RN ATI MENTAL HEALTH PROCTORED EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) Q&A 2026/2027 INSTANT DOWNLOAD
PDF
1. A nurse is caring for a client who states, “I feel like my life
has no purpose anymore.” Which response by the nurse is
most therapeutic?
A. “You should focus on the positive things in your life.”
B. “Why do you feel that way?”
C. “Can you tell me more about what makes you feel this way?”
D. “Everyone feels this way sometimes.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the client to elaborate promotes
therapeutic communication and allows assessment of feelings.
The nurse should avoid giving advice, minimizing feelings, or
asking “why” questions.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who has depression. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Fatigue
B. Poor appetite
C. Thoughts of self-harm
D. Difficulty concentrating
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Safety is the priority. Thoughts of self-harm require
immediate assessment and intervention to prevent injury.
3. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing severe anxiety.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Teach relaxation techniques
B. Ask the client to identify triggers
C. Remain with the client and provide a calm environment
D. Encourage participation in group therapy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During severe anxiety, the priority is reducing
stimulation and providing safety. Complex teaching should
occur after anxiety decreases.
4. A nurse is communicating with a client experiencing
hallucinations. Which response is appropriate?
A. “The voices are not real.”
B. “I understand you hear voices, but I do not hear them.”
C. “What are the voices telling you to do?”
D. “Ignore the voices.”
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The nurse acknowledges the client’s experience
without reinforcing the hallucination. The nurse should assess
the content, especially if commands involve harm.
5. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia says, “The television
is sending me secret messages.” Which response should the
nurse make?
A. “That is impossible.”
B. “Why would the television send messages?”
C. “I do not believe the television is sending messages, but I
understand this feels real to you.”
D. “Turn off the television immediately.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This response presents reality while validating the
client’s feelings.
6. A nurse is caring for a client taking an antipsychotic
medication. Which finding should the nurse report
immediately?
A. Dry mouth
B. Mild drowsiness
C. Fever and severe muscle rigidity
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: Fever, rigidity, and altered mental status may
indicate neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a life-threatening
adverse effect.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which
statement indicates understanding?
A. “I should reduce my fluid intake.”
B. “I should maintain consistent salt and fluid intake.”
C. “I can stop taking lithium when I feel better.”
D. “I should take extra doses during stressful periods.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Changes in sodium and hydration can affect lithium
levels and increase toxicity risk.
8. A nurse is assessing a client taking lithium. Which finding
indicates lithium toxicity?
A. Increased energy
B. Fine hand tremors
C. Severe diarrhea and confusion
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe gastrointestinal symptoms, confusion, and
neurological changes indicate lithium toxicity.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) Q&A 2026/2027 INSTANT DOWNLOAD
1. A nurse is caring for a client who states, “I feel like my life
has no purpose anymore.” Which response by the nurse is
most therapeutic?
A. “You should focus on the positive things in your life.”
B. “Why do you feel that way?”
C. “Can you tell me more about what makes you feel this way?”
D. “Everyone feels this way sometimes.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the client to elaborate promotes
therapeutic communication and allows assessment of feelings.
The nurse should avoid giving advice, minimizing feelings, or
asking “why” questions.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who has depression. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Fatigue
B. Poor appetite
C. Thoughts of self-harm
D. Difficulty concentrating
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Safety is the priority. Thoughts of self-harm require
immediate assessment and intervention to prevent injury.
3. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing severe anxiety.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Teach relaxation techniques
B. Ask the client to identify triggers
C. Remain with the client and provide a calm environment
D. Encourage participation in group therapy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During severe anxiety, the priority is reducing
stimulation and providing safety. Complex teaching should
occur after anxiety decreases.
4. A nurse is communicating with a client experiencing
hallucinations. Which response is appropriate?
A. “The voices are not real.”
B. “I understand you hear voices, but I do not hear them.”
C. “What are the voices telling you to do?”
D. “Ignore the voices.”
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The nurse acknowledges the client’s experience
without reinforcing the hallucination. The nurse should assess
the content, especially if commands involve harm.
5. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia says, “The television
is sending me secret messages.” Which response should the
nurse make?
A. “That is impossible.”
B. “Why would the television send messages?”
C. “I do not believe the television is sending messages, but I
understand this feels real to you.”
D. “Turn off the television immediately.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This response presents reality while validating the
client’s feelings.
6. A nurse is caring for a client taking an antipsychotic
medication. Which finding should the nurse report
immediately?
A. Dry mouth
B. Mild drowsiness
C. Fever and severe muscle rigidity
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: Fever, rigidity, and altered mental status may
indicate neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a life-threatening
adverse effect.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which
statement indicates understanding?
A. “I should reduce my fluid intake.”
B. “I should maintain consistent salt and fluid intake.”
C. “I can stop taking lithium when I feel better.”
D. “I should take extra doses during stressful periods.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Changes in sodium and hydration can affect lithium
levels and increase toxicity risk.
8. A nurse is assessing a client taking lithium. Which finding
indicates lithium toxicity?
A. Increased energy
B. Fine hand tremors
C. Severe diarrhea and confusion
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe gastrointestinal symptoms, confusion, and
neurological changes indicate lithium toxicity.
