Mental Health/Psych HESI Review Exam: Practice Questions
and Answers |Fall 2025/2026 Update | 100% Correct Latest
Question 1
A client who was admitted 2 days earlier to a drug rehabilitation unit tells the nurse, "I'm going to do what you people tell
me to do so I can get out of here and get a job." What is the most accurate interpretation of this client's statement?
A.The treatment program is effective and the client is highly motivated.
B.Defense mechanisms are being used to decrease anxiety.
C.Manipulation is being used to achieve the client's personal goals.
D.The client has insight into his behaviors, so privileges should be given.
Correct Answer
ANS: C
Drug abusers tend to be manipulative, so (C) is the best interpretation of the client's statement at this time in the client's
treatment. He has been in treatment only 2 days, which is not enough time to benefit from the program, so (A and D) are
highly unlikely. Although defense mechanisms (B) are frequently used to decrease anxiety, this statement is more likely
because of (C).
Page 1 of 50
,Question 2
The nurse notes multiple burns on the arms and chest of a 2-year-old Vietnamese child who is being treated for
dehydration. When questioned, the child's father states that he treated the child's vomiting with the cultural practice
termed coining, which resulted in burned areas. Which expected outcome statement has the highest priority?
A.The child will be protected from further harm.
B.The family's cultural values will be respected.
C.The parents will express regret at harming their child.
D.The parents will demonstrate an ability to care for burn wounds.
Correct Answer
ANS: A
The nurse's highest priority is to ensure that no further harm befalls the child (A). (B, C, and D) are also important
objectives but are secondary to (A).
Page 2 of 50
,Question 3
A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for manic depression begins to develop diarrhea, vomiting, and
drowsiness. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Notify the health care provider immediately and force fluids.
B. Prior to giving the next dose, notify the health care provider of these symptoms.
C. Record the symptoms and continue with medication as prescribed.
D. Hold the medication and refuse to administer additional doses.
Correct Answer
ANS: B
Although these are expected symptoms, the health care provider should be notified prior to the next administration of
the drug (B). Early side effects of lithium carbonate (occurring with serum lithium levels below 2 mEq/L) generally follow a
progressive pattern, beginning with diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, and muscular weakness (C). At higher levels, ataxia,
tinnitus, blurred vision, and large dilute urine output may occur. (A) will lower the lithium level. (D) is not warranted.
Page 3 of 50
, Question 4
A client on the psychiatric unit seeks out a particular nurse and imitates her mannerisms. Which defense mechanism does
the nurse recognize in this client?
A.Sublimation
B.Identification
C.Introjection
D.Repression
Correct Answer
ANS: B
Identification (B) is an attempt to be like someone or emulate the personality traits of another. (A) is substituting an
unacceptable feeling for one that is more socially acceptable. (C) is incorporating the values or qualities of an admired
person or group into one's own ego structure. (D) is the involuntary exclusion of painful thoughts or memories from
one's awareness.
Page 4 of 50
and Answers |Fall 2025/2026 Update | 100% Correct Latest
Question 1
A client who was admitted 2 days earlier to a drug rehabilitation unit tells the nurse, "I'm going to do what you people tell
me to do so I can get out of here and get a job." What is the most accurate interpretation of this client's statement?
A.The treatment program is effective and the client is highly motivated.
B.Defense mechanisms are being used to decrease anxiety.
C.Manipulation is being used to achieve the client's personal goals.
D.The client has insight into his behaviors, so privileges should be given.
Correct Answer
ANS: C
Drug abusers tend to be manipulative, so (C) is the best interpretation of the client's statement at this time in the client's
treatment. He has been in treatment only 2 days, which is not enough time to benefit from the program, so (A and D) are
highly unlikely. Although defense mechanisms (B) are frequently used to decrease anxiety, this statement is more likely
because of (C).
Page 1 of 50
,Question 2
The nurse notes multiple burns on the arms and chest of a 2-year-old Vietnamese child who is being treated for
dehydration. When questioned, the child's father states that he treated the child's vomiting with the cultural practice
termed coining, which resulted in burned areas. Which expected outcome statement has the highest priority?
A.The child will be protected from further harm.
B.The family's cultural values will be respected.
C.The parents will express regret at harming their child.
D.The parents will demonstrate an ability to care for burn wounds.
Correct Answer
ANS: A
The nurse's highest priority is to ensure that no further harm befalls the child (A). (B, C, and D) are also important
objectives but are secondary to (A).
Page 2 of 50
,Question 3
A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for manic depression begins to develop diarrhea, vomiting, and
drowsiness. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Notify the health care provider immediately and force fluids.
B. Prior to giving the next dose, notify the health care provider of these symptoms.
C. Record the symptoms and continue with medication as prescribed.
D. Hold the medication and refuse to administer additional doses.
Correct Answer
ANS: B
Although these are expected symptoms, the health care provider should be notified prior to the next administration of
the drug (B). Early side effects of lithium carbonate (occurring with serum lithium levels below 2 mEq/L) generally follow a
progressive pattern, beginning with diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, and muscular weakness (C). At higher levels, ataxia,
tinnitus, blurred vision, and large dilute urine output may occur. (A) will lower the lithium level. (D) is not warranted.
Page 3 of 50
, Question 4
A client on the psychiatric unit seeks out a particular nurse and imitates her mannerisms. Which defense mechanism does
the nurse recognize in this client?
A.Sublimation
B.Identification
C.Introjection
D.Repression
Correct Answer
ANS: B
Identification (B) is an attempt to be like someone or emulate the personality traits of another. (A) is substituting an
unacceptable feeling for one that is more socially acceptable. (C) is incorporating the values or qualities of an admired
person or group into one's own ego structure. (D) is the involuntary exclusion of painful thoughts or memories from
one's awareness.
Page 4 of 50
