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Psychiatric/Mental Health Practice Exam Evolve Hesi Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A client with schizophrenia is pacing the hall and muttering, “They are watching me.” What is the nurse’s best response?
- “No one is watching you.”
- “You are imagining things.”
- “Stop thinking that way.”
✔✔C. “You seem frightened. Tell me more about what you are feeling.”
A client admitted for depression states, “Nothing will ever get better for me.” What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- Change the subject.
- Encourage the client to rest.
- Provide reading materials.
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✔✔B. Assess for suicidal ideation.
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A client taking haloperidol develops muscle stiffness, fever, and confusion. What is the nurse’s immediate action?
- Administer antipyretics.
- Encourage oral fluids.
- Offer relaxation techniques.
✔✔B. Notify the provider of possible neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
A client prescribed lithium reports nausea, tremors, and diarrhea. What should the nurse do?
- Reassure the client this is normal.
- Encourage a large meal with the medication.
- Increase the daily dosage.
✔✔B. Hold the dose and notify the provider.
A client in alcohol detox begins to hallucinate and reports seeing insects on the bed. What is the nurse’s best action?
- Tell the client the insects are not real.
- Encourage group interaction. 2 / 4
✔✔B. Ensure safety and administer prescribed benzodiazepine.
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- Provide caffeinated drinks.
A nurse caring for a manic client notices the client is rapidly changing topics during conversation. How should this be documented?
- Tangential thinking
- Clang associations
- Perseveration
✔✔B. Flight of ideas
A client with OCD states, “I know it’s silly, but I must check the door 20 times.” What is the nurse’s most therapeutic response?
- “Stop checking so much.”
- “You should ignore the urge.”
- “Don’t talk about your habits.”
✔✔B. “The ritual helps decrease your anxiety.”
A client taking sertraline reports improved mood after three weeks. Which explanation is correct?
- “The medication works instantly.” 3 / 4
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✔✔B. “SSRIs take several weeks to reach effectiveness.”
- “You may stop the medication soon.”
- “This medication cures depression permanently.”
A client in acute mania refuses to sit for meals. What should the nurse do?
- Withhold meals until seated.
- Offer three large meals daily.
- Ignore nutritional needs until stable.
✔✔B. Provide high-calorie finger foods.
A client hospitalized for suicidal ideation says, “I finally found a way to end my pain.” What is the nurse’s priority action?
- Ask the client to explain the plan.
- Encourage the client to rest.
- Inform the family.
✔✔B. Place the client on one-to-one observation.
A client receiving ECT asks about side effects. What is the correct teaching?
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