ATI PN MENTAL HEALTH EXAM / APPROVED PN ATI
MENTAL HEALTH PROCTORED EXAM 2026/2027 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND STUDY GUIDE COMPLETE ACCURATE
EXAM APPROVED QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES (100% CORRECT VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS)
Question 1
A practical nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with major depressive
disorder. Which finding requires the highest priority intervention?
A. The client refuses breakfast.
B. The client remains isolated in the room.
C. The client states, "Everyone would be better off without me."
D. The client reports difficulty sleeping.
Correct Answer:C – The client states, "Everyone would be better off
without me."
Rationale:
A statement suggesting hopelessness or that others would be better off
without the client indicates possible suicidal ideation. Safety is always
the nurse's priority. Nutritional deficits, isolation, and insomnia require
intervention but are secondary to suicide risk
,Question 2
A nurse is preparing to administer haloperidol to a client experiencing
acute psychosis. Which assessment should be completed first?
A. Visual acuity
B. Blood glucose level
C. Presence of extrapyramidal symptoms
D. Hearing ability
Correct Answer: C – Presence of extrapyramidal symptoms
Rationale:
Haloperidol is a first-generation antipsychotic associated with
extrapyramidal side effects (EPS). The nurse should assess for EPS
before administration to establish a baseline and monitor for adverse
effects.
Question 3
A client with major depressive disorder says, "Nothing matters
anymore." Which is the best response?
,A. "You have so much to live for."
B. "Are you thinking of harming yourself?"
C. "I understand how you feel."
D. "Why do you feel that way?"
Correct Answer: B – "Are you thinking of harming yourself?"
Rationale:
The priority is to assess for suicidal ideation. Asking directly about self-
harm is essential for safety. Option A minimizes feelings; option C is
nontherapeutic (assuming understanding); option D asks "why," which
can seem judgmental.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is in a manic
phase. Which intervention is most important?
A. Encourage group activities.
B. Provide high-calorie finger foods.
C. Limit physical activity.
D. Offer detailed explanations of rules.
, Correct Answer:** B – Provide high-calorie finger foods.
Rationale:
Manic clients may not sit for meals and can expend many calories.
Finger foods allow eating on the move. Group activities may
overstimulate; physical activity is not limited but should be structured;
detailed explanations may not be attended to.
Question 5
A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is poisoning my
food." Which is the best response?
A. "That's not true. The CIA doesn't care about you."
B. "I know you believe that, but I don't see evidence of poison."
C. "You must be very scared. Let's check your food together."
D. "Let's talk about something else."
Correct Answer:B – "I know you believe that, but I don't see
evidence of poison."
Rationale:
MENTAL HEALTH PROCTORED EXAM 2026/2027 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND STUDY GUIDE COMPLETE ACCURATE
EXAM APPROVED QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES (100% CORRECT VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS)
Question 1
A practical nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with major depressive
disorder. Which finding requires the highest priority intervention?
A. The client refuses breakfast.
B. The client remains isolated in the room.
C. The client states, "Everyone would be better off without me."
D. The client reports difficulty sleeping.
Correct Answer:C – The client states, "Everyone would be better off
without me."
Rationale:
A statement suggesting hopelessness or that others would be better off
without the client indicates possible suicidal ideation. Safety is always
the nurse's priority. Nutritional deficits, isolation, and insomnia require
intervention but are secondary to suicide risk
,Question 2
A nurse is preparing to administer haloperidol to a client experiencing
acute psychosis. Which assessment should be completed first?
A. Visual acuity
B. Blood glucose level
C. Presence of extrapyramidal symptoms
D. Hearing ability
Correct Answer: C – Presence of extrapyramidal symptoms
Rationale:
Haloperidol is a first-generation antipsychotic associated with
extrapyramidal side effects (EPS). The nurse should assess for EPS
before administration to establish a baseline and monitor for adverse
effects.
Question 3
A client with major depressive disorder says, "Nothing matters
anymore." Which is the best response?
,A. "You have so much to live for."
B. "Are you thinking of harming yourself?"
C. "I understand how you feel."
D. "Why do you feel that way?"
Correct Answer: B – "Are you thinking of harming yourself?"
Rationale:
The priority is to assess for suicidal ideation. Asking directly about self-
harm is essential for safety. Option A minimizes feelings; option C is
nontherapeutic (assuming understanding); option D asks "why," which
can seem judgmental.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is in a manic
phase. Which intervention is most important?
A. Encourage group activities.
B. Provide high-calorie finger foods.
C. Limit physical activity.
D. Offer detailed explanations of rules.
, Correct Answer:** B – Provide high-calorie finger foods.
Rationale:
Manic clients may not sit for meals and can expend many calories.
Finger foods allow eating on the move. Group activities may
overstimulate; physical activity is not limited but should be structured;
detailed explanations may not be attended to.
Question 5
A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is poisoning my
food." Which is the best response?
A. "That's not true. The CIA doesn't care about you."
B. "I know you believe that, but I don't see evidence of poison."
C. "You must be very scared. Let's check your food together."
D. "Let's talk about something else."
Correct Answer:B – "I know you believe that, but I don't see
evidence of poison."
Rationale:
