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Mental Health (PSYCH) HESI - Practice Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A client with depression says, “I can’t find the energy to get out of bed.” What is the nurse’s best response?
- “You just need to try harder.”
- “You should stop thinking that way.”
- “Why do you feel that way?”
✔✔B. “It sounds like you are feeling very low on energy.”
A client with schizophrenia begins to pace and mutter angrily. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- Ask the client to stop pacing.
- Offer a group activity.
- Begin teaching coping strategies.
✔✔B. Ensure the safety of the environment.
A client prescribed haloperidol develops muscle stiffness, fever, and confusion. What condition should the nurse suspect? 1 / 4
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- Serotonin syndrome
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Acute dystonia
✔✔B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
A client with OCD spends hours arranging objects on the bedside table. What should the nurse do?
- Remove all objects from the table.
- Ignore the behavior.
- Tell the client to stop immediately.
✔✔B. Allow rituals but set reasonable limits.
A client taking sertraline reports nausea during the first week. What should the nurse say?
- “Stop the medication immediately.”
- “Take an antacid with the medication.”
- “Skip doses until the nausea stops.”
- / 4
✔✔C. “Mild nausea often improves with time.”
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A client withdrawing from alcohol is diaphoretic and tremulous. What should the nurse do first?
- Encourage fluids.
- Begin discharge planning.
- Offer group therapy.
✔✔B. Assess for seizure risk.
A client on lithium develops diarrhea and unsteady gait. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- Offer fluids.
- Teach relaxation techniques.
- Encourage exercise.
✔✔B. Hold the medication and notify the provider.
A client states, “I know the FBI is watching me through the lights.” What is this thought pattern?
- Illusion
- Obsession
- Hallucination
- / 4
✔✔C. Delusion of persecution
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A client with schizophrenia hears voices commanding him to hurt others. What is the nurse’s priority?
- Distract the client with music.
- Ask the client to describe the voices.
- Provide relaxation exercises.
✔✔B. Ensure the environment is safe.
A client with major depression suddenly appears cheerful after weeks of hopelessness. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- Congratulate the client.
- Encourage social activities.
- Begin discharge planning.
✔✔B. Assess for suicidal intent.
A client with bipolar disorder is pacing rapidly, speaking loudly, and interrupting others. What is the nurse’s best intervention?
- Ask the client to explain their thoughts in detail.
- Engage the client in group therapy.
- / 4
✔✔B. Reduce environmental stimulation.