ATI RN Pharmacology Mental Health (PDF) | 2026 Midterm Questions | Nursing

200+ QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES

,ATI RN PHARMACOLOGY MENTAL HEALTH EXAM 2026 MIDTERM TEST BANK-STYLE PRACTICE
QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & RATIONALES
Question 1
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for fluoxetine. Which statement by the
client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. “I should expect the medication to work immediately.”
B. “I may need several weeks before I notice the full therapeutic effect.”
C. “I should stop the medication as soon as I feel better.”
D. “I should take an extra dose if I feel depressed.”
Answer: B
Rationale: SSRIs such as fluoxetine may require several weeks for the full therapeutic effect.
Clients should not stop antidepressants abruptly or change the dose without guidance.


Question 2
A client is prescribed phenelzine. Which food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh apples
B. Aged cheese
C. Steamed rice
D. Carrots
Answer: B
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Foods high in tyramine, including aged cheeses, can
contribute to a hypertensive crisis.


Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client who takes lithium for bipolar disorder. Which finding is most
important to report to the provider?
A. Mild thirst
B. Fine hand tremor
C. Severe diarrhea and confusion
D. Increased appetite
Answer: C

,Rationale: Severe gastrointestinal symptoms and confusion can indicate lithium toxicity and
require prompt evaluation.


Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client taking haloperidol. Which finding is consistent with an
extrapyramidal adverse effect?
A. Muscle rigidity
B. Weight loss
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Increased salivation only
Answer: A
Rationale: Haloperidol can cause extrapyramidal symptoms, including rigidity, tremors,
bradykinesia, and dystonia.


Question 5
A client taking clozapine reports a sore throat and fever. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake.
B. Assess the client's white blood cell and neutrophil counts.
C. Administer an antipyretic.
D. Reassure the client that the symptoms are expected.
Answer: B
Rationale: Clozapine can cause severe neutropenia. Fever and sore throat may indicate
infection and require prompt evaluation of blood counts.


Question 6
A nurse is teaching a client about benzodiazepines. Which statement is appropriate?
A. “You should stop the medication abruptly.”
B. “Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.”
C. “This medication has no risk of dependence.”
D. “Take double doses when anxiety increases.”
Answer: B

, Rationale: Combining benzodiazepines with alcohol can increase CNS and respiratory
depression. Benzodiazepines can also cause dependence.


Question 7
A client taking sertraline develops agitation, hyperreflexia, and diaphoresis. The nurse should
suspect:
A. Serotonin syndrome
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C. Lithium toxicity
D. Hypertensive crisis from tyramine
Answer: A
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome can include agitation, autonomic instability, hyperreflexia, and
increased neuromuscular activity.


Question 8
Which medication may be used to reduce extrapyramidal symptoms caused by antipsychotic
medications?
A. Benztropine
B. Fluoxetine
C. Lithium
D. Buspirone
Answer: A
Rationale: Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication commonly used to treat certain
medication-induced extrapyramidal symptoms.


Question 9
A client receiving an antipsychotic develops a high fever, severe muscle rigidity, and altered
mental status. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
B. Serotonin discontinuation syndrome
C. Panic disorder
D. Acute mania