Created by FutureBright
HESI Mental Health Exam Questions
and verified Answers) ACTUAL EXAM
TEST!! REAL EXAM A+ GRADE
1. A client with schizophrenia is having auditory hallucinations. Which response
by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. "Why do you think you are hearing voices?"
B. "I don't hear the voices, but I understand you do."
C. "The voices aren't real, so just ignore them."
D. "Are the voices telling you to hurt yourself?"
2. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder states, “I feel hopeless.”
What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Encourage the client to take a nap
B. Discuss ways to improve self-esteem
C. Assess for suicidal ideation
D. Ask about family support systems
3. Which defense mechanism is being used when a patient who is angry at their
boss yells at their spouse instead?
A. Projection
B. Displacement
C. Sublimation
D. Regression
,Created by FutureBright
4. A client is pacing and shouting in the hallway. What should the nurse do first?
A. Calmly approach and offer to talk in a quiet area
B. Call security immediately
C. Restrain the client
D. Ignore the behavior until it escalates
5. A nurse is teaching a group about bipolar disorder. Which behavior best
indicates manic phase?
A. Lack of energy
B. Suspiciousness
C. Excessive talking and spending
D. Poor concentration
6. Which finding is most consistent with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
A. Persistent, excessive worry for more than 6 months
B. Sudden, brief panic attacks
C. Recurrent intrusive thoughts
D. Fear of social situations
7. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder repeatedly checks the door lock.
What is the best initial nursing response?
A. Distract the client with a game
B. Tell the client to stop
C. Encourage expression of feelings
D. Allow time for the ritual and then gradually limit it
8. Which dietary instruction is most important for a client taking MAOIs?
A. Avoid milk and dairy products
B. Increase protein intake
, Created by FutureBright
C. Limit caffeine intake
D. Avoid foods high in tyramine (e.g., aged cheese, wine)
9. Which symptom is most indicative of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
(NMS)?
A. Restlessness and pacing
B. High fever and muscle rigidity
C. Dry mouth and blurred vision
D. Increased salivation and tremors
10. What is the most therapeutic response to a patient saying, “I want to die”?
A. “That’s not a good thing to say.”
B. “You’re just feeling down right now.”
C. “Tell me more about how you're feeling.”
D. “You have so much to live for.”
11. A client with PTSD reports nightmares and flashbacks. What is the nurse’s
best intervention?
A. Encourage the client to avoid talking about the trauma
B. Provide a calm, safe environment and encourage verbalization of
feelings
C. Suggest the client use substances to relax
D. Limit contact with family and friends
12. Which symptom is typical of a manic episode?
A. Fatigue
B. Grandiosity
C. Social withdrawal
D. Psychomotor retardation
HESI Mental Health Exam Questions
and verified Answers) ACTUAL EXAM
TEST!! REAL EXAM A+ GRADE
1. A client with schizophrenia is having auditory hallucinations. Which response
by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. "Why do you think you are hearing voices?"
B. "I don't hear the voices, but I understand you do."
C. "The voices aren't real, so just ignore them."
D. "Are the voices telling you to hurt yourself?"
2. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder states, “I feel hopeless.”
What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Encourage the client to take a nap
B. Discuss ways to improve self-esteem
C. Assess for suicidal ideation
D. Ask about family support systems
3. Which defense mechanism is being used when a patient who is angry at their
boss yells at their spouse instead?
A. Projection
B. Displacement
C. Sublimation
D. Regression
,Created by FutureBright
4. A client is pacing and shouting in the hallway. What should the nurse do first?
A. Calmly approach and offer to talk in a quiet area
B. Call security immediately
C. Restrain the client
D. Ignore the behavior until it escalates
5. A nurse is teaching a group about bipolar disorder. Which behavior best
indicates manic phase?
A. Lack of energy
B. Suspiciousness
C. Excessive talking and spending
D. Poor concentration
6. Which finding is most consistent with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
A. Persistent, excessive worry for more than 6 months
B. Sudden, brief panic attacks
C. Recurrent intrusive thoughts
D. Fear of social situations
7. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder repeatedly checks the door lock.
What is the best initial nursing response?
A. Distract the client with a game
B. Tell the client to stop
C. Encourage expression of feelings
D. Allow time for the ritual and then gradually limit it
8. Which dietary instruction is most important for a client taking MAOIs?
A. Avoid milk and dairy products
B. Increase protein intake
, Created by FutureBright
C. Limit caffeine intake
D. Avoid foods high in tyramine (e.g., aged cheese, wine)
9. Which symptom is most indicative of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
(NMS)?
A. Restlessness and pacing
B. High fever and muscle rigidity
C. Dry mouth and blurred vision
D. Increased salivation and tremors
10. What is the most therapeutic response to a patient saying, “I want to die”?
A. “That’s not a good thing to say.”
B. “You’re just feeling down right now.”
C. “Tell me more about how you're feeling.”
D. “You have so much to live for.”
11. A client with PTSD reports nightmares and flashbacks. What is the nurse’s
best intervention?
A. Encourage the client to avoid talking about the trauma
B. Provide a calm, safe environment and encourage verbalization of
feelings
C. Suggest the client use substances to relax
D. Limit contact with family and friends
12. Which symptom is typical of a manic episode?
A. Fatigue
B. Grandiosity
C. Social withdrawal
D. Psychomotor retardation
