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Psych HESI Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A client reports feeling worthless and hopeless after losing their job. What is the nurse’s best response?
- “You just need to think more positively.”
- “Why would losing a job make you feel that way?”
- “Don’t worry, you’ll find another job soon.”
✔✔B. “It sounds like this loss has been very hard for you.”
A nurse observes a client with schizophrenia talking to an empty chair. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- Leave the client alone.
- Explain that no one is there.
- Distract the client with activities.
✔✔B. Ask the client what they are experiencing.
A client is admitted with alcohol withdrawal. Which finding requires immediate intervention? 1 / 4
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- Tremors
- Diaphoresis
- Anxiety
✔✔B. Seizure activity
A client receiving haloperidol develops severe muscle stiffness and fever. What should the nurse suspect?
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Serotonin syndrome
- Akathisia
✔✔C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
A nurse teaches a client taking fluoxetine about side effects. Which statement shows understanding?
- “I can stop the drug when I feel better.”
- “I can drink alcohol while on this medication.”
- “It will cure my depression permanently.” 2 / 4
✔✔B. “It may take a few weeks before I notice improvement.”
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A client with bipolar disorder is pacing the hallway, shouting, and refusing meals. What is the nurse’s priority?
- Allow the client to release energy.
- Encourage the client to join group therapy.
- Leave the client alone until calmer.
✔✔B. Provide high-calorie finger foods.
A nurse asks a client to describe their mood, and the client says, “I feel happy, then angry, then sad, all within minutes.” How should the nurse document this?
- Flat affect
- Blunted affect
- Euphoric affect
✔✔C. Labile mood
A client with schizophrenia says, “The government has placed a chip in my brain.” This is an
example of:
- Illusion
- Hallucination 3 / 4
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✔✔C. Delusion
- Obsession
A client with depression tells the nurse, “I don’t want to live anymore.” What should the nurse do first?
- Encourage the client to think positively.
- Tell the client that life is worth living.
- Ask the family to provide reassurance.
✔✔C. Assess the client’s suicide risk and plan.
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- Ask the client to explain their feelings.
- Leave the client alone in a quiet room.
- Begin psychoeducation immediately.
✔✔B. Stay with the client and speak calmly.
A client reports hearing voices telling them to hurt others. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- / 4