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HESI Psychiatric/Mental Health Practice Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A client reports, “I feel like everyone is watching me on television.” What should the nurse document?
- Hallucination
- Obsession
- Flight of ideas
✔✔B. Delusion of reference
A client experiencing severe anxiety says, “I can’t breathe.” What is the nurse’s first action?
- Ask about childhood history.
- Leave to get medication.
- Encourage group discussion.
✔✔B. Stay with the client and remain calm.
A client diagnosed with major depression has not bathed in several days. What is the nurse’s best intervention? 1 / 4
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- Tell the client bathing is mandatory.
- Avoid addressing hygiene needs.
- Assign the task to another client.
✔✔B. Offer simple choices such as, “Would you like to shower now or after breakfast?”
A client on haloperidol presents with stiff neck and difficulty moving the eyes upward. What should the nurse do?
- Provide reassurance.
- Encourage deep breathing.
- Continue to observe.
✔✔B. Administer prescribed benztropine.
A client with panic disorder says, “I feel like I’m dying.” What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- Provide detailed education about anxiety.
- Leave to call the provider.
- Encourage the client to explain symptoms. 2 / 4
✔✔B. Remain with the client and speak slowly.
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A nurse overhears a client muttering, “The CIA has planted cameras in my room.” What is this an example of?
- Illusion
- Obsession
- Derealization
✔✔B. Paranoid delusion
A client who is depressed refuses meals. What is the best nursing action?
- Remove the food tray.
- Force the client to eat.
- Ignore the behavior.
✔✔B. Offer high-calorie snacks and finger foods.
A client experiencing mania is rapidly pacing and shouting. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- Provide educational materials.
- Invite the client to a group activity. 3 / 4
✔✔B. Reduce environmental stimuli.
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- Offer caffeinated drinks.
A client reports, “I keep checking the door every 10 minutes to be sure it’s locked.” This
behavior is best described as:
- Illusion
- Hallucination
- Delusion
✔✔B. Compulsion
A nurse caring for a suicidal client develops a plan of care. Which intervention is priority?
- Increase time spent in group therapy.
- Encourage journaling of feelings.
- Assign the client extra activities.
✔✔B. Implement constant observation.
A client on lithium develops diarrhea and muscle weakness. What should the nurse do?
- Encourage exercise.
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✔✔B. Hold the dose and notify the provider.