ATI RN MENTAL HEALTH EDITION 12.0
ACTUAL EXAM 2026 | Complete Test Bank
All 26 Chapters | 500 Exam-Style Questions
with Verified Answers & Rationales | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which
finding should the nurse expect?
A) Increased energy and activity level
B) Anhedonia and feelings of worthlessness
C) Grandiose delusions
D) Pressured speech
Answer
Answer: B
Rationale
Major depressive disorder is characterized by anhedonia (loss of pleasure) and negative self-worth.
Question 2
A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing intervention
is most appropriate initially?
A) Tell the client the voices are not real
B) Ask the client what the voices are saying
C) Administer a PRN antipsychotic immediately
D) Place the client in seclusion
Answer
,Answer: B
Rationale
Assessing the content of hallucinations helps determine safety risk and guides intervention.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder in a manic episode. Which behavior should
the nurse expect?
A) Psychomotor retardation
B) Decreased need for sleep
C) Anhedonia
D) Social withdrawal
Answer
Answer: B
Rationale
Mania is characterized by decreased need for sleep, increased energy, and goal-directed activity.
Question 4
Which medication requires monitoring of serum levels to prevent toxicity?
A) Fluoxetine
B) Lithium
C) Sertraline
D) Bupropion
Answer
Answer: B
2
,Rationale
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index (0.6-1.2 mEq/L); levels must be monitored regularly.
Question 5
A client with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone. Which instruction should the
nurse include?
A) "Take this medication only when you feel anxious."
B) "It may take 2-4 weeks for full therapeutic effect."
C) "This medication is habit-forming."
D) "You can stop this medication abruptly."
Answer
Answer: B
Rationale
Buspirone has a delayed onset; it is not for PRN use and has no abuse potential.
Question 6
A nurse is assessing a client for suicidal ideation. Which question is most appropriate?
A) "You're not thinking of hurting yourself, are you?"
B) "Are you having thoughts of harming yourself?"
C) "Why would you want to hurt yourself?"
D) "You have so much to live for, don't you?"
Answer
Answer: B
Rationale
Direct, non-judgmental questioning is essential for accurate suicide risk assessment.
3
, Question 7
A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder repeatedly washes hands. Which nursing
intervention is appropriate?
A) Prevent the client from washing hands
B) Allow time for rituals initially, then gradually set limits
C) Tell the client the behavior is irrational
D) Isolate the client from others
Answer
Answer: B
Rationale
Gradually reducing rituals prevents anxiety escalation and promotes behavioral change.
Question 8
A nurse is teaching a client about clozapine. Which adverse effect requires immediate
notification of the provider?
A) Weight gain
B) Fever and sore throat
C) Drowsiness
D) Constipation
Answer
Answer: B
Rationale
Fever and sore throat may indicate agranulocytosis; immediate CBC with differential is needed.
4
ACTUAL EXAM 2026 | Complete Test Bank
All 26 Chapters | 500 Exam-Style Questions
with Verified Answers & Rationales | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which
finding should the nurse expect?
A) Increased energy and activity level
B) Anhedonia and feelings of worthlessness
C) Grandiose delusions
D) Pressured speech
Answer
Answer: B
Rationale
Major depressive disorder is characterized by anhedonia (loss of pleasure) and negative self-worth.
Question 2
A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing intervention
is most appropriate initially?
A) Tell the client the voices are not real
B) Ask the client what the voices are saying
C) Administer a PRN antipsychotic immediately
D) Place the client in seclusion
Answer
,Answer: B
Rationale
Assessing the content of hallucinations helps determine safety risk and guides intervention.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder in a manic episode. Which behavior should
the nurse expect?
A) Psychomotor retardation
B) Decreased need for sleep
C) Anhedonia
D) Social withdrawal
Answer
Answer: B
Rationale
Mania is characterized by decreased need for sleep, increased energy, and goal-directed activity.
Question 4
Which medication requires monitoring of serum levels to prevent toxicity?
A) Fluoxetine
B) Lithium
C) Sertraline
D) Bupropion
Answer
Answer: B
2
,Rationale
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index (0.6-1.2 mEq/L); levels must be monitored regularly.
Question 5
A client with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone. Which instruction should the
nurse include?
A) "Take this medication only when you feel anxious."
B) "It may take 2-4 weeks for full therapeutic effect."
C) "This medication is habit-forming."
D) "You can stop this medication abruptly."
Answer
Answer: B
Rationale
Buspirone has a delayed onset; it is not for PRN use and has no abuse potential.
Question 6
A nurse is assessing a client for suicidal ideation. Which question is most appropriate?
A) "You're not thinking of hurting yourself, are you?"
B) "Are you having thoughts of harming yourself?"
C) "Why would you want to hurt yourself?"
D) "You have so much to live for, don't you?"
Answer
Answer: B
Rationale
Direct, non-judgmental questioning is essential for accurate suicide risk assessment.
3
, Question 7
A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder repeatedly washes hands. Which nursing
intervention is appropriate?
A) Prevent the client from washing hands
B) Allow time for rituals initially, then gradually set limits
C) Tell the client the behavior is irrational
D) Isolate the client from others
Answer
Answer: B
Rationale
Gradually reducing rituals prevents anxiety escalation and promotes behavioral change.
Question 8
A nurse is teaching a client about clozapine. Which adverse effect requires immediate
notification of the provider?
A) Weight gain
B) Fever and sore throat
C) Drowsiness
D) Constipation
Answer
Answer: B
Rationale
Fever and sore throat may indicate agranulocytosis; immediate CBC with differential is needed.
4
