HESI MENTAL HEALTH –QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
*CORE DOMAINS*
*Therapeutic Communication*
*Pharmacological Interventions*
*Anxiety and Stress Disorders*
*Mood Disorders and Depression*
*Schizophrenia Spectrum*
*Personality Disorders*
*Substance Use and Addiction*
*Crisis Intervention and Safety*
*Legal and Ethical Nursing Practice*
*INTRODUCTION*
This comprehensive assessment is designed to evaluate a candidate’s mastery of
psychiatric-mental health nursing concepts necessary for success on the HESI exam.
The assessment focuses on the application of the nursing process, therapeutic
communication techniques, and pharmacological safety. Through a series of
scenario-based and knowledge-level multiple-choice questions, the exam measures
clinical judgment and decision-making skills in diverse mental health settings.
,Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in identifying patient needs,
managing acute crises, and maintaining legal and ethical standards. This document
serves as a rigorous preparatory tool to ensure readiness for real-world clinical
application and professional licensure requirements.
*SECTION ONE*
1. A client with schizophrenia is heard talking to the wall in the dayroom. Which
nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Tell the client there is no one there.
B. Ask the client what the voices are saying.
C. Walk away to give the client privacy.
D. Agree with the client so they feel supported.
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Asking what the voices are saying is the priority to assess for
command hallucinations that may direct the client to hurt themselves or others.
2. A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder. Which statement
indicates the client is at the highest risk for suicide?
,A. I feel so much better since I started my meds yesterday.
B. I don't think I will ever feel happy again.
C. I want to give my watch to my brother when he visits.
D. I have been sleeping ten hours every night.
🟢 Correct Answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Giving away prized possessions is a classic warning sign of suicidal
ideation and intent, indicating the client is "settling their affairs."
3. Which medication is considered the first-line treatment for an acute manic
episode in a client with Bipolar I Disorder?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Lithium carbonate
C. Donepezil
D. Amitriptyline
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Lithium is a mood stabilizer and a gold standard for treating and
preventing manic episodes in Bipolar Disorder.
4. A client is admitted with a blood alcohol level of 0.20%. Which assessment
finding is a priority during the first 24 hours of admission?
, A. Increased appetite
B. Fine hand tremors
C. Sleeping for long periods
D. Hypotension
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Fine tremors are an early sign of alcohol withdrawal. Monitoring for
withdrawal is critical to prevent progression to seizures or delirium tremens.
5. A client diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa is being monitored during mealtime.
Which behavior requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. Cutting food into very small pieces.
B. Drinking a glass of water before eating.
C. Asking to go to the bathroom immediately after eating.
D. Consuming the salad before the main entree.
🟢 Correct Answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Clients with eating disorders may attempt to purge (vomit) after
meals. Supervision for at least 60 minutes post-meal is standard protocol.
6. A nurse is using therapeutic communication with a client who is crying. Which
statement is the most empathetic?
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
*CORE DOMAINS*
*Therapeutic Communication*
*Pharmacological Interventions*
*Anxiety and Stress Disorders*
*Mood Disorders and Depression*
*Schizophrenia Spectrum*
*Personality Disorders*
*Substance Use and Addiction*
*Crisis Intervention and Safety*
*Legal and Ethical Nursing Practice*
*INTRODUCTION*
This comprehensive assessment is designed to evaluate a candidate’s mastery of
psychiatric-mental health nursing concepts necessary for success on the HESI exam.
The assessment focuses on the application of the nursing process, therapeutic
communication techniques, and pharmacological safety. Through a series of
scenario-based and knowledge-level multiple-choice questions, the exam measures
clinical judgment and decision-making skills in diverse mental health settings.
,Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in identifying patient needs,
managing acute crises, and maintaining legal and ethical standards. This document
serves as a rigorous preparatory tool to ensure readiness for real-world clinical
application and professional licensure requirements.
*SECTION ONE*
1. A client with schizophrenia is heard talking to the wall in the dayroom. Which
nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Tell the client there is no one there.
B. Ask the client what the voices are saying.
C. Walk away to give the client privacy.
D. Agree with the client so they feel supported.
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Asking what the voices are saying is the priority to assess for
command hallucinations that may direct the client to hurt themselves or others.
2. A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder. Which statement
indicates the client is at the highest risk for suicide?
,A. I feel so much better since I started my meds yesterday.
B. I don't think I will ever feel happy again.
C. I want to give my watch to my brother when he visits.
D. I have been sleeping ten hours every night.
🟢 Correct Answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Giving away prized possessions is a classic warning sign of suicidal
ideation and intent, indicating the client is "settling their affairs."
3. Which medication is considered the first-line treatment for an acute manic
episode in a client with Bipolar I Disorder?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Lithium carbonate
C. Donepezil
D. Amitriptyline
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Lithium is a mood stabilizer and a gold standard for treating and
preventing manic episodes in Bipolar Disorder.
4. A client is admitted with a blood alcohol level of 0.20%. Which assessment
finding is a priority during the first 24 hours of admission?
, A. Increased appetite
B. Fine hand tremors
C. Sleeping for long periods
D. Hypotension
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Fine tremors are an early sign of alcohol withdrawal. Monitoring for
withdrawal is critical to prevent progression to seizures or delirium tremens.
5. A client diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa is being monitored during mealtime.
Which behavior requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. Cutting food into very small pieces.
B. Drinking a glass of water before eating.
C. Asking to go to the bathroom immediately after eating.
D. Consuming the salad before the main entree.
🟢 Correct Answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Clients with eating disorders may attempt to purge (vomit) after
meals. Supervision for at least 60 minutes post-meal is standard protocol.
6. A nurse is using therapeutic communication with a client who is crying. Which
statement is the most empathetic?
