Psych Practice Hesi Questions and

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

A client with depression states, “I feel like a burden to everyone.” What is the nurse’s most therapeutic response?

• “You just need to think more positively.”

✔✔B. “It sounds like you are feeling hopeless.”

• “Don’t say that, your family loves you.”
• “Why do you think you are a burden?”

A nurse observes a client with schizophrenia laughing to themselves while sitting alone. What should the nurse document?

• Flat affect

✔✔B. Responding to internal stimuli

• Euphoria
• Flight of ideas

A client in alcohol withdrawal suddenly develops tremors, agitation, and sweating. What is the priority nursing intervention? 1 / 4

2

• Provide reassurance and rest

✔✔B. Administer prescribed benzodiazepine

• Encourage the client to eat a meal
• Begin teaching about relapse prevention

A client on haloperidol develops severe muscle rigidity, fever, and confusion. What should the nurse suspect?

• Tardive dyskinesia

✔✔B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

• Serotonin syndrome
• Catatonia

A client with bipolar disorder is found pacing the hall, talking rapidly, and unable to focus.Which nursing intervention is best?

• Allow the client to lead a group activity

✔✔B. Provide a low-stimulation environment

• Engage the client in complex tasks
• Encourage detailed conversations 2 / 4

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A client reports “seeing shadows moving on the walls” when none are present. What type of symptom is this?

• Delusion

✔✔B. Hallucination

• Obsession
• Illusion

A client prescribed lithium reports nausea, vomiting, and unsteady gait. What should the nurse do first?

• Encourage fluids

✔✔B. Hold the dose and notify the provider

• Reassure that these are normal side effects
• Continue the medication as ordered

A client with PTSD avoids crowded areas and becomes startled by loud noises. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?

• Encourage confrontation with fears immediately

✔✔B. Provide a safe environment and teach grounding techniques 3 / 4

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• Discourage discussing past trauma
• Limit interactions with others

A client with anorexia nervosa is admitted with a pulse of 42 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• Encourage oral nutrition

✔✔B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately

• Offer high-calorie snacks
• Allow the client to rest undisturbed

A nurse observes a client speaking rapidly and jumping from one subject to another. What is this called?

• Tangential speech

✔✔B. Flight of ideas

• Clang associations
• Perseveration

A client prescribed clozapine reports sore throat and fever. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• Offer warm fluids
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