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HESI Case Study Psychosis Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the most common type of hallucination experienced in psychosis?✔✔Auditory hallucinations
What is the priority nursing action when a patient is actively hallucinating?✔✔Acknowledge the patient’s feelings without validating the hallucination
Which term describes a false fixed belief that is not based in reality?✔✔Delusion
What is the primary goal of antipsychotic medication?✔✔Reduce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions
Which neurotransmitter is most associated with psychosis?✔✔Dopamine
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What is the nurse’s best initial response to a patient who states, “The TV is sending me messages”?✔✔Acknowledge the concern and gently orient to reality
What is the priority concern for a patient experiencing command hallucinations?✔✔Risk of self-harm or harming others
Which type of delusion involves the belief that one is being plotted against?✔✔Paranoid delusion
What is the nurse’s role when a patient with psychosis refuses medication?✔✔Assess reasoning, provide education, and notify provider if risk persists
Which antipsychotic drug requires regular monitoring of white blood cell counts?✔✔Clozapine
What side effect of antipsychotics is life-threatening and requires immediate attention?✔✔Neuroleptic malignant syndrome 2 / 3
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Which extrapyramidal symptom is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms?✔✔Dystonia
What is the term for decreased emotional expression in psychosis?✔✔Flat affect
Which communication technique is most therapeutic for patients with psychosis?✔✔Simple, clear, and direct statements
What should the nurse avoid when interacting with a paranoid patient?✔✔Touching the patient without warning
Which type of psychotic symptom includes poverty of speech and social withdrawal?✔✔Negative symptoms
What is the nurse’s first action if a patient on haloperidol develops muscle rigidity and fever?
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