HESI RN MENTAL HEALTH EXAM 2026/
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES GRADED A+
LATEST
1.
A client with major depressive disorder states, “I feel empty inside and nothing
will ever get better.” What is the nurse’s best therapeutic response?
A. “You should try to focus on the positive things in your life.”
B. “Many people feel this way when they are depressed.”
C. “What has been happening that makes you feel this way?”
D. “You need to remember that depression is treatable.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage expression of feelings and promote
therapeutic communication. Giving advice or reassurance blocks further
discussion.
2.
Which behavior requires immediate nursing intervention in a client diagnosed with
bipolar I disorder?
A. Refusal to attend group therapy
B. Sleeping only 3 hours per night
C. Giving away personal belongings
D. Rapid speech during conversation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Giving away belongings may indicate suicidal ideation and requires
immediate assessment and intervention.
,3.
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing
action is most appropriate?
A. Agree with the hallucinations to build trust
B. Distract the client whenever hallucinations occur
C. Ask the client what the voices are saying
D. Tell the client the voices are not real
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about the content of hallucinations helps assess risk, especially
if voices are commanding harm.
4.
Which medication is commonly prescribed for long-term management of
schizophrenia?
A. Alprazolam
B. Lithium
C. Haloperidol
D. Sertraline
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol are used to manage
schizophrenia symptoms.
5.
A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder repeatedly washes hands until skin
becomes raw. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Set strict limits on handwashing
B. Encourage use of moisturizing lotion
C. Allow ritual behavior initially
D. Redirect client immediately
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Allowing rituals initially helps reduce anxiety while gradually working
toward behavior modification.
6.
Which statement by a client taking lithium indicates a need for immediate follow-
up?
A. “I have mild nausea sometimes.”
B. “I feel thirsty all the time.”
C. “I’ve had diarrhea and hand tremors.”
D. “I urinate more frequently.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Diarrhea and tremors may indicate lithium toxicity and require
immediate evaluation.
7.
A client with PTSD becomes anxious during a thunderstorm. Which nursing action
is most appropriate?
A. Encourage the client to suppress feelings
B. Provide grounding techniques
C. Administer PRN antipsychotic medication
D. Leave the client alone to calm down
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Grounding techniques help the client remain oriented to the present and
reduce anxiety.
, 8.
Which defense mechanism is demonstrated when a client blames coworkers for
their own mistakes?
A. Denial
B. Projection
C. Regression
D. Rationalization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable behaviors or
feelings to others.
9.
A nurse is planning care for a client with anorexia nervosa. Which goal is the
highest priority?
A. Improve body image
B. Increase caloric intake safely
C. Encourage participation in therapy
D. Reduce anxiety during meals
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Physiological stability and nutrition are the priority before
psychological goals.
10.
Which intervention is most effective for managing acute anxiety?
A. Long-term psychotherapy
B. Cognitive restructuring
C. Benzodiazepine administration
D. Behavioral modification
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES GRADED A+
LATEST
1.
A client with major depressive disorder states, “I feel empty inside and nothing
will ever get better.” What is the nurse’s best therapeutic response?
A. “You should try to focus on the positive things in your life.”
B. “Many people feel this way when they are depressed.”
C. “What has been happening that makes you feel this way?”
D. “You need to remember that depression is treatable.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage expression of feelings and promote
therapeutic communication. Giving advice or reassurance blocks further
discussion.
2.
Which behavior requires immediate nursing intervention in a client diagnosed with
bipolar I disorder?
A. Refusal to attend group therapy
B. Sleeping only 3 hours per night
C. Giving away personal belongings
D. Rapid speech during conversation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Giving away belongings may indicate suicidal ideation and requires
immediate assessment and intervention.
,3.
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing
action is most appropriate?
A. Agree with the hallucinations to build trust
B. Distract the client whenever hallucinations occur
C. Ask the client what the voices are saying
D. Tell the client the voices are not real
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about the content of hallucinations helps assess risk, especially
if voices are commanding harm.
4.
Which medication is commonly prescribed for long-term management of
schizophrenia?
A. Alprazolam
B. Lithium
C. Haloperidol
D. Sertraline
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol are used to manage
schizophrenia symptoms.
5.
A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder repeatedly washes hands until skin
becomes raw. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Set strict limits on handwashing
B. Encourage use of moisturizing lotion
C. Allow ritual behavior initially
D. Redirect client immediately
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Allowing rituals initially helps reduce anxiety while gradually working
toward behavior modification.
6.
Which statement by a client taking lithium indicates a need for immediate follow-
up?
A. “I have mild nausea sometimes.”
B. “I feel thirsty all the time.”
C. “I’ve had diarrhea and hand tremors.”
D. “I urinate more frequently.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Diarrhea and tremors may indicate lithium toxicity and require
immediate evaluation.
7.
A client with PTSD becomes anxious during a thunderstorm. Which nursing action
is most appropriate?
A. Encourage the client to suppress feelings
B. Provide grounding techniques
C. Administer PRN antipsychotic medication
D. Leave the client alone to calm down
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Grounding techniques help the client remain oriented to the present and
reduce anxiety.
, 8.
Which defense mechanism is demonstrated when a client blames coworkers for
their own mistakes?
A. Denial
B. Projection
C. Regression
D. Rationalization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable behaviors or
feelings to others.
9.
A nurse is planning care for a client with anorexia nervosa. Which goal is the
highest priority?
A. Improve body image
B. Increase caloric intake safely
C. Encourage participation in therapy
D. Reduce anxiety during meals
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Physiological stability and nutrition are the priority before
psychological goals.
10.
Which intervention is most effective for managing acute anxiety?
A. Long-term psychotherapy
B. Cognitive restructuring
C. Benzodiazepine administration
D. Behavioral modification
