Mental Health HESI Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: a Clinical Approach, 10TH Edition,

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Sample questions from Mental Health HESI Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: a Clinical Approach, 10TH Edition,

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

1. 1.During an intake interview, a client says, "I feel like nobody understands how frightened I am." Which response is most therapeutic?

   • A.Why do you think you feel this way?
   • B.You should try not to worry so much.
   • C.Tell me more about what is frightening you.
   • D.Other people have managed similar situations.

   Rationale: Inviting the client to elaborate communicates interest and helps identify the source of distress. Advising the client to stop worrying minimizes feelings, while asking "why" can sound challenging. Comparing the client with others shifts attention away from the client's experience.

2. 2.A client becomes tearful while discussing a recent loss and then falls silent. Which nursing responses are therapeutic? Select all that apply.

   • A.Change the subject to help the client feel better.
   • B.Sit quietly with the client and remain present.
   • C.Say, "You need to be strong for your family."
   • D.Ask, "What has this loss been like for you?"
   • E.Offer a tissue and allow time for the client to respond.

   Rationale: Remaining present, offering a tissue, and using an open-ended question acknowledge grief and invite expression. Telling the client to be strong imposes an expectation and may inhibit feelings. Changing the subject communicates discomfort with the client's grief rather than providing support.

3. 3.A client says, "The staff are whispering about me, and I know they are planning to discharge me onto the street." Which response best explores the client's concern?

   • A.What have you noticed that makes you think this?
   • B.That is not true; the staff are discussing your care.
   • C.You should ask your provider if you are being discharged.
   • D.I will tell the staff to stop whispering.

   Rationale: This response explores the client's perception without confirming or arguing about the belief. Directly denying the client's concern may increase mistrust, while promising to stop staff conversations reinforces the interpretation. Referring the client elsewhere avoids therapeutic engagement.

4. 4.In a community clinic, a client asks, "Do you think I should leave my partner?" Which response best maintains the nurse's therapeutic role?

   • A.I would leave if I were in your situation.
   • B.Yes, you should leave if you are unhappy.
   • C.You need to discuss this with your family.
   • D.What factors are making this decision difficult for you?

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.At the end of a first outpatient visit, which statement best helps establish a professional boundary?

   • A.You can contact me on social media if you have questions.
   • B.Our sessions are scheduled for Tuesdays, and we can discuss urgent support options.
   • C.I think we will become good friends as treatment continues.
   • D.I will give you my personal number in case you need me tonight.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.