HESI PN Psychiatric/Mental Health
Nursing Exam (2025/2026)
Section 1: Introduction
This document provides a verified solution set for the HESI PN Psychiatric/Mental
Health Nursing Exam, tailored for the 2025/2026 version. It includes key questions
and answers aligned with the exam's focus on psychiatric nursing principles,
therapeutic communication, and patient care scenarios. Designed to help practical
nursing students achieve a high score, this Exam reflects current standards of
psychiatric nursing resources.
Section 2: Exam Content and Responses
1 Question: What is the primary goal of therapeutic communication with a psychiatric
client?
• A. Establish trust and promote autonomy
• B. Provide advice and solutions
• C. Enforce strict rules
• D. Complete documentation quickly
Correct Answer: A. Establish trust and promote autonomy
Rationale: Therapeutic communication aims to build trust and support client
autonomy, fostering a safe environment for care.
2 Question: Which communication technique involves restating the client’s message to
clarify understanding?
• A. Offering self
• B. Active listening
• C. Paraphrasing
• D. Giving advice
Correct Answer: C. Paraphrasing
Rationale: Paraphrasing helps confirm understanding by restating the client’s words
in the nurse’s own terms.
3 Question: A client with anxiety says, “I can’t handle this anymore.” What is the best nurse
response?
• A. “You need to calm down right now”
• B. “I’m here with you; can you tell me more?”
• C. “That’s not true, you’re doing fine”
• D. “Let me solve this for you”
Correct Answer: B. “I’m here with you; can you tell me more?”
, Rationale: This response provides support and encourages the client to express their
feelings, enhancing therapeutic interaction.
4 Question: How should the nurse respond to a client who becomes verbally abusive?
• A. Ignore the client and walk away
• B. Redirect the client calmly and set limits
• C. Argue back to assert authority
• D. Administer medication immediately
Correct Answer: B. Redirect the client calmly and set limits
Rationale: Calm redirection and setting limits help de-escalate the situation while
maintaining a therapeutic approach.
5 Question: What nonverbal behavior best demonstrates empathy to a client?
• A. Crossed arms and nodding
• B. Maintaining eye contact and a relaxed posture
• C. Looking away while speaking
• D. Pointing fingers during conversation
Correct Answer: B. Maintaining eye contact and a relaxed posture
Rationale: This nonverbal cue shows attentiveness and openness, fostering a
connection with the client.
6 Question: A client with paranoid schizophrenia complains of chest pain. What should the
nurse do first?
• A. Ignore the complaint as a delusion
• B. Assess vital signs and chest pain
• C. Refer to a psychiatrist immediately
• D. Administer an antipsychotic
Correct Answer: B. Assess vital signs and chest pain
Rationale: Assessing physical complaints is critical to rule out medical issues, even
in psychiatric settings.
7 Question: What is the priority nursing intervention for a client experiencing acute panic?
• A. Encourage group therapy
• B. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
• C. Administer sedatives without assessment
• D. Leave the client to calm down alone
Correct Answer: B. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
Rationale: Staying with the client offers immediate support, reducing anxiety during
a panic episode.
8 Question: A client with depression refuses to eat. What is the nurse’s initial action?
• A. Force-feed the client
• B. Assess the client’s feelings and appetite
• C. Document the refusal and move on
Nursing Exam (2025/2026)
Section 1: Introduction
This document provides a verified solution set for the HESI PN Psychiatric/Mental
Health Nursing Exam, tailored for the 2025/2026 version. It includes key questions
and answers aligned with the exam's focus on psychiatric nursing principles,
therapeutic communication, and patient care scenarios. Designed to help practical
nursing students achieve a high score, this Exam reflects current standards of
psychiatric nursing resources.
Section 2: Exam Content and Responses
1 Question: What is the primary goal of therapeutic communication with a psychiatric
client?
• A. Establish trust and promote autonomy
• B. Provide advice and solutions
• C. Enforce strict rules
• D. Complete documentation quickly
Correct Answer: A. Establish trust and promote autonomy
Rationale: Therapeutic communication aims to build trust and support client
autonomy, fostering a safe environment for care.
2 Question: Which communication technique involves restating the client’s message to
clarify understanding?
• A. Offering self
• B. Active listening
• C. Paraphrasing
• D. Giving advice
Correct Answer: C. Paraphrasing
Rationale: Paraphrasing helps confirm understanding by restating the client’s words
in the nurse’s own terms.
3 Question: A client with anxiety says, “I can’t handle this anymore.” What is the best nurse
response?
• A. “You need to calm down right now”
• B. “I’m here with you; can you tell me more?”
• C. “That’s not true, you’re doing fine”
• D. “Let me solve this for you”
Correct Answer: B. “I’m here with you; can you tell me more?”
, Rationale: This response provides support and encourages the client to express their
feelings, enhancing therapeutic interaction.
4 Question: How should the nurse respond to a client who becomes verbally abusive?
• A. Ignore the client and walk away
• B. Redirect the client calmly and set limits
• C. Argue back to assert authority
• D. Administer medication immediately
Correct Answer: B. Redirect the client calmly and set limits
Rationale: Calm redirection and setting limits help de-escalate the situation while
maintaining a therapeutic approach.
5 Question: What nonverbal behavior best demonstrates empathy to a client?
• A. Crossed arms and nodding
• B. Maintaining eye contact and a relaxed posture
• C. Looking away while speaking
• D. Pointing fingers during conversation
Correct Answer: B. Maintaining eye contact and a relaxed posture
Rationale: This nonverbal cue shows attentiveness and openness, fostering a
connection with the client.
6 Question: A client with paranoid schizophrenia complains of chest pain. What should the
nurse do first?
• A. Ignore the complaint as a delusion
• B. Assess vital signs and chest pain
• C. Refer to a psychiatrist immediately
• D. Administer an antipsychotic
Correct Answer: B. Assess vital signs and chest pain
Rationale: Assessing physical complaints is critical to rule out medical issues, even
in psychiatric settings.
7 Question: What is the priority nursing intervention for a client experiencing acute panic?
• A. Encourage group therapy
• B. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
• C. Administer sedatives without assessment
• D. Leave the client to calm down alone
Correct Answer: B. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
Rationale: Staying with the client offers immediate support, reducing anxiety during
a panic episode.
8 Question: A client with depression refuses to eat. What is the nurse’s initial action?
• A. Force-feed the client
• B. Assess the client’s feelings and appetite
• C. Document the refusal and move on
