Mental Health RN HESI/ Test Bank

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Sample questions from Mental Health RN HESI/ Test Bank

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.A client whose partner died 2 weeks ago says, "I should have noticed the signs. I failed them." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

   • A."Many people feel guilty after a loss, so try to focus on the future."
   • B."You should not blame yourself; you did everything you could."
   • C."Tell me more about what you believe you missed."
   • D."At least your partner is no longer suffering."

   Rationale: Inviting the client to elaborate communicates interest and helps clarify the meaning of the guilt. Reassuring, offering a silver lining, or redirecting to the future may minimize the client's experience and close off discussion. Therapeutic communication begins with exploring the client's perspective rather than correcting feelings.

2. 2.A client tells the nurse, "I do not see any reason to keep going." Which nursing actions are appropriate? Select all that apply.

   • A.Stay with the client and initiate precautions based on the assessment.
   • B.Ask directly whether the client has thoughts of suicide.
   • C.Use vague questions such as, "You are not thinking of doing anything silly, are you?"
   • D.Promise to keep the client's thoughts secret to preserve trust.
   • E.Ask whether the client has a plan, intent, and access to means.

   Rationale: Direct questions about suicidal thoughts, plan, intent, and access to means help determine immediate risk and do not plant the idea. Staying with the client and initiating appropriate precautions supports safety. Promising secrecy is unsafe because information must be shared with the treatment team, and leading or judgmental questions can discourage honest disclosure.

3. 3.A client says, "I am furious that my family pressured me into treatment." Which nurse response uses reflection?

   • A."You feel angry about being pressured to come here."
   • B."Your family was only trying to help you."
   • C."Let's discuss the rules of the unit instead."
   • D."Why did you let your family make that decision?"

   Rationale: Reflection restates the client's expressed feeling and invites further discussion without judgment. Asking why can sound accusatory, defending the family dismisses the client's perspective, and changing the subject avoids the concern. The nurse should first demonstrate understanding before moving to problem-solving or unit expectations.

4. 4.A client says, "I cannot talk about my diagnosis with my children yet." Which nurse response best demonstrates respect for the client's autonomy?

   • A."Your children have a right to know, so you should tell them today."
   • B."You can decide what to share and when; what concerns you most about telling them?"
   • C."If you do not tell them, they may become upset with you."
   • D."I will explain the diagnosis to them for you."

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A nurse is communicating with a client who has limited English proficiency. Which actions support accurate, respectful communication? Select all that apply.

   • A.Ask the client to repeat key information in their own words through the interpreter.
   • B.Speak directly to the client, not only to the interpreter.
   • C.Use a family member to interpret sensitive information whenever one is available.
   • D.Use a qualified medical interpreter for clinical discussions.
   • E.Use short statements and pause to allow interpretation.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.