ATI MENTAL HEALTH PROCTORED TEST BANK
2024/2025 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS AND RATIONALES|ALREADY
GRADED A|
Course
Ati mental health
1. A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who is experiencing command
hallucinations. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Ask the client what the voices are saying
B. Administer prescribed antipsychotic medication
C. Distract the client with structured activities
D. Encourage the client to rest in a quiet environment
✅ Correct Answer: A. Ask the client what the voices are saying
Rationale: The nurse must assess the content of the hallucinations to determine if there is a risk
of harm to self or others. This is a priority safety intervention. Other actions may follow based
on this assessment.
2. A nurse is planning care for a client with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Which of the following is an appropriate goal?
A. The client will verbalize complete understanding of their diagnosis within 24 hours
B. The client will perform self-care activities independently within 3 days
C. The client will attend one group therapy session by end of week
D. The client will sleep for 10 hours per night within 2 days
✅ Correct Answer: C. The client will attend one group therapy session by end of week
Rationale: Goals for clients with MDD should be realistic, measurable, and time-bound.
Group therapy supports social interaction and is a gradual step toward recovery. The other
options are unrealistic or not measurable.
3. A client with borderline personality disorder exhibits manipulative behavior.
Which approach should the nurse use?
A. Enforce consistent limits with all staff
B. Allow the client to negotiate limits
,C. Avoid discussing boundaries
D. Encourage frequent staff changes to reduce attachment
✅ Correct Answer: A. Enforce consistent limits with all staff
Rationale: Clients with borderline personality disorder often engage in splitting and
manipulation. Consistent limit-setting across all staff reduces manipulation and promotes trust.
4. A nurse is caring for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Which
dietary choice is most appropriate?
A. Chicken salad with celery
B. Steak and baked potato
C. Peanut butter sandwich and apple slices
D. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes
✅ Correct Answer: C. Peanut butter sandwich and apple slices
Rationale: Clients in manic states require nutrient-dense, high-calorie finger foods due to
distractibility and poor appetite. Finger foods help ensure intake despite hyperactivity.
5. A nurse observes a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder washing hands
repeatedly. What is the best response?
A. “Stop doing that immediately.”
B. “Tell me why you feel you need to do that.”
C. “Let’s talk about what triggered your anxiety.”
D. “Don’t worry; you’re safe here.”
✅ Correct Answer: C. “Let’s talk about what triggered your anxiety.”
Rationale: This response addresses the underlying anxiety behind the compulsion. It promotes
therapeutic dialogue without confrontation or invalidation.
6. A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking haloperidol for 4 days. The
client has a mask-like face, drooling, and muscle rigidity. What is the priority
action?
,A. Reassure the client that these effects are temporary
B. Administer PRN benztropine as prescribed
C. Withhold the next dose of haloperidol
D. Document the findings and continue monitoring
✅ Correct Answer: B. Administer PRN benztropine as prescribed
Rationale: These are extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Benztropine is an anticholinergic that
treats EPS caused by antipsychotics. Immediate intervention is critical to reduce discomfort and
prevent worsening symptoms.
7. A client with depression is prescribed fluoxetine. Which statement by the client
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. “It may take a few weeks before I feel better.”
B. “I might feel sleepy, but that should pass.”
C. “I can stop the medication once I feel better.”
D. “I should report increased suicidal thoughts.”
✅ Correct Answer: C. “I can stop the medication once I feel better.”
Rationale: SSRIs like fluoxetine require consistent, long-term use and should not be stopped
abruptly. This response reflects nonadherence and poor understanding.
8. Which of the following actions is appropriate when caring for a client
undergoing alcohol withdrawal?
A. Provide a low-stimulation environment
B. Restrict fluid intake
C. Encourage caffeinated drinks
D. Avoid administering benzodiazepines
✅ Correct Answer: A. Provide a low-stimulation environment
Rationale: A calm environment reduces risk of seizures and agitation during alcohol
withdrawal. Benzodiazepines are the treatment of choice, and caffeine is contraindicated.
9. A nurse is teaching a group about defense mechanisms. Which is an example
of displacement?
, A. A student who is angry at a professor yells at their roommate
B. A child who wets the bed begins sucking their thumb again
C. A client who refuses to believe they have cancer
D. A person channels anger into vigorous exercise
✅ Correct Answer: A. A student who is angry at a professor yells at their roommate
Rationale: Displacement is redirecting emotions from a threatening target to a safer substitute.
This classic example shows anger being misdirected.
10. A client tells the nurse, “I feel worthless and hopeless.” What is the priority
nursing intervention?
A. Initiate 1:1 observation
B. Offer reassurance that things will improve
C. Encourage the client to join group therapy
D. Document the client’s feelings in the chart
✅ Correct Answer: A. Initiate 1:1 observation
Rationale: Statements of hopelessness and worthlessness are key suicide risk indicators.
Direct supervision is a priority safety measure. Other interventions can follow once safety is
ensured.
11. A nurse is assessing a client with anorexia nervosa. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Lanugo on the arms
B. BMI of 15
C. Heart rate of 42 bpm
D. Preoccupation with food
✅ Correct Answer: C. Heart rate of 42 bpm
Rationale: Bradycardia (<50 bpm) is a life-threatening sign of malnutrition and
cardiovascular compromise. It takes priority over other chronic but less immediately dangerous
symptoms.
12. A nurse is caring for a client newly admitted with generalized anxiety disorder. Which
statement indicates the client understands the diagnosis?
2024/2025 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS AND RATIONALES|ALREADY
GRADED A|
Course
Ati mental health
1. A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who is experiencing command
hallucinations. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Ask the client what the voices are saying
B. Administer prescribed antipsychotic medication
C. Distract the client with structured activities
D. Encourage the client to rest in a quiet environment
✅ Correct Answer: A. Ask the client what the voices are saying
Rationale: The nurse must assess the content of the hallucinations to determine if there is a risk
of harm to self or others. This is a priority safety intervention. Other actions may follow based
on this assessment.
2. A nurse is planning care for a client with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Which of the following is an appropriate goal?
A. The client will verbalize complete understanding of their diagnosis within 24 hours
B. The client will perform self-care activities independently within 3 days
C. The client will attend one group therapy session by end of week
D. The client will sleep for 10 hours per night within 2 days
✅ Correct Answer: C. The client will attend one group therapy session by end of week
Rationale: Goals for clients with MDD should be realistic, measurable, and time-bound.
Group therapy supports social interaction and is a gradual step toward recovery. The other
options are unrealistic or not measurable.
3. A client with borderline personality disorder exhibits manipulative behavior.
Which approach should the nurse use?
A. Enforce consistent limits with all staff
B. Allow the client to negotiate limits
,C. Avoid discussing boundaries
D. Encourage frequent staff changes to reduce attachment
✅ Correct Answer: A. Enforce consistent limits with all staff
Rationale: Clients with borderline personality disorder often engage in splitting and
manipulation. Consistent limit-setting across all staff reduces manipulation and promotes trust.
4. A nurse is caring for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Which
dietary choice is most appropriate?
A. Chicken salad with celery
B. Steak and baked potato
C. Peanut butter sandwich and apple slices
D. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes
✅ Correct Answer: C. Peanut butter sandwich and apple slices
Rationale: Clients in manic states require nutrient-dense, high-calorie finger foods due to
distractibility and poor appetite. Finger foods help ensure intake despite hyperactivity.
5. A nurse observes a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder washing hands
repeatedly. What is the best response?
A. “Stop doing that immediately.”
B. “Tell me why you feel you need to do that.”
C. “Let’s talk about what triggered your anxiety.”
D. “Don’t worry; you’re safe here.”
✅ Correct Answer: C. “Let’s talk about what triggered your anxiety.”
Rationale: This response addresses the underlying anxiety behind the compulsion. It promotes
therapeutic dialogue without confrontation or invalidation.
6. A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking haloperidol for 4 days. The
client has a mask-like face, drooling, and muscle rigidity. What is the priority
action?
,A. Reassure the client that these effects are temporary
B. Administer PRN benztropine as prescribed
C. Withhold the next dose of haloperidol
D. Document the findings and continue monitoring
✅ Correct Answer: B. Administer PRN benztropine as prescribed
Rationale: These are extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Benztropine is an anticholinergic that
treats EPS caused by antipsychotics. Immediate intervention is critical to reduce discomfort and
prevent worsening symptoms.
7. A client with depression is prescribed fluoxetine. Which statement by the client
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. “It may take a few weeks before I feel better.”
B. “I might feel sleepy, but that should pass.”
C. “I can stop the medication once I feel better.”
D. “I should report increased suicidal thoughts.”
✅ Correct Answer: C. “I can stop the medication once I feel better.”
Rationale: SSRIs like fluoxetine require consistent, long-term use and should not be stopped
abruptly. This response reflects nonadherence and poor understanding.
8. Which of the following actions is appropriate when caring for a client
undergoing alcohol withdrawal?
A. Provide a low-stimulation environment
B. Restrict fluid intake
C. Encourage caffeinated drinks
D. Avoid administering benzodiazepines
✅ Correct Answer: A. Provide a low-stimulation environment
Rationale: A calm environment reduces risk of seizures and agitation during alcohol
withdrawal. Benzodiazepines are the treatment of choice, and caffeine is contraindicated.
9. A nurse is teaching a group about defense mechanisms. Which is an example
of displacement?
, A. A student who is angry at a professor yells at their roommate
B. A child who wets the bed begins sucking their thumb again
C. A client who refuses to believe they have cancer
D. A person channels anger into vigorous exercise
✅ Correct Answer: A. A student who is angry at a professor yells at their roommate
Rationale: Displacement is redirecting emotions from a threatening target to a safer substitute.
This classic example shows anger being misdirected.
10. A client tells the nurse, “I feel worthless and hopeless.” What is the priority
nursing intervention?
A. Initiate 1:1 observation
B. Offer reassurance that things will improve
C. Encourage the client to join group therapy
D. Document the client’s feelings in the chart
✅ Correct Answer: A. Initiate 1:1 observation
Rationale: Statements of hopelessness and worthlessness are key suicide risk indicators.
Direct supervision is a priority safety measure. Other interventions can follow once safety is
ensured.
11. A nurse is assessing a client with anorexia nervosa. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Lanugo on the arms
B. BMI of 15
C. Heart rate of 42 bpm
D. Preoccupation with food
✅ Correct Answer: C. Heart rate of 42 bpm
Rationale: Bradycardia (<50 bpm) is a life-threatening sign of malnutrition and
cardiovascular compromise. It takes priority over other chronic but less immediately dangerous
symptoms.
12. A nurse is caring for a client newly admitted with generalized anxiety disorder. Which
statement indicates the client understands the diagnosis?
