ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Training Exam 70 Questions
ATI RN Mental Health 2026
Updated NGN Training Exam
70 Questions and answers key
Select the BEST answer for each question.
ANSWER KEY AT TH END
1. A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone.
Which statement by the client indicates understanding of the medication's
mechanism of action?
A. "I should feel the calming effects within 30 minutes of taking this
medication."
B. "This medication works by enhancing the effects of GABA in my brain."
C. "I understand it may take 2 to 3 weeks before I notice improvement in my
symptoms."
D. "I should avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication
because it increases sedation."
2. A
nurse is conducting an initial assessment of a client admitted for major
depressive disorder. The client states, "Nobody cares about me. I'm
completely alone." Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic
communication?
A. "That's not true. Your family has been calling every day to check on you."
B. "You sound like you're feeling very lonely right now. Can you tell me more
about that?"
C. "Everyone feels alone sometimes. Things will get better once you start your
medications."
D. "I understand how you feel. I've felt that way myself before."
3. Aclient with schizophrenia is experiencing command auditory
hallucinations telling them to harm a roommate. Which nursing
intervention is the priority?
A. Ask the client to describe the content of the hallucinations in detail.
B. Redirect the client to a quiet room and initiate one-to-one observation.
Page 1
,ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Training Exam 70 Questions
C. Administer a PRN antipsychotic medication and document the client's
response.
D. Encourage the client to talk back to the voices and challenge their authority.
4. A clienttaking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder reports nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, and coarse hand tremors. The nurse notes a serum
lithium level of 1.5 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Hold the next dose of lithium and notify the provider immediately.
B. Administer an antiemetic and encourage increased fluid intake.
C. Reassure the client that these are expected side effects of lithium therapy.
D. Document the findings and continue to monitor the client for 24 hours.
5. Aclient diagnosed with major depressive disorder is prescribed
fluoxetine. Which teaching point is most important for the nurse to
include?
A. "You may experience weight gain as a common side effect of this
medication."
B. "It is important to report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your provider."
C. "You should avoid consuming any foods containing tyramine while on this
medication."
D. "This medication may cause dry mouth, so you should limit your fluid
intake."
Page 2
,ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Training Exam 70 Questions
6. A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder has a history of
self-harm. The client becomes agitated and says, "If you don't give me
more pain medication, I'm going to cut myself right now!" Which response
is most appropriate?
A. "I understand you are in pain. Let me check your chart to see if more
medication is ordered."
B. "I cannot give you more medication, but I will sit with you while we work
through this together."
C. "Threatening self-harm will not help you get what you want. Let's talk about
other options."
D. "If you harm yourself, I will have to place you on suicide precautions."
7. Aclient with alcohol use disorder is admitted for medical management of
alcohol withdrawal. The nurse observes tremors, diaphoresis, anxiety, and
tachycardia. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Naloxone
B. Chlordiazepoxide
C. Disulfiram
D. Naltrexone
8. A client who was sexually assaulted 2 weeks ago presents to the mental
health clinic reporting nightmares, flashbacks, and severe hypervigilance.
The nurse recognizes these symptoms are consistent with which diagnosis?
A. Acute stress disorder
B. Adjustment disorder with anxious mood
C. Post-traumatic stress disorder
D. Generalized anxiety disorder
9. Aclient with schizophrenia has been taking clozapine for 6 months.
Which laboratory finding requires the most immediate notification of the
health care provider?
A. Blood glucose level of 140 mg/dL
B. WBC count of 2,500/mm3
C. Triglyceride level of 220 mg/dL
D. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute
10. A nurse is caring for an adolescent client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa
who has a BMI of
Page 3
, ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Training Exam 70 Questions
14. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority?
A. Discuss the client's body image concerns and cognitive distortions about
weight.
B. Monitor the client during and after meals to prevent purging behaviors.
C. Assess for vital sign instability, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiac
arrhythmias.
D. Establish a therapeutic contract regarding weight gain goals and meal
completion.
11. A client on an inpatient psychiatric unit tells the nurse, "I am going to
kill my neighbor when I get out of here." Which action should the nurse
take?
A. Document the statement in the client's chart and continue routine care.
B. Inform the client that making threats violates unit rules and could extend
their stay.
C. Maintain the client's confidentiality and explore their feelings of anger.
D. Notify the treatment team immediately and take steps to protect the
potential victim.
12. A nurse is providing care for a client with moderate Alzheimer's
disease who frequently wanders at night. Which intervention is most
effective for managing this behavior?
Page 4
ATI RN Mental Health 2026
Updated NGN Training Exam
70 Questions and answers key
Select the BEST answer for each question.
ANSWER KEY AT TH END
1. A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone.
Which statement by the client indicates understanding of the medication's
mechanism of action?
A. "I should feel the calming effects within 30 minutes of taking this
medication."
B. "This medication works by enhancing the effects of GABA in my brain."
C. "I understand it may take 2 to 3 weeks before I notice improvement in my
symptoms."
D. "I should avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication
because it increases sedation."
2. A
nurse is conducting an initial assessment of a client admitted for major
depressive disorder. The client states, "Nobody cares about me. I'm
completely alone." Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic
communication?
A. "That's not true. Your family has been calling every day to check on you."
B. "You sound like you're feeling very lonely right now. Can you tell me more
about that?"
C. "Everyone feels alone sometimes. Things will get better once you start your
medications."
D. "I understand how you feel. I've felt that way myself before."
3. Aclient with schizophrenia is experiencing command auditory
hallucinations telling them to harm a roommate. Which nursing
intervention is the priority?
A. Ask the client to describe the content of the hallucinations in detail.
B. Redirect the client to a quiet room and initiate one-to-one observation.
Page 1
,ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Training Exam 70 Questions
C. Administer a PRN antipsychotic medication and document the client's
response.
D. Encourage the client to talk back to the voices and challenge their authority.
4. A clienttaking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder reports nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, and coarse hand tremors. The nurse notes a serum
lithium level of 1.5 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Hold the next dose of lithium and notify the provider immediately.
B. Administer an antiemetic and encourage increased fluid intake.
C. Reassure the client that these are expected side effects of lithium therapy.
D. Document the findings and continue to monitor the client for 24 hours.
5. Aclient diagnosed with major depressive disorder is prescribed
fluoxetine. Which teaching point is most important for the nurse to
include?
A. "You may experience weight gain as a common side effect of this
medication."
B. "It is important to report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your provider."
C. "You should avoid consuming any foods containing tyramine while on this
medication."
D. "This medication may cause dry mouth, so you should limit your fluid
intake."
Page 2
,ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Training Exam 70 Questions
6. A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder has a history of
self-harm. The client becomes agitated and says, "If you don't give me
more pain medication, I'm going to cut myself right now!" Which response
is most appropriate?
A. "I understand you are in pain. Let me check your chart to see if more
medication is ordered."
B. "I cannot give you more medication, but I will sit with you while we work
through this together."
C. "Threatening self-harm will not help you get what you want. Let's talk about
other options."
D. "If you harm yourself, I will have to place you on suicide precautions."
7. Aclient with alcohol use disorder is admitted for medical management of
alcohol withdrawal. The nurse observes tremors, diaphoresis, anxiety, and
tachycardia. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Naloxone
B. Chlordiazepoxide
C. Disulfiram
D. Naltrexone
8. A client who was sexually assaulted 2 weeks ago presents to the mental
health clinic reporting nightmares, flashbacks, and severe hypervigilance.
The nurse recognizes these symptoms are consistent with which diagnosis?
A. Acute stress disorder
B. Adjustment disorder with anxious mood
C. Post-traumatic stress disorder
D. Generalized anxiety disorder
9. Aclient with schizophrenia has been taking clozapine for 6 months.
Which laboratory finding requires the most immediate notification of the
health care provider?
A. Blood glucose level of 140 mg/dL
B. WBC count of 2,500/mm3
C. Triglyceride level of 220 mg/dL
D. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute
10. A nurse is caring for an adolescent client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa
who has a BMI of
Page 3
, ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Training Exam 70 Questions
14. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority?
A. Discuss the client's body image concerns and cognitive distortions about
weight.
B. Monitor the client during and after meals to prevent purging behaviors.
C. Assess for vital sign instability, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiac
arrhythmias.
D. Establish a therapeutic contract regarding weight gain goals and meal
completion.
11. A client on an inpatient psychiatric unit tells the nurse, "I am going to
kill my neighbor when I get out of here." Which action should the nurse
take?
A. Document the statement in the client's chart and continue routine care.
B. Inform the client that making threats violates unit rules and could extend
their stay.
C. Maintain the client's confidentiality and explore their feelings of anger.
D. Notify the treatment team immediately and take steps to protect the
potential victim.
12. A nurse is providing care for a client with moderate Alzheimer's
disease who frequently wanders at night. Which intervention is most
effective for managing this behavior?
Page 4
