HESI PN MENTAL HEALTH EXAM LEVEL
3 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
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FOUNDATIONS OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION AND THE NURSE-CLIENT
RELATIONSHIP
ANXIETY, STRESS, AND TRAUMA-RELATED DISORDERS
MOOD DISORDERS AND SUICIDE RISK ASSESSMENT
BIPOLAR AND RELATED DISORDERS
PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS AND SCHIZOPHRENIA
SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTIVE DISORDERS
EATING DISORDERS
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDERS
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND MEDICATION SAFETY
LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN MENTAL HEALTH
This examination assesses the practical nursing candidate's
readiness for entry-level psychiatric-mental health nursing practice.
It evaluates therapeutic communication, psychiatric assessment,
psychopharmacology, crisis intervention, legal and ethical standards,
and clinical judgment across the mental health continuum. The test
utilizes multiple-choice, select-all-that-apply, and NGN unfolding
case study formats to measure decision-making, prioritization, and
,critical thinking. Emphasis is placed on real-world application,
evidence-based practice, and managing complex psychiatric
scenarios. Candidates must demonstrate competency in all core
domains to ensure safe and effective mental health care delivery.
SECTION ONE
1. A practical nurse is assisting in the care of a client on a mental
health unit. Which action by the PN demonstrates an
understanding of the therapeutic nurse-client relationship?
A. Sharing personal problems with the client to build trust
B. Accepting a gift from the client to show appreciation
C. Maintaining professional boundaries while showing empathy
D. Socializing with the client during off-duty hours
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: The therapeutic relationship requires maintaining
professional boundaries while demonstrating genuine empathy and
caring. Sharing personal problems blurs boundaries, accepting gifts
violates professional boundaries, and socializing off-duty
constitutes a dual relationship.
2. A client tells the PN, "I don't want to take my medication. You
can't make me." Which response by the PN demonstrates the
therapeutic technique of restating?
A. "Why don't you want to take your medication?"
B. "You don't want to take your medication."
C. "You should take it because the doctor ordered it."
D. "If you don't take it, you won't get better."
, Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Restating involves repeating the main idea of
what the client said to confirm understanding. Asking "why" is
probing and can be confrontational. Telling the client they should
take it or that they won't get better is advice-giving and false
reassurance.
3. A client with depression tells the PN, "I don't see any point in
going on anymore." What is the most appropriate response by
the PN?
A. "You have so much to live for, you just need to think positively."
B. "I understand how you feel, I would feel the same way in your
situation."
C. "Tell me more about what makes you feel this way."
D. "Don't say that, things will get better soon."
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: Encouraging the client to express feelings in more
detail is the most therapeutic response. This open-ended question
allows the client to explore emotions and provides crucial
assessment information about suicidal ideation. False reassurance
(A and D) dismisses feelings. Stating "I understand how you feel"
(B) is nontherapeutic because it assumes the nurse knows what the
client is experiencing.
4. The PN is caring for a client who is withdrawn and avoids eye
contact. Which nursing action is most appropriate to establish
a therapeutic relationship?
, A. Sit with the client in silence for brief periods throughout the day
B. Encourage the client to participate in group activities
immediately
C. Ask the client direct questions about why they are avoiding
interaction
D. Leave the client alone until they are ready to initiate conversation
Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: Sitting with the client in silence demonstrates
acceptance and availability without demanding interaction. This
non-threatening presence helps build trust. Encouraging
immediate group participation may overwhelm the client. Direct
questioning can be perceived as confrontational. Leaving the client
completely alone may be interpreted as rejection.
5. Which statement best describes mental health as a
continuum?
A. A person is either mentally healthy or mentally ill with no
intermediate states
B. Mental health can vary from wellness to significant mental illness
over time
C. Mental illness is always permanent
D. Mental health depends only on the absence of psychiatric
symptoms
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Mental health exists on a continuum, and a
person's functioning and symptoms can change over time. Mental
3 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
FOUNDATIONS OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION AND THE NURSE-CLIENT
RELATIONSHIP
ANXIETY, STRESS, AND TRAUMA-RELATED DISORDERS
MOOD DISORDERS AND SUICIDE RISK ASSESSMENT
BIPOLAR AND RELATED DISORDERS
PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS AND SCHIZOPHRENIA
SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTIVE DISORDERS
EATING DISORDERS
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDERS
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND MEDICATION SAFETY
LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN MENTAL HEALTH
This examination assesses the practical nursing candidate's
readiness for entry-level psychiatric-mental health nursing practice.
It evaluates therapeutic communication, psychiatric assessment,
psychopharmacology, crisis intervention, legal and ethical standards,
and clinical judgment across the mental health continuum. The test
utilizes multiple-choice, select-all-that-apply, and NGN unfolding
case study formats to measure decision-making, prioritization, and
,critical thinking. Emphasis is placed on real-world application,
evidence-based practice, and managing complex psychiatric
scenarios. Candidates must demonstrate competency in all core
domains to ensure safe and effective mental health care delivery.
SECTION ONE
1. A practical nurse is assisting in the care of a client on a mental
health unit. Which action by the PN demonstrates an
understanding of the therapeutic nurse-client relationship?
A. Sharing personal problems with the client to build trust
B. Accepting a gift from the client to show appreciation
C. Maintaining professional boundaries while showing empathy
D. Socializing with the client during off-duty hours
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: The therapeutic relationship requires maintaining
professional boundaries while demonstrating genuine empathy and
caring. Sharing personal problems blurs boundaries, accepting gifts
violates professional boundaries, and socializing off-duty
constitutes a dual relationship.
2. A client tells the PN, "I don't want to take my medication. You
can't make me." Which response by the PN demonstrates the
therapeutic technique of restating?
A. "Why don't you want to take your medication?"
B. "You don't want to take your medication."
C. "You should take it because the doctor ordered it."
D. "If you don't take it, you won't get better."
, Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Restating involves repeating the main idea of
what the client said to confirm understanding. Asking "why" is
probing and can be confrontational. Telling the client they should
take it or that they won't get better is advice-giving and false
reassurance.
3. A client with depression tells the PN, "I don't see any point in
going on anymore." What is the most appropriate response by
the PN?
A. "You have so much to live for, you just need to think positively."
B. "I understand how you feel, I would feel the same way in your
situation."
C. "Tell me more about what makes you feel this way."
D. "Don't say that, things will get better soon."
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: Encouraging the client to express feelings in more
detail is the most therapeutic response. This open-ended question
allows the client to explore emotions and provides crucial
assessment information about suicidal ideation. False reassurance
(A and D) dismisses feelings. Stating "I understand how you feel"
(B) is nontherapeutic because it assumes the nurse knows what the
client is experiencing.
4. The PN is caring for a client who is withdrawn and avoids eye
contact. Which nursing action is most appropriate to establish
a therapeutic relationship?
, A. Sit with the client in silence for brief periods throughout the day
B. Encourage the client to participate in group activities
immediately
C. Ask the client direct questions about why they are avoiding
interaction
D. Leave the client alone until they are ready to initiate conversation
Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: Sitting with the client in silence demonstrates
acceptance and availability without demanding interaction. This
non-threatening presence helps build trust. Encouraging
immediate group participation may overwhelm the client. Direct
questioning can be perceived as confrontational. Leaving the client
completely alone may be interpreted as rejection.
5. Which statement best describes mental health as a
continuum?
A. A person is either mentally healthy or mentally ill with no
intermediate states
B. Mental health can vary from wellness to significant mental illness
over time
C. Mental illness is always permanent
D. Mental health depends only on the absence of psychiatric
symptoms
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Mental health exists on a continuum, and a
person's functioning and symptoms can change over time. Mental
