Practice Test Questions and Answers

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HESI Psychiatric/Mental Health Practice Test Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

Which client statement indicates the need for further teaching about depression?

• “I may feel sad for weeks, but it can improve with treatment.”
• “Exercise and routine can help improve my mood.”

✔✔C. “I should expect antidepressants to work immediately.”

• “Talking with a therapist can help me cope.”

Which intervention is priority for a client experiencing a panic attack?

• Ask the client to describe their feelings in detail

✔✔B. Stay with the client and guide slow breathing

• Leave the client alone to calm down
• Provide caffeine to stimulate alertness

Which behavior indicates a client with schizophrenia is experiencing a positive symptom?

• Flat affect 1 / 4

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✔✔B. Auditory hallucinations

• Social withdrawal
• Lack of motivation

Which client statement reflects effective coping after cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety?

• “I will avoid all social situations to prevent anxiety.”

✔✔B. “I can challenge negative thoughts and manage anxiety.”

• “My feelings will go away without effort.”
• “Medication alone will fix my problems.”

Which assessment finding requires immediate attention in a client taking lithium?

• Fine hand tremors
• Mild nausea

✔✔C. Confusion and ataxia

• Mild thirst

Which nursing action is most appropriate for a client with borderline personality disorder who is angry? 2 / 4

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• Ignore the client’s anger
• Argue with the client

✔✔C. Set clear and consistent limits

• Give in to the client’s demands

Which client behavior demonstrates improvement in mania?

• Talking rapidly and interrupting others

✔✔B. Participating in group activities calmly

• Engaging in excessive spending
• Refusing to sleep at night

Which intervention is most appropriate for a client with PTSD experiencing flashbacks?

• Tell the client to forget the memory

✔✔B. Stay with the client and provide grounding techniques

• Encourage the client to relive the trauma alone
• Minimize the client’s feelings

Which statement by a client with OCD demonstrates understanding of therapy goals? 3 / 4

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• “I will ignore the compulsions completely.”
• “I must perform my rituals perfectly.”

✔✔C. “I will gradually reduce rituals with support.”

• “Therapy will remove my obsessions immediately.”

Which intervention is priority for a suicidal client admitted to the psychiatric unit?

• Encourage journaling
• Teach deep breathing

✔✔C. Implement suicide precautions and ensure safety

• Offer peer counseling

Which client statement indicates improvement in depression?

• “I feel hopeless all the time.”

✔✔B. “I am able to take a short walk today.”

• “Nothing matters to me.”
• “I can’t imagine enjoying anything again.”

Which client should the nurse assess first during morning rounds?

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