ATI CMS EXAM REVIEW - MENTAL
HEALTH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
LATEST VERSION | 2025/2026 |
CORRECT & VERIFIED
What is the most therapeutic response when a client says, “I feel so hopeless”?
✔✔ “You seem overwhelmed. Tell me more about what you're feeling.”
What is the priority action for a nurse caring for a client with active auditory hallucinations?
✔✔ Ask the client what the voices are saying
What should the nurse do first when a client becomes verbally aggressive during group therapy?
✔✔ Set clear and calm boundaries for behavior
A client with major depressive disorder reports sleeping excessively and not eating. What is the
priority nursing intervention?
✔✔ Assess for suicidal thoughts
Which intervention is most appropriate during a panic attack?
1
,✔✔ Stay with the client and speak in a calm, reassuring voice
What is a sign that a client is in the working phase of the therapeutic relationship?
✔✔ The client discusses coping strategies and begins problem-solving
A client with schizophrenia says, “The TV is sending me secret messages.” What should the
nurse respond?
✔✔ “That sounds very real to you, but I don't see the same thing.”
What is the nurse’s role during the termination phase of the therapeutic relationship?
✔✔ Help the client reflect on progress and prepare for independence
Which medication is most commonly used to manage bipolar disorder?
✔✔ Lithium
What should the nurse monitor when a client is taking lithium?
✔✔ Serum lithium levels and signs of toxicity
2
,What food should a client taking phenelzine avoid?
✔✔ Aged cheese (high in tyramine)
What is the priority when caring for a client who is pacing, clenching fists, and appears agitated?
✔✔ Ensure safety by reducing environmental stimuli and staying nearby
What is the most appropriate response when a client with depression states, “I wish I would
never wake up”?
✔✔ “Are you thinking about hurting yourself right now?”
Which defense mechanism involves returning to an earlier stage of development?
✔✔ Regression
What is the term for believing that unrelated events refer directly to oneself?
✔✔ Ideas of reference
Which type of therapy focuses on identifying and replacing negative thought patterns?
✔✔ Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
3
, A client with OCD is repeatedly washing hands. What should the nurse do first?
✔✔ Acknowledge the anxiety and gradually introduce coping strategies
What is the purpose of using therapeutic communication in mental health nursing?
✔✔ To build trust and help clients express feelings
What is an expected side effect of SSRIs like fluoxetine?
✔✔ Nausea and sexual dysfunction
What is the nurse's legal obligation if a client threatens to harm another person?
✔✔ Report the threat to the appropriate authority and ensure safety
What should the nurse include in the care plan for a client experiencing mania?
✔✔ Provide a quiet, low-stimulation environment and offer finger foods
What behavior indicates a client is in the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship?
✔✔ The client begins to share basic concerns and agree to a plan of care
4
HEALTH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
LATEST VERSION | 2025/2026 |
CORRECT & VERIFIED
What is the most therapeutic response when a client says, “I feel so hopeless”?
✔✔ “You seem overwhelmed. Tell me more about what you're feeling.”
What is the priority action for a nurse caring for a client with active auditory hallucinations?
✔✔ Ask the client what the voices are saying
What should the nurse do first when a client becomes verbally aggressive during group therapy?
✔✔ Set clear and calm boundaries for behavior
A client with major depressive disorder reports sleeping excessively and not eating. What is the
priority nursing intervention?
✔✔ Assess for suicidal thoughts
Which intervention is most appropriate during a panic attack?
1
,✔✔ Stay with the client and speak in a calm, reassuring voice
What is a sign that a client is in the working phase of the therapeutic relationship?
✔✔ The client discusses coping strategies and begins problem-solving
A client with schizophrenia says, “The TV is sending me secret messages.” What should the
nurse respond?
✔✔ “That sounds very real to you, but I don't see the same thing.”
What is the nurse’s role during the termination phase of the therapeutic relationship?
✔✔ Help the client reflect on progress and prepare for independence
Which medication is most commonly used to manage bipolar disorder?
✔✔ Lithium
What should the nurse monitor when a client is taking lithium?
✔✔ Serum lithium levels and signs of toxicity
2
,What food should a client taking phenelzine avoid?
✔✔ Aged cheese (high in tyramine)
What is the priority when caring for a client who is pacing, clenching fists, and appears agitated?
✔✔ Ensure safety by reducing environmental stimuli and staying nearby
What is the most appropriate response when a client with depression states, “I wish I would
never wake up”?
✔✔ “Are you thinking about hurting yourself right now?”
Which defense mechanism involves returning to an earlier stage of development?
✔✔ Regression
What is the term for believing that unrelated events refer directly to oneself?
✔✔ Ideas of reference
Which type of therapy focuses on identifying and replacing negative thought patterns?
✔✔ Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
3
, A client with OCD is repeatedly washing hands. What should the nurse do first?
✔✔ Acknowledge the anxiety and gradually introduce coping strategies
What is the purpose of using therapeutic communication in mental health nursing?
✔✔ To build trust and help clients express feelings
What is an expected side effect of SSRIs like fluoxetine?
✔✔ Nausea and sexual dysfunction
What is the nurse's legal obligation if a client threatens to harm another person?
✔✔ Report the threat to the appropriate authority and ensure safety
What should the nurse include in the care plan for a client experiencing mania?
✔✔ Provide a quiet, low-stimulation environment and offer finger foods
What behavior indicates a client is in the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship?
✔✔ The client begins to share basic concerns and agree to a plan of care
4
