2024 LATEST HESI MENTAL HEALTH FINAL EXAM: COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM WITH CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS AND DETAILED
RATIONALES. GRADED A+. GUARANTEED SUCCESS WITH NGN
MATERIAL
Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a client who is exhibiting symptoms of depression.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a key sign
of depression?
A. Decreased appetite
B. Increased energy
C. Excessive talking
D. Increased libido
Answer: A. Decreased appetite
Rationale: Decreased appetite is a common symptom of depression, as
the individual may have little interest in food. In contrast, increased
energy, excessive talking, and increased libido are not typical signs of
depression and may indicate another mental health disorder such as
mania or hypomania.
Question 2:
A nurse is caring for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD). Which of the following statements by the client should the
nurse identify as an indication that the client’s obsessive thoughts are
worsening?
A. "I spend a lot of time checking locks and windows."
B. "I have to wash my hands 50 times a day."
,C. "I worry about leaving the stove on when I leave the house."
D. "I avoid germs and dirty surfaces."
Answer: B. "I have to wash my hands 50 times a day."
Rationale: The client’s excessive hand-washing (50 times a day) is an
indication of worsening obsessive-compulsive behavior. People with
OCD typically engage in rituals (e.g., washing hands) to relieve anxiety
associated with their obsessive thoughts. The number of times the
behavior is performed can become excessive, impairing daily
functioning.
Question 3:
A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is hearing
voices. The client states, "The voices are telling me to hurt myself."
What is the nurse’s first priority?
A. Offer a distraction to reduce the voices.
B. Assess the client’s intent to harm themselves.
C. Reassure the client that the voices are not real.
D. Inform the client that the voices will go away soon.
Answer: B. Assess the client’s intent to harm themselves.
Rationale: The nurse’s priority is to assess the client’s risk for self-harm.
In any situation where a client expresses thoughts of self-harm or
suicide, the nurse must assess the client’s safety by determining if there
is an active plan or intent to harm themselves.
Question 4:
,A nurse is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Which of the following behaviors would the nurse expect to observe?
A. Excessive worry about multiple areas of life
B. A sudden, intense fear of being in crowded places
C. A sudden, unexpected loss of consciousness
D. Delusions of grandeur
Answer: A. Excessive worry about multiple areas of life
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by
excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life. The
client may experience constant worry, restlessness, and difficulty
concentrating. The other choices represent different disorders (e.g.,
panic disorder, dissociative disorder, and bipolar disorder).
Question 5:
A nurse is providing care to a client with bipolar disorder. The client
has recently been prescribed lithium. Which of the following actions is
a priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Liver function tests
B. Serum sodium levels
C. Serum lithium levels
D. Blood glucose levels
Answer: C. Serum lithium levels
Rationale: The nurse should closely monitor serum lithium levels
because lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the
difference between therapeutic and toxic levels is small. Toxic levels of
lithium can lead to serious complications, so it is crucial to monitor
levels regularly.
, Question 6:
A nurse is preparing a care plan for a client with a diagnosis of post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which of the following interventions
should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A. Encourage the client to avoid talking about the traumatic event.
B. Teach the client grounding techniques to help manage flashbacks.
C. Discourage the client from engaging in physical activities.
D. Recommend that the client avoid support groups.
Answer: B. Teach the client grounding techniques to help manage
flashbacks.
Rationale: Grounding techniques, such as deep breathing or focusing
on surroundings, can help the client stay connected to the present
moment and reduce the intensity of flashbacks. Encouraging the client
to talk about the trauma at their own pace and supporting involvement
in physical activity and support groups are beneficial for recovery.
Question 7:
A nurse is caring for a client who has borderline personality disorder.
Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Preoccupation with rules and orderliness
B. Impulsive behaviors and unstable relationships
C. A sense of superiority and entitlement
D. Lack of interest in social relationships
Answer: B. Impulsive behaviors and unstable relationships
EXAM WITH CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS AND DETAILED
RATIONALES. GRADED A+. GUARANTEED SUCCESS WITH NGN
MATERIAL
Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a client who is exhibiting symptoms of depression.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a key sign
of depression?
A. Decreased appetite
B. Increased energy
C. Excessive talking
D. Increased libido
Answer: A. Decreased appetite
Rationale: Decreased appetite is a common symptom of depression, as
the individual may have little interest in food. In contrast, increased
energy, excessive talking, and increased libido are not typical signs of
depression and may indicate another mental health disorder such as
mania or hypomania.
Question 2:
A nurse is caring for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD). Which of the following statements by the client should the
nurse identify as an indication that the client’s obsessive thoughts are
worsening?
A. "I spend a lot of time checking locks and windows."
B. "I have to wash my hands 50 times a day."
,C. "I worry about leaving the stove on when I leave the house."
D. "I avoid germs and dirty surfaces."
Answer: B. "I have to wash my hands 50 times a day."
Rationale: The client’s excessive hand-washing (50 times a day) is an
indication of worsening obsessive-compulsive behavior. People with
OCD typically engage in rituals (e.g., washing hands) to relieve anxiety
associated with their obsessive thoughts. The number of times the
behavior is performed can become excessive, impairing daily
functioning.
Question 3:
A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is hearing
voices. The client states, "The voices are telling me to hurt myself."
What is the nurse’s first priority?
A. Offer a distraction to reduce the voices.
B. Assess the client’s intent to harm themselves.
C. Reassure the client that the voices are not real.
D. Inform the client that the voices will go away soon.
Answer: B. Assess the client’s intent to harm themselves.
Rationale: The nurse’s priority is to assess the client’s risk for self-harm.
In any situation where a client expresses thoughts of self-harm or
suicide, the nurse must assess the client’s safety by determining if there
is an active plan or intent to harm themselves.
Question 4:
,A nurse is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Which of the following behaviors would the nurse expect to observe?
A. Excessive worry about multiple areas of life
B. A sudden, intense fear of being in crowded places
C. A sudden, unexpected loss of consciousness
D. Delusions of grandeur
Answer: A. Excessive worry about multiple areas of life
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by
excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life. The
client may experience constant worry, restlessness, and difficulty
concentrating. The other choices represent different disorders (e.g.,
panic disorder, dissociative disorder, and bipolar disorder).
Question 5:
A nurse is providing care to a client with bipolar disorder. The client
has recently been prescribed lithium. Which of the following actions is
a priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Liver function tests
B. Serum sodium levels
C. Serum lithium levels
D. Blood glucose levels
Answer: C. Serum lithium levels
Rationale: The nurse should closely monitor serum lithium levels
because lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the
difference between therapeutic and toxic levels is small. Toxic levels of
lithium can lead to serious complications, so it is crucial to monitor
levels regularly.
, Question 6:
A nurse is preparing a care plan for a client with a diagnosis of post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which of the following interventions
should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A. Encourage the client to avoid talking about the traumatic event.
B. Teach the client grounding techniques to help manage flashbacks.
C. Discourage the client from engaging in physical activities.
D. Recommend that the client avoid support groups.
Answer: B. Teach the client grounding techniques to help manage
flashbacks.
Rationale: Grounding techniques, such as deep breathing or focusing
on surroundings, can help the client stay connected to the present
moment and reduce the intensity of flashbacks. Encouraging the client
to talk about the trauma at their own pace and supporting involvement
in physical activity and support groups are beneficial for recovery.
Question 7:
A nurse is caring for a client who has borderline personality disorder.
Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Preoccupation with rules and orderliness
B. Impulsive behaviors and unstable relationships
C. A sense of superiority and entitlement
D. Lack of interest in social relationships
Answer: B. Impulsive behaviors and unstable relationships
