HESI-PN Mental Health

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Sample questions from HESI-PN Mental Health

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

1. 1.A client newly admitted to a psychiatric unit says, "I feel like nobody here understands me." Which response by the practical nurse is most therapeutic?

   • A."Why do you think nobody understands you?"
   • B."It sounds as though you are feeling alone right now."
   • C."You should give the other clients a chance to get to know you."
   • D."I am sure things will get better soon."

   Rationale: Reflecting the client's feeling acknowledges the concern and encourages further expression. Advising the client what to do, asking a why question, or offering premature reassurance may inhibit discussion. A useful communication approach is to focus on the client's expressed feelings rather than trying to fix them.

2. 2.Which responses are appropriate when the client says, "I cannot go on living like this"? Select all that apply.

   • A."Have you thought about how you would kill yourself?"
   • B."Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
   • C."Tell me what has been happening today."
   • D."I will keep this conversation secret from the treatment team."
   • E."You have so much to live for."

   Rationale: Directly asking about suicidal thoughts and a specific plan helps identify immediate risk, and inviting the client to describe what is happening supports assessment. Telling the client there is much to live for can minimize distress, while promising secrecy prevents necessary safety reporting. The practical nurse should promptly report suicidal thoughts and plan details to the RN or provider.

3. 3.During a home visit, a client with limited speech looks away and pauses for a long time after being asked about a recent loss. Which action best supports therapeutic communication?

   • A.Sit quietly with the client and allow time to respond.
   • B.Tell the client that talking will make the grief end sooner.
   • C.Change the subject to a less upsetting topic.
   • D.Ask several questions rapidly to keep the conversation moving.

   Rationale: Therapeutic silence gives the client time to organize thoughts and communicate at an individual pace. Changing the subject can imply that the loss should not be discussed, and rapid questions may increase pressure. Grief cannot be promised to end sooner because the client talks about it.

4. 4.Which communication techniques are appropriate when caring for a client who has difficulty understanding spoken language? Select all that apply.

   • A.Ask one question at a time.
   • B.Finish every sentence for the client.
   • C.Use short, concrete statements.
   • D.Allow extra time for the client to respond.
   • E.Use simple gestures along with words.
   • F.Speak loudly from across the room.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A client states, "The staff are whispering about me." Which response uses clarification rather than agreeing with the client's interpretation?

   • A."That is not true; the staff are busy."
   • B."You should not worry about what other people say."
   • C."Yes, they may be discussing your care."
   • D."What did you hear that made you think they were whispering about you?"

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.