,HESI PN Mental Health Nursing Content Questions And Answers |
Nursing | 2026/2027
1.** A client with depression tells the PN, "I don't think I can go on living like
this." What is the PN's priority action?
A) Encourage the client to talk about their feelings
B) Notify the client's family of the statement
C) Ask the client if they have a plan to harm themselves
D) Document the statement in the client's chart
**Correct Answer:** C) Ask the client if they have a plan to harm themselves
**Rationale:** The client's statement indicates a potential risk for suicide.
The priority action is to assess for suicidal ideation, including whether the
client has a specific plan, as this guides immediate safety interventions.
---
**2.** A psychiatric nurse understands that maintaining professional
boundaries primarily helps to:
A) Increase personal friendships with clients
B) Promote a safe, therapeutic relationship focused on the client's needs
C) Reduce documentation requirements
D) Improve the nurse's popularity
**Correct Answer:** B) Promote a safe, therapeutic relationship focused on
the client's needs
,**Rationale:** Professional boundaries protect both the client and the nurse
while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. Dual relationships are
inappropriate and boundaries maintain objectivity and trust.
---
**3.** Which statement demonstrates an understanding of recovery-oriented
mental health care?
A) Recovery means symptoms disappear completely
B) Recovery is individualized and focuses on living a meaningful life despite
ongoing challenges
C) Recovery occurs only after hospitalization
D) Recovery depends entirely on medication
**Correct Answer:** B) Recovery is individualized and focuses on living a
meaningful life despite ongoing challenges
**Rationale:** Recovery emphasizes hope, resilience, independence, and
meaningful participation. Clients are active participants in their care and
recovery is collaborative.
---
**4.** A nurse on a mental health unit is assisting with the plan of care for a
newly admitted client who has anorexia nervosa. Which action should the
nurse include in the plan of care?
A) Offer liquid supplements to the client
B) Allow the client to eat only in private
, C) Encourage the client to weigh themselves daily
D) Restrict all physical activity
**Correct Answer:** A) Offer liquid supplements to the client
**Rationale:** Clients with anorexia nervosa may have difficulty consuming
adequate nutrition. Liquid supplements provide essential calories and
nutrients in a less intimidating form. The other options do not support
nutritional rehabilitation.
---
**5.** A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia tells the PN, "I can't take this
medication anymore. It makes me feel like a zombie." What is the PN's best
response?
A) "You must take the medication as prescribed."
B) "I understand. Let's talk about what you're experiencing and discuss this
with your provider."
C) "The medication is necessary for your condition."
D) "That is a common side effect; you'll get used to it."
**Correct Answer:** B) "I understand. Let's talk about what you're
experiencing and discuss this with your provider."
**Rationale:** This response validates the client's feelings, addresses the
concern, and involves the client in their care planning. Medication adherence
is best supported through collaborative problem-solving rather than
directives or dismissiveness.
Nursing | 2026/2027
1.** A client with depression tells the PN, "I don't think I can go on living like
this." What is the PN's priority action?
A) Encourage the client to talk about their feelings
B) Notify the client's family of the statement
C) Ask the client if they have a plan to harm themselves
D) Document the statement in the client's chart
**Correct Answer:** C) Ask the client if they have a plan to harm themselves
**Rationale:** The client's statement indicates a potential risk for suicide.
The priority action is to assess for suicidal ideation, including whether the
client has a specific plan, as this guides immediate safety interventions.
---
**2.** A psychiatric nurse understands that maintaining professional
boundaries primarily helps to:
A) Increase personal friendships with clients
B) Promote a safe, therapeutic relationship focused on the client's needs
C) Reduce documentation requirements
D) Improve the nurse's popularity
**Correct Answer:** B) Promote a safe, therapeutic relationship focused on
the client's needs
,**Rationale:** Professional boundaries protect both the client and the nurse
while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. Dual relationships are
inappropriate and boundaries maintain objectivity and trust.
---
**3.** Which statement demonstrates an understanding of recovery-oriented
mental health care?
A) Recovery means symptoms disappear completely
B) Recovery is individualized and focuses on living a meaningful life despite
ongoing challenges
C) Recovery occurs only after hospitalization
D) Recovery depends entirely on medication
**Correct Answer:** B) Recovery is individualized and focuses on living a
meaningful life despite ongoing challenges
**Rationale:** Recovery emphasizes hope, resilience, independence, and
meaningful participation. Clients are active participants in their care and
recovery is collaborative.
---
**4.** A nurse on a mental health unit is assisting with the plan of care for a
newly admitted client who has anorexia nervosa. Which action should the
nurse include in the plan of care?
A) Offer liquid supplements to the client
B) Allow the client to eat only in private
, C) Encourage the client to weigh themselves daily
D) Restrict all physical activity
**Correct Answer:** A) Offer liquid supplements to the client
**Rationale:** Clients with anorexia nervosa may have difficulty consuming
adequate nutrition. Liquid supplements provide essential calories and
nutrients in a less intimidating form. The other options do not support
nutritional rehabilitation.
---
**5.** A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia tells the PN, "I can't take this
medication anymore. It makes me feel like a zombie." What is the PN's best
response?
A) "You must take the medication as prescribed."
B) "I understand. Let's talk about what you're experiencing and discuss this
with your provider."
C) "The medication is necessary for your condition."
D) "That is a common side effect; you'll get used to it."
**Correct Answer:** B) "I understand. Let's talk about what you're
experiencing and discuss this with your provider."
**Rationale:** This response validates the client's feelings, addresses the
concern, and involves the client in their care planning. Medication adherence
is best supported through collaborative problem-solving rather than
directives or dismissiveness.
