HESI (Health and Environmental Sciences Institute) Health Assessment Practice Test

During a mental status assessment, which question by the nurse would best assess a person's judgment?

1. "Do you feel that you are being watched, followed, or controlled?"

2. "Tell me about what you plan to do once you are discharged from the hospital."

3. "What does the statement, 'People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones,' mean to you?"

4. "What would you do if you found a stamped, addressed envelope lying on the sidewalk?"

The correct answer is: "Tell me about what you plan to do once you are discharged from the hospital."

The question that best assesses a person's judgment is to inquire about plans after discharge from the hospital. This type of inquiry allows the nurse to evaluate the patient's ability to think through their future actions and make appropriate decisions based on their situation. A patient's response can provide insight into their insightfulness, foresight, and ability to make decisions that take into account their well-being, safety, and responsibilities. When a patient articulates their plans, it not only shows their understanding of their current health and the steps they need to take but also reflects their capacity for planning and coping post-hospitalization. Good judgment is often characterized by the ability to foresee consequences and apply learned information to new situations, which this question effectively highlights. In contrast, the other questions might assess different aspects of mental status but don't specifically evaluate judgment in the same way. For instance, inquiries about feelings of being watched or followed relate more to thought processes or possible paranoid ideation rather than judgment. The interpretation of a proverb assesses understanding and cognition more than decision-making. Finally, asking what to do with a found envelope tests moral reasoning rather than overall judgment related to the individual’s life circumstances.