PN ATI Mental Health Exam 70 questions and
answers with rationales 2026 update
1. A client with major depression says, 'Everyone would be better off
without me.' What is the nurse's priority?
A. Assess for suicidal intent
B. Encourage group therapy
C. Discuss positive traits
D. Change the subject
Answer: A
Rationale: Safety and suicide assessment take priority.
2. Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. Tell me more about how you're feeling.
B. You shouldn't feel that way.
C. Everything will be okay.
D. Why did you do that?
Answer: A
Rationale: Open-ended statements encourage expression.
3. A client taking lithium should report which finding immediately?
A. Severe diarrhea and tremors
B. Dry mouth
C. Mild thirst
D. Increased appetite
Answer: A
Rationale: These may indicate lithium toxicity.
4. Which medication is an SSRI?
A. Sertraline
B. Haloperidol
,C. Lithium
D. Lorazepam
Answer: A
Rationale: Sertraline is an SSRI antidepressant.
5. A client experiencing a panic attack should first receive:
A. A calm, quiet environment
B. Detailed teaching
C. Coffee
D. Group therapy
Answer: A
Rationale: Reducing stimulation helps decrease anxiety.
6. A client with major depression says, 'Everyone would be better off
without me.' What is the nurse's priority?
A. Assess for suicidal intent
B. Encourage group therapy
C. Discuss positive traits
D. Change the subject
Answer: A
Rationale: Safety and suicide assessment take priority.
7. Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. Tell me more about how you're feeling.
B. You shouldn't feel that way.
C. Everything will be okay.
D. Why did you do that?
Answer: A
Rationale: Open-ended statements encourage expression.
8. A client taking lithium should report which finding immediately?
A. Severe diarrhea and tremors
, B. Dry mouth
C. Mild thirst
D. Increased appetite
Answer: A
Rationale: These may indicate lithium toxicity.
9. Which medication is an SSRI?
A. Sertraline
B. Haloperidol
C. Lithium
D. Lorazepam
Answer: A
Rationale: Sertraline is an SSRI antidepressant.
10. A client experiencing a panic attack should first receive:
A. A calm, quiet environment
B. Detailed teaching
C. Coffee
D. Group therapy
Answer: A
Rationale: Reducing stimulation helps decrease anxiety.
11. A client with major depression says, 'Everyone would be better off
without me.' What is the nurse's priority?
A. Assess for suicidal intent
B. Encourage group therapy
C. Discuss positive traits
D. Change the subject
Answer: A
Rationale: Safety and suicide assessment take priority.
answers with rationales 2026 update
1. A client with major depression says, 'Everyone would be better off
without me.' What is the nurse's priority?
A. Assess for suicidal intent
B. Encourage group therapy
C. Discuss positive traits
D. Change the subject
Answer: A
Rationale: Safety and suicide assessment take priority.
2. Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. Tell me more about how you're feeling.
B. You shouldn't feel that way.
C. Everything will be okay.
D. Why did you do that?
Answer: A
Rationale: Open-ended statements encourage expression.
3. A client taking lithium should report which finding immediately?
A. Severe diarrhea and tremors
B. Dry mouth
C. Mild thirst
D. Increased appetite
Answer: A
Rationale: These may indicate lithium toxicity.
4. Which medication is an SSRI?
A. Sertraline
B. Haloperidol
,C. Lithium
D. Lorazepam
Answer: A
Rationale: Sertraline is an SSRI antidepressant.
5. A client experiencing a panic attack should first receive:
A. A calm, quiet environment
B. Detailed teaching
C. Coffee
D. Group therapy
Answer: A
Rationale: Reducing stimulation helps decrease anxiety.
6. A client with major depression says, 'Everyone would be better off
without me.' What is the nurse's priority?
A. Assess for suicidal intent
B. Encourage group therapy
C. Discuss positive traits
D. Change the subject
Answer: A
Rationale: Safety and suicide assessment take priority.
7. Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. Tell me more about how you're feeling.
B. You shouldn't feel that way.
C. Everything will be okay.
D. Why did you do that?
Answer: A
Rationale: Open-ended statements encourage expression.
8. A client taking lithium should report which finding immediately?
A. Severe diarrhea and tremors
, B. Dry mouth
C. Mild thirst
D. Increased appetite
Answer: A
Rationale: These may indicate lithium toxicity.
9. Which medication is an SSRI?
A. Sertraline
B. Haloperidol
C. Lithium
D. Lorazepam
Answer: A
Rationale: Sertraline is an SSRI antidepressant.
10. A client experiencing a panic attack should first receive:
A. A calm, quiet environment
B. Detailed teaching
C. Coffee
D. Group therapy
Answer: A
Rationale: Reducing stimulation helps decrease anxiety.
11. A client with major depression says, 'Everyone would be better off
without me.' What is the nurse's priority?
A. Assess for suicidal intent
B. Encourage group therapy
C. Discuss positive traits
D. Change the subject
Answer: A
Rationale: Safety and suicide assessment take priority.
