HESI MENTAL HEALTH RN EXAM VERSION 2 (V2) LATEST 2026/2027
ACCURATE TEST COMPLETE ACTUAL QUESTIONS WITH WELL
ELABORATED ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES (100%
CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS) NEWEST UPDATED VERSION 2026
EDITION |GUARANTEED SUCCESS A+ |RN HESI MENTAL HEALTH
APPROVED EXAM VERSION 2
1. A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is hiding cameras in my
toilet to watch me." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. "That is not true. The CIA has no reason to watch you."
B. "It must be frightening to feel like you are being watched. You are safe in this
hospital."
C. "Why do you think the CIA would be interested in you?"
D. "Let's search the bathroom together to prove there are no cameras."
Correct Answer: B – Rationale: Validate the feeling (fear) without reinforcing the
delusion. Provide reassurance of safety. Arguing or proving the delusion wrong
damages trust and is ineffective.
2. A client with bipolar I disorder, manic episode, has not slept for 3 days and is
pacing rapidly, singing loudly, and making sexual remarks to other clients. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer a PRN dose of lorazepam as ordered.
B. Place the client in seclusion for 2 hours.
C. Move the client to a quiet, low-stimulation room away from others.
D. Tell the client firmly, "Stop making sexual remarks immediately."
Correct Answer: C – Rationale: Reduce environmental stimulation first to decrease
agitation. Seclusion is a last resort. Medication may be needed but environmental
change is immediate and least restrictive.
,3. A client prescribed clozapine (Clozaril) reports sore throat, fever, and lethargy.
Which laboratory result is most critical to obtain immediately?
A. Liver function tests
B. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
C. Serum creatinine
D. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
Correct Answer: B – Rationale: Fever and sore throat in a client taking clozapine
suggest agranulocytosis (life-threatening). ANC must be checked emergently.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which
statement by the client best supports this diagnosis?
A. "I avoid all social situations because I'm afraid I'll embarrass myself."
B. "I worry about my job, my health, my kids, and the weather every single day for
months."
C. "I have sudden episodes where my heart races and I feel like I'm dying."
D. "I wash my hands at least 50 times a day to prevent germs."
Correct Answer: B – Rationale: GAD involves excessive, uncontrollable worry
about multiple events or activities most days for at least 6 months. Option A
suggests social anxiety; Option C suggests panic disorder; Option D suggests
OCD.
5. A client with alcohol use disorder completes detoxification and is prescribed
naltrexone (Revia). The nurse explains that this medication:
A. Causes severe nausea if the client drinks alcohol.
B. Reduces cravings and blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol.
C. Substitutes for alcohol to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
D. Treats depression that often accompanies alcohol use disorder.
, Correct Answer: B – Rationale: Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that reduces
craving and blocks alcohol's reward effects. Disulfiram causes aversive reactions.
6. A client with borderline personality disorder has a history of cutting her
forearms. She tells the nurse, "I feel empty and I want to cut myself right now."
Which response is most appropriate?
A. "You are just trying to get attention. Let's talk about something else."
B. "I will stay with you. Let's list three coping skills you can use instead of
cutting."
C. "If you cut yourself, we will have to put you in seclusion."
D. "Why do you want to hurt yourself when things are going well?"
Correct Answer: B – Rationale: Validate distress, offer presence, and redirect to
alternative coping skills (e.g., ice cubes, deep breathing, drawing). This aligns with
dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
7. A client with major depressive disorder has been taking phenelzine (Nardil), an
MAOI, for 2 weeks. Which food item on the lunch tray should the nurse remove?
A. Baked chicken
B. Pepperoni pizza
C. White rice
D. Steamed broccoli
Correct Answer: B – Rationale: Pepperoni is a cured, aged meat high in tyramine,
which can cause hypertensive crisis when combined with MAOIs.
8. A client receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe depression asks
the nurse, "Why do I keep forgetting things?" The nurse's best response is:
A. "ECT causes permanent brain damage, but it's worth it for depression relief."
B. "Forgetfulness is rare; you probably aren't paying attention."
ACCURATE TEST COMPLETE ACTUAL QUESTIONS WITH WELL
ELABORATED ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES (100%
CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS) NEWEST UPDATED VERSION 2026
EDITION |GUARANTEED SUCCESS A+ |RN HESI MENTAL HEALTH
APPROVED EXAM VERSION 2
1. A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is hiding cameras in my
toilet to watch me." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. "That is not true. The CIA has no reason to watch you."
B. "It must be frightening to feel like you are being watched. You are safe in this
hospital."
C. "Why do you think the CIA would be interested in you?"
D. "Let's search the bathroom together to prove there are no cameras."
Correct Answer: B – Rationale: Validate the feeling (fear) without reinforcing the
delusion. Provide reassurance of safety. Arguing or proving the delusion wrong
damages trust and is ineffective.
2. A client with bipolar I disorder, manic episode, has not slept for 3 days and is
pacing rapidly, singing loudly, and making sexual remarks to other clients. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer a PRN dose of lorazepam as ordered.
B. Place the client in seclusion for 2 hours.
C. Move the client to a quiet, low-stimulation room away from others.
D. Tell the client firmly, "Stop making sexual remarks immediately."
Correct Answer: C – Rationale: Reduce environmental stimulation first to decrease
agitation. Seclusion is a last resort. Medication may be needed but environmental
change is immediate and least restrictive.
,3. A client prescribed clozapine (Clozaril) reports sore throat, fever, and lethargy.
Which laboratory result is most critical to obtain immediately?
A. Liver function tests
B. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
C. Serum creatinine
D. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
Correct Answer: B – Rationale: Fever and sore throat in a client taking clozapine
suggest agranulocytosis (life-threatening). ANC must be checked emergently.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which
statement by the client best supports this diagnosis?
A. "I avoid all social situations because I'm afraid I'll embarrass myself."
B. "I worry about my job, my health, my kids, and the weather every single day for
months."
C. "I have sudden episodes where my heart races and I feel like I'm dying."
D. "I wash my hands at least 50 times a day to prevent germs."
Correct Answer: B – Rationale: GAD involves excessive, uncontrollable worry
about multiple events or activities most days for at least 6 months. Option A
suggests social anxiety; Option C suggests panic disorder; Option D suggests
OCD.
5. A client with alcohol use disorder completes detoxification and is prescribed
naltrexone (Revia). The nurse explains that this medication:
A. Causes severe nausea if the client drinks alcohol.
B. Reduces cravings and blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol.
C. Substitutes for alcohol to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
D. Treats depression that often accompanies alcohol use disorder.
, Correct Answer: B – Rationale: Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that reduces
craving and blocks alcohol's reward effects. Disulfiram causes aversive reactions.
6. A client with borderline personality disorder has a history of cutting her
forearms. She tells the nurse, "I feel empty and I want to cut myself right now."
Which response is most appropriate?
A. "You are just trying to get attention. Let's talk about something else."
B. "I will stay with you. Let's list three coping skills you can use instead of
cutting."
C. "If you cut yourself, we will have to put you in seclusion."
D. "Why do you want to hurt yourself when things are going well?"
Correct Answer: B – Rationale: Validate distress, offer presence, and redirect to
alternative coping skills (e.g., ice cubes, deep breathing, drawing). This aligns with
dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
7. A client with major depressive disorder has been taking phenelzine (Nardil), an
MAOI, for 2 weeks. Which food item on the lunch tray should the nurse remove?
A. Baked chicken
B. Pepperoni pizza
C. White rice
D. Steamed broccoli
Correct Answer: B – Rationale: Pepperoni is a cured, aged meat high in tyramine,
which can cause hypertensive crisis when combined with MAOIs.
8. A client receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe depression asks
the nurse, "Why do I keep forgetting things?" The nurse's best response is:
A. "ECT causes permanent brain damage, but it's worth it for depression relief."
B. "Forgetfulness is rare; you probably aren't paying attention."
