Psych Mental Health Hesi Questions

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Psych / Mental Health Hesi Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

Which communication technique is most therapeutic when a patient expresses hopelessness?

• Giving personal advice
• Changing the subject

✔✔C. Active listening and reflecting feelings

• Ignoring the statement

Which neurotransmitter imbalance is most associated with schizophrenia?

• Low serotonin

✔✔B. Excess dopamine

• Low acetylcholine
• High norepinephrine

What is the priority nursing action for a patient experiencing command hallucinations?

• Distract with activities

✔✔B. Assess the content of the hallucinations for safety 1 / 4

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• Encourage the patient to rest
• Offer food or drink

Which defense mechanism is being used when a patient attributes their own unacceptable feelings to someone else?

• Regression

✔✔B. Projection

• Rationalization
• Displacement

Which nursing intervention helps reduce anxiety during a panic attack?

• Encourage deep intellectual discussion

✔✔B. Use calm, simple, reassuring statements

• Ask the patient to analyze triggers
• Leave the patient alone until it passes

Which finding is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications?

• Hypertension 2 / 4

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✔✔B. Extrapyramidal symptoms

• Hyperglycemia only
• Skin rash

Which therapeutic approach helps patients with borderline personality disorder manage emotions?

• Psychoanalysis

✔✔B. Dialectical behavior therapy

• Electroconvulsive therapy
• Aversion therapy

Which nursing action best supports a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

• Prevent ritualistic behaviors completely
• Encourage long discussions of fears

✔✔C. Allow rituals initially, then gradually limit

• Force patient to confront fears immediately

Which statement by a patient with depression indicates improved coping? 3 / 4

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• "I have no reason to live."
• "I want to stay in bed all day."

✔✔C. "I think I can manage a short walk today."

• "I don’t need my medication anymore."

Which type of therapy is most effective for patients with phobias?

• Interpersonal therapy
• Family therapy

✔✔C. Exposure therapy

• Psychodynamic therapy

What is the priority nursing action if a bipolar patient is in a manic phase?

• Encourage group therapy sessions

✔✔B. Provide a safe, low-stimulation environment

• Offer complex tasks to occupy energy
• Allow unlimited caffeine

Which lab value should be monitored for a patient taking lithium?

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