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, ATI RN Mental Health 2026 Level 3 Exam
70 NGN-Style Questions with Answers and Detailed Rationales
SECTION 1: THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION & NURSE-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder who states, "I just can't go on
anymore. Everyone would be better off without me." Which of the following actions should the
nurse take FIRST?
A. Notify the provider of the client's statement
B. Place the client on one-to-one observation
C. Ask the client if they have a plan to harm themselves
D. Document the client's statement verbatim
Answer: C. Ask the client if they have a plan to harm themselves
Rationale: The priority action is to assess for suicidal ideation by asking directly about intent,
plan, and means. This is a safety priority. The nurse must directly ask: "Are you thinking of killing
yourself?" and "Do you have a plan?" Direct questioning about suicidal ideation is essential and
does NOT increase the risk of suicide. The nurse must assess for intent, plan, and means. False
reassurance, asking "why," or minimizing the statement are not therapeutic and do not address
safety concerns.
Question 2
A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is monitoring my thoughts through my
television." What is the MOST therapeutic response?
A. "That's not true. The CIA doesn't monitor people."
B. "Why would the CIA be interested in you?"
C. "I understand you believe that. That must be frightening. I don't see any evidence of it, but I
know it feels real to you."
D. "You're safe here. No one can read your thoughts."
Answer: C. "I understand you believe that. That must be frightening. I don't see any evidence
of it, but I know it feels real to you."
,
, ATI RN Mental Health 2026 Level 3 Exam
70 NGN-Style Questions with Answers and Detailed Rationales
SECTION 1: THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION & NURSE-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder who states, "I just can't go on
anymore. Everyone would be better off without me." Which of the following actions should the
nurse take FIRST?
A. Notify the provider of the client's statement
B. Place the client on one-to-one observation
C. Ask the client if they have a plan to harm themselves
D. Document the client's statement verbatim
Answer: C. Ask the client if they have a plan to harm themselves
Rationale: The priority action is to assess for suicidal ideation by asking directly about intent,
plan, and means. This is a safety priority. The nurse must directly ask: "Are you thinking of killing
yourself?" and "Do you have a plan?" Direct questioning about suicidal ideation is essential and
does NOT increase the risk of suicide. The nurse must assess for intent, plan, and means. False
reassurance, asking "why," or minimizing the statement are not therapeutic and do not address
safety concerns.
Question 2
A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is monitoring my thoughts through my
television." What is the MOST therapeutic response?
A. "That's not true. The CIA doesn't monitor people."
B. "Why would the CIA be interested in you?"
C. "I understand you believe that. That must be frightening. I don't see any evidence of it, but I
know it feels real to you."
D. "You're safe here. No one can read your thoughts."
Answer: C. "I understand you believe that. That must be frightening. I don't see any evidence
of it, but I know it feels real to you."
