Mental Health HESI 2

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Sample questions from Mental Health HESI 2

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

1. 1.In the emergency department, an adolescent says, "I have been thinking about ending my life, but I do not want to talk about it." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

   • A.You seem reluctant to talk, but I need to ask directly: have you thought about how you might end your life?
   • B.You have so much to look forward to; try to focus on the positive.
   • C.Why would you think about doing something like that?
   • D.If you tell me what happened, I can make sure nobody finds out.

   Rationale: A direct, calm question about suicide communicates concern and helps assess immediate risk; asking does not plant the idea. Encouraging positivity minimizes distress, promising secrecy is inappropriate when safety is at stake, and asking why can sound judgmental. When suicide is possible, assess thoughts, plan, intent, and access to means without using euphemisms.

2. 2.During a home visit, a parent of a 4-year-old says, "I am exhausted and sometimes I resent having to manage my child's behavior." Which response best encourages further discussion?

   • A.You need to set firmer limits and be consistent.
   • B.It sounds as though you are carrying a lot. What has been the most difficult part lately?
   • C.All parents feel that way, so you should not feel guilty.
   • D.At least your child is healthy; try to keep that in mind.

   Rationale: Reflecting the parent's burden and inviting elaboration conveys acceptance without judgment. Normalizing the feeling may prematurely close discussion, while advice about discipline does not address the parent's expressed exhaustion. Pointing to the child's health minimizes the parent's distress; first explore the concern before offering problem-solving.

3. 3.A client states, "The voices say I am worthless, and I know they are real." Which response is most therapeutic?

   • A.Why do you believe the voices instead of me?
   • B.Those voices are not real, so you can ignore them.
   • C.I hear them too, but they cannot hurt you.
   • D.I do not hear the voices, but I understand that they feel real to you. What are they saying now?

   Rationale: The response presents reality without arguing and explores the hallucination's current content, including possible safety commands. Telling the client to ignore the voices dismisses the experience, asking why challenges the client's belief, and claiming to hear the voices reinforces the hallucination. Acknowledge the client's experience while maintaining the nurse's own reality-based perspective.

4. 4.Refer to the client's chart. Which responses should the nurse use to support safety and therapeutic communication? Select all that apply.

   • A.I am glad you told me. Are you thinking about killing yourself right now?
   • B.You have a lot to live for, so please stop thinking this way.
   • C.I will stay with you while we get help and make the area safe.
   • D.Have you decided how you would kill yourself?
   • E.Can you promise me you will not hurt yourself?
   • F.You will feel better if you promise not to think about suicide.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.At a community clinic, a client says, "I cannot stop worrying about the layoffs at work." Which response uses reflection to encourage the client to explore the concern?

   • A.You should update your resume in case you are laid off.
   • B.Many people are worried about the economy right now.
   • C.The possibility of losing your job has been weighing on you.
   • D.Try not to worry until you know whether layoffs will happen.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.