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PSYCH HESI Practice Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A client states, “The FBI has implanted a chip in my brain.” What is the nurse’s best response?
- “That’s not true, no one has done that.”
- “Why do you think the FBI would do that?”
- “Just ignore those thoughts and they will go away.”
✔✔B. “It sounds like you feel frightened by that thought.”
A client in alcohol withdrawal is at risk for which priority complication?
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Sleep disturbances
✔✔B. Seizures
A client taking sertraline reports nausea and headache. What should the nurse tell the client?
- “You should stop taking the medication right away.”
- “Skip doses if you experience side effects.” 1 / 4
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✔✔C. “These symptoms may improve in a few weeks.”
- “Double the dose to reduce side effects.”
A nurse observes a client pacing, yelling, and clenching fists. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- Call security immediately.
- Encourage the client to attend group therapy.
- Offer detailed education about coping skills.
✔✔B. Use a calm voice and attempt de-escalation.
A client taking haloperidol develops a high fever and muscle rigidity. What should the nurse suspect?
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Serotonin syndrome
- Acute dystonia
✔✔B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
A client states, “I feel worthless and hopeless.” Which nursing response is most therapeutic?
- “You need to stop thinking that way.” 2 / 4
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✔✔B. “You sound like you are feeling very hopeless.”
- “You will get better if you try harder.”
- “Why would you think that?”
A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder is euphoric, hyperactive, and intrusive. What activity is most appropriate?
- Chess tournament
- Group debates
- Competitive basketball
✔✔B. Finger painting
A client prescribed lithium reports excessive thirst, nausea, and confusion. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- Offer oral fluids.
- Teach relaxation techniques.
- Continue current medication plan.
- / 4
✔✔B. Check serum lithium levels.
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A client with OCD spends hours checking if the stove is off. What is the nurse’s best approach?
- Forbid the client from checking the stove.
- Ignore the behavior completely.
- Encourage the client to stop immediately.
✔✔B. Allow the ritual but set time limits.
A client prescribed clozapine suddenly develops a sore throat and fever. What should the nurse do?
- Encourage rest and fluids.
- Give acetaminophen as needed.
- Reassure the client this is temporary.
✔✔C. Obtain a white blood cell count.
A client with depression refuses to attend group therapy. What is the nurse’s best intervention?
- Force the client to attend group.
- Tell the client to stop being antisocial.
- Ignore the client’s behavior.
- / 4
✔✔B. Sit quietly with the client one-on-one.