also
reports that he is married to a female movie star and thinks that his brother wants a
sexual relationship with her. What is the priority nursing problem for admission to
the psychiatric unit?
A. Ineffective sexual patterns.
B. Impaired environmental interpretation.
C. Disturbed sensory perception.
D. Compromised family coping. - ANSWER--A
14. The RN is providing care for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder
who has self-inflicted lacerations on the abdomen. Which approach should the RN
use when changing this client's dressing?
A. Provide detailed thorough explanations when cleansing wound.
B. Perform the dressing change in a non-judgmental manner.
3|Page
, C. Ask in a non-threatening manner why the client cut own abdomen.
D. Request another staff member assist with the dressing change. - ANSWER--B
15. While sitting in the day room of the mental health unit, a male adolescent avoids eye
contact, looks at the floor, and talks softly when interacting verbally with the RN. The
two trade places, and the RN demonstrates the client's behaviors. What is the main
goal of this therapeutic technique?
A. Initiate a non-threatening conversation with the client.
B. Dialog about the ineffectiveness of his interactions.
C. Allow the client to identify the way he interacts.
D. Discuss the client's feelings when he responds. - ANSWER--C
16. An antidepressant medication is prescribed for a client who reports sleeping only 4
hours in the past 2 days and weight loss of 9 lbs within the last month. Which client
goal is most important to achieve within the first three days of treatment?
A. Meet scheduled appointment with dietitian.
B. Sleep at least 6 hours a night.
C. Understands the purpose of the medication regimen.
D. Describes the reasons for hospitalization. - ANSWER--B
17. When preparing to administer to domestic violence screening tool to a female client,
which statement should the RN provide?
A. If your partner is abusing you, I need to ask these questions.
B. State law mandates that I ask if you are a victim of domestic violence.
C. The HCP provider needs to know if you are experiencing any domestic abuse.
D. All clients are screened for domestic abuse because it is common in our
society. - ANSWER--D
18. A young adult female visits the mental health clinic complaining of diarrhea,
headache, and muscle aches. She is afebrile, denies chills, and all laboratory findings
are within normal limits. During the physical assessment, the client tells the RN that
her sister thinks she is neurotic and calls her a hypochondriac. Which response is
best for the RN to provide?
A. Unless your sister has a medical education, ignore her comments.
B. I can hear that your sister comments are over-whelming you.
C. Do you think it's possible that you might be a hypochondriac?
D. Besides your sister's comments, what in your life is troubling you? - ANSWER-
-D
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