ATI Psychopharmacology Questions and answers
2026\2027 A+ Grade
A nurse is educating a group of high school students about mental illness. Which of the following
statements should the nurse make about etiology of a mental illness?
a. "Schizophrenia can be detected through a complete blood count."
b. "It is possible to predict the likelihood of developing manifestations of a mental illness."
c. "Developing a mental illness seems to be related to both genetic and environmental factors."
d. "Regular physical examinations are commonly used to diagnose mental illness."
- correct answer c. "Developing a mental illness seems to be related to both genetic and environmental
factors."
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing disruptions in sleep, appetite, and reports having a
depressed mood. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate the provider to
prescribe?
a. Benzodiazepine
b. Dopamine antagonist
c. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
d. Mood stabilizer
- correct answer c. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
A nurse is caring for a client who recently began taking methylphenidate, a CNS stimulant. Which of the
following topics should the nurse prepare to discuss with the client?
a. A tolerance to the medication rarely occurs
b. An increase in appetite may occur after taking the medication
, c. The medication should be taken 1 hr before bedtime
d. Foods that are known to be high in caffeine should be avoided
- correct answer d. Foods that are known to be high in caffeine should be avoided
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing opiate withdrawal. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect to observe?
a. Increased heart rate and blood pressure
b. Respiratory depression and excessive drowsiness
c. Constipation and pupil constriction
d. Goose flesh and diarrhea
- correct answer d. Goose flesh and diarrhea
A nurse in the ED is caring for a client who has acute haloperidol toxicity. Which if the following findings
should the nurse identify as consistent with neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
a. Dilated pupils and GI discomfort
b. Hyperthermia and elevated creatinine kinase
c. Respiratory depression and comatose state
d. Slumped posture and shuffling gait
- correct answer b. Hyperthermia and elevated creatinine kinase
A nurse is preparing a presentation for high school students about the causes of mental illness. Which of
the following should the nurse include in the presentation?
a. Stress has been identified as a potential cause of mental illness
b. Manifestations of mental illness can be resolved through motivation
c. Medications serve as a cure for mental illness
d. Psychotherapy can serve as a cure for mental illness
- correct answer a. Stress has been identified as a potential cause of mental illness
2026\2027 A+ Grade
A nurse is educating a group of high school students about mental illness. Which of the following
statements should the nurse make about etiology of a mental illness?
a. "Schizophrenia can be detected through a complete blood count."
b. "It is possible to predict the likelihood of developing manifestations of a mental illness."
c. "Developing a mental illness seems to be related to both genetic and environmental factors."
d. "Regular physical examinations are commonly used to diagnose mental illness."
- correct answer c. "Developing a mental illness seems to be related to both genetic and environmental
factors."
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing disruptions in sleep, appetite, and reports having a
depressed mood. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate the provider to
prescribe?
a. Benzodiazepine
b. Dopamine antagonist
c. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
d. Mood stabilizer
- correct answer c. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
A nurse is caring for a client who recently began taking methylphenidate, a CNS stimulant. Which of the
following topics should the nurse prepare to discuss with the client?
a. A tolerance to the medication rarely occurs
b. An increase in appetite may occur after taking the medication
, c. The medication should be taken 1 hr before bedtime
d. Foods that are known to be high in caffeine should be avoided
- correct answer d. Foods that are known to be high in caffeine should be avoided
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing opiate withdrawal. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect to observe?
a. Increased heart rate and blood pressure
b. Respiratory depression and excessive drowsiness
c. Constipation and pupil constriction
d. Goose flesh and diarrhea
- correct answer d. Goose flesh and diarrhea
A nurse in the ED is caring for a client who has acute haloperidol toxicity. Which if the following findings
should the nurse identify as consistent with neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
a. Dilated pupils and GI discomfort
b. Hyperthermia and elevated creatinine kinase
c. Respiratory depression and comatose state
d. Slumped posture and shuffling gait
- correct answer b. Hyperthermia and elevated creatinine kinase
A nurse is preparing a presentation for high school students about the causes of mental illness. Which of
the following should the nurse include in the presentation?
a. Stress has been identified as a potential cause of mental illness
b. Manifestations of mental illness can be resolved through motivation
c. Medications serve as a cure for mental illness
d. Psychotherapy can serve as a cure for mental illness
- correct answer a. Stress has been identified as a potential cause of mental illness
