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MENTAL HEALTH HESI RN QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026\2027
Which characteristic is commonly associated with adolescent
depression? (Select all that apply.)
A. Exercising daily
B. Having suicidal ideation
C. Exhibiting tearfulness
D. Having poor muscle tone
E. Avoiding previously enjoyed activities and relationships -
CORRECT ANSWER - B. Having suicidal ideation
C. Exhibiting tearfulness
E. Avoiding previously enjoyed activities and relationships
Which characteristic of adolescence is exemplified by risktaking
behavior without fear of consequences?
A. Animism
B. Personal fable
C. Imaginery audience
D. Sense of invulnerability - CORRECT ANSWER - D. Sense
of invulnerability
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A client does not take their medication regularly and is
depressed. Which inference can the nurse make about
the client's motivational level? A. Not motivated
B. Intrinsically motivated
C. Extrinsically motivated with self-determination
D. Extrinsically motivated without self-determination -
CORRECT ANSWER - A. Not motivated
Which action would the nurse take for a withdrawn client who
suddenly screams, bursts into tears, and runs from the room to
the far end of the hallway?
A. Walk to the end of the hallway where the client is standing
B. Accept the action as the impulsive behavior of a sick person
C. Ask another client in the dayroom why the client acted in this
way
D. Document objectively the incident in the client's record
immediately - CORRECT ANSWER - A. Walk to the end of
the hallway where the client is standing
This lets the client know that the nurse is available. It also
demonstrates an acceptance of the client.
Which consistent approach would the nurse use for a client
diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder?
A. Warm and firm without being punitive
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B. Indifferent and detached but nonjudgemental
C. Confidentiality acquiescent to client demands
D. Clearly communicative of personal disapproval - CORRECT
ANSWER - A. Warm and firm without being punitive
Which technique would be appropriate for clients who exhibit
mild neurocognitive impairment?
A. Reality orientation
B. Behavioral confrontation
C. Reflective communication
D. Reminiscence group therapy - CORRECT ANSWER - A.
Reality orientation
Which characteristic is most essential for the nurse to have in
caring for clients with mental health disorders?
A. Empathy
B. Sympathy
C. Organization
D. Authoritarianism - CORRECT ANSWER - A. Empathy
Empathy - understanding and, to some extent, sharing the
emotions of another- encourages the expression of feelings.
Sympathy, or feeling sorry for someone, may further decrease
the client's feelings of self-worth.
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Which stage is a terminally ill client displaying by gradually
moving towards resolution of feelings about impending death
according to Kubler-Ross' theory of death and dying?
A. Anger stage
B. Denial stage
C. Bargaining stage
D. Acceptance stage - CORRECT ANSWER - D. Acceptance
stage
When acceptance is reached. the individual is beginning to
withdraw from life; communication is simple, concise, and most
often nonverbal. Kubler-Ross' research has shown that at this
stage, verbal communication is typically less important, and
touch and presence are most important. The client has moved
past the anger, denial, and bargaining stages.
Which action would the nurse take for a client with an
obsessive-compulsive disorder who continually walks up and
down the hall, touching every other and becomes upset if
interrupted?
A. Distract the client, which will help the client forget about
touching the chairs.
B. Encourage the client to continue touching the chairs as
long as the client wants until fatigue sets in
MENTAL HEALTH HESI RN QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026\2027
Which characteristic is commonly associated with adolescent
depression? (Select all that apply.)
A. Exercising daily
B. Having suicidal ideation
C. Exhibiting tearfulness
D. Having poor muscle tone
E. Avoiding previously enjoyed activities and relationships -
CORRECT ANSWER - B. Having suicidal ideation
C. Exhibiting tearfulness
E. Avoiding previously enjoyed activities and relationships
Which characteristic of adolescence is exemplified by risktaking
behavior without fear of consequences?
A. Animism
B. Personal fable
C. Imaginery audience
D. Sense of invulnerability - CORRECT ANSWER - D. Sense
of invulnerability
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A client does not take their medication regularly and is
depressed. Which inference can the nurse make about
the client's motivational level? A. Not motivated
B. Intrinsically motivated
C. Extrinsically motivated with self-determination
D. Extrinsically motivated without self-determination -
CORRECT ANSWER - A. Not motivated
Which action would the nurse take for a withdrawn client who
suddenly screams, bursts into tears, and runs from the room to
the far end of the hallway?
A. Walk to the end of the hallway where the client is standing
B. Accept the action as the impulsive behavior of a sick person
C. Ask another client in the dayroom why the client acted in this
way
D. Document objectively the incident in the client's record
immediately - CORRECT ANSWER - A. Walk to the end of
the hallway where the client is standing
This lets the client know that the nurse is available. It also
demonstrates an acceptance of the client.
Which consistent approach would the nurse use for a client
diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder?
A. Warm and firm without being punitive
,3 | Page
B. Indifferent and detached but nonjudgemental
C. Confidentiality acquiescent to client demands
D. Clearly communicative of personal disapproval - CORRECT
ANSWER - A. Warm and firm without being punitive
Which technique would be appropriate for clients who exhibit
mild neurocognitive impairment?
A. Reality orientation
B. Behavioral confrontation
C. Reflective communication
D. Reminiscence group therapy - CORRECT ANSWER - A.
Reality orientation
Which characteristic is most essential for the nurse to have in
caring for clients with mental health disorders?
A. Empathy
B. Sympathy
C. Organization
D. Authoritarianism - CORRECT ANSWER - A. Empathy
Empathy - understanding and, to some extent, sharing the
emotions of another- encourages the expression of feelings.
Sympathy, or feeling sorry for someone, may further decrease
the client's feelings of self-worth.
, 4 | Page
Which stage is a terminally ill client displaying by gradually
moving towards resolution of feelings about impending death
according to Kubler-Ross' theory of death and dying?
A. Anger stage
B. Denial stage
C. Bargaining stage
D. Acceptance stage - CORRECT ANSWER - D. Acceptance
stage
When acceptance is reached. the individual is beginning to
withdraw from life; communication is simple, concise, and most
often nonverbal. Kubler-Ross' research has shown that at this
stage, verbal communication is typically less important, and
touch and presence are most important. The client has moved
past the anger, denial, and bargaining stages.
Which action would the nurse take for a client with an
obsessive-compulsive disorder who continually walks up and
down the hall, touching every other and becomes upset if
interrupted?
A. Distract the client, which will help the client forget about
touching the chairs.
B. Encourage the client to continue touching the chairs as
long as the client wants until fatigue sets in
