MENTAL HEALTH/PSYCH HESI EXAM 2025/2026
WITH 100% ACCURATE ANSWERS
1. What is the best initial action for a nurse to take when a client with bipolar
disorder exhibits aggressive behavior?
Review the medication record for an antipsychotic drug.
Redirect the client by offering an activity such as playing card
games.
Have the staff escort the client to his room.
Tell the client that his behavior will be documented in his record.
2. A client believes that his health care provider is an FBI agent and that his
apartment is a site for slave trading. The client believes that the FBI has
cameras in the apartment, so it is not safe to return there. Based on these
symptoms, which class of medication is most likely to be prescribed for this
client?
Sedative-hypnotic
Antianxiety medication
Mood stabilizer
Antipsychotic
3. Why is establishing trust through greeting the client by name considered
the most important intervention for clients with paranoia and psychosis?
It helps to build rapport and reduce feelings of suspicion.
It distracts the client from their symptoms.
,It encourages the client to participate in group activities.
, It allows the nurse to assess the client's mental state.
4. What is the diagnosis formulated for the client who suddenly becomes
disoriented and fearful in the critical care unit?
Delirium tremens
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Confusion related to ICU psychosis
Acute anxiety disorder
5. Describe the defense mechanism of identification and provide an example
of how it might manifest in a client with mental health issues.
Identification is a defense mechanism where an individual
attempts to emulate the traits or behaviors of another person,
often as a way to cope with their own insecurities or issues. For
example, a client may start dressing like a nurse they admire and
adopt similar mannerisms.
Identification involves the involuntary exclusion of painful thoughts
or memories from one's awareness, such as forgetting a traumatic
event.
Identification refers to incorporating the values or qualities of an
admired person into one's own ego structure, such as adopting a
mentor's beliefs.
Identification is the process of substituting an unacceptable feeling
for one that is more socially acceptable, like expressing anger as
frustration.
6. Why is it important to provide a structured environment for clients
experiencing a manic episode in bipolar disorder?
, A structured environment promotes competitive activities to engage
the client.
A structured environment allows for the exploration of feelings and
emotions.
A structured environment helps to minimize stimuli and reduce the
risk of impulsive behaviors.
A structured environment encourages social interaction and
decision-making.
7. What is the nurse's legal responsibility when suspecting child abuse?
Report any case of suspected child abuse.
Confirm suspicions of abuse with the health care provider.
Document injuries to confirm suspected abuse.
Obtain objective data such as radiographs before reporting.
8. In a scenario where a client expresses a belief that they are a famous
historical figure, which intervention would best align with the principles of
mental health nursing?
Challenge the client to prove their identity.
Acknowledge the client's feelings while redirecting the
conversation.
Ignore the client's statements to avoid confrontation.
Encourage the client to discuss their delusions in detail.
9. Why is it important for clients taking atypical antipsychotic medications to
maintain a balanced diet and exercise?
To prevent significant weight gain associated with the medication.
WITH 100% ACCURATE ANSWERS
1. What is the best initial action for a nurse to take when a client with bipolar
disorder exhibits aggressive behavior?
Review the medication record for an antipsychotic drug.
Redirect the client by offering an activity such as playing card
games.
Have the staff escort the client to his room.
Tell the client that his behavior will be documented in his record.
2. A client believes that his health care provider is an FBI agent and that his
apartment is a site for slave trading. The client believes that the FBI has
cameras in the apartment, so it is not safe to return there. Based on these
symptoms, which class of medication is most likely to be prescribed for this
client?
Sedative-hypnotic
Antianxiety medication
Mood stabilizer
Antipsychotic
3. Why is establishing trust through greeting the client by name considered
the most important intervention for clients with paranoia and psychosis?
It helps to build rapport and reduce feelings of suspicion.
It distracts the client from their symptoms.
,It encourages the client to participate in group activities.
, It allows the nurse to assess the client's mental state.
4. What is the diagnosis formulated for the client who suddenly becomes
disoriented and fearful in the critical care unit?
Delirium tremens
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Confusion related to ICU psychosis
Acute anxiety disorder
5. Describe the defense mechanism of identification and provide an example
of how it might manifest in a client with mental health issues.
Identification is a defense mechanism where an individual
attempts to emulate the traits or behaviors of another person,
often as a way to cope with their own insecurities or issues. For
example, a client may start dressing like a nurse they admire and
adopt similar mannerisms.
Identification involves the involuntary exclusion of painful thoughts
or memories from one's awareness, such as forgetting a traumatic
event.
Identification refers to incorporating the values or qualities of an
admired person into one's own ego structure, such as adopting a
mentor's beliefs.
Identification is the process of substituting an unacceptable feeling
for one that is more socially acceptable, like expressing anger as
frustration.
6. Why is it important to provide a structured environment for clients
experiencing a manic episode in bipolar disorder?
, A structured environment promotes competitive activities to engage
the client.
A structured environment allows for the exploration of feelings and
emotions.
A structured environment helps to minimize stimuli and reduce the
risk of impulsive behaviors.
A structured environment encourages social interaction and
decision-making.
7. What is the nurse's legal responsibility when suspecting child abuse?
Report any case of suspected child abuse.
Confirm suspicions of abuse with the health care provider.
Document injuries to confirm suspected abuse.
Obtain objective data such as radiographs before reporting.
8. In a scenario where a client expresses a belief that they are a famous
historical figure, which intervention would best align with the principles of
mental health nursing?
Challenge the client to prove their identity.
Acknowledge the client's feelings while redirecting the
conversation.
Ignore the client's statements to avoid confrontation.
Encourage the client to discuss their delusions in detail.
9. Why is it important for clients taking atypical antipsychotic medications to
maintain a balanced diet and exercise?
To prevent significant weight gain associated with the medication.
