Mental Health Nursing Proctored Practice Exam – 70 NCLEX-Style
ATI Questions with Rationales (Updated 2025) ATI RN Mental
Health Predictor & Proctored Practice Exam – 70 Questions with
100% Verified Rationales
1. A client says, “I can’t go on living like this.” What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Notify the family.
B. Ask about suicidal thoughts or plans.
C. Encourage the client to rest.
D. Contact the provider for medication changes.
Answer: B
Rationale: Always assess for suicide risk first—safety takes priority.
2. A client taking haloperidol develops a high fever and muscle rigidity. Which action is priority?
A. Give acetaminophen.
B. Hold the medication and notify the provider.
C. Increase the next dose.
D. Encourage ambulation.
Answer: B
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome requires immediate discontinuation and medical attention.
3. Which communication by the nurse demonstrates empathy?
A. “I know how you feel.”
B. “You seem upset; would you like to talk about it?”
C. “Try to think positive.”
D. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Empathetic statements acknowledge emotion and invite discussion.
4. A client with schizophrenia says, “The FBI put a chip in my head.” What is the best response?
A. “That isn’t true.”
B. “Let’s focus on getting ready for lunch.”
C. “Tell me more about what makes you think that.”
D. “You’re safe here.”
Answer: C
Rationale: Encourages expression without validating or arguing against the delusion.
, 5. A client on lithium reports diarrhea and tremors. The nurse should:
A. Withhold the next dose and notify the provider.
B. Give an antiemetic.
C. Encourage more fluids.
D. Administer the next dose with food.
Answer: A
Rationale: Signs of lithium toxicity require holding the medication and lab evaluation.
6. A client experiencing a panic attack should receive which nursing intervention first?
A. Teach relaxation techniques.
B. Encourage verbalization of anxiety.
C. Stay with the client and speak calmly.
D. Offer a sedative.
Answer: C
Rationale: Presence and calm reassurance reduce anxiety during an acute attack.
7. A nurse is caring for a client with depression. Which statement requires follow-up?
A. “I’m just tired all the time.”
B. “I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up.”
C. “I feel sad in the mornings.”
D. “I’ve lost interest in my hobbies.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Expresses suicidal ideation—requires immediate safety assessment.
8. A client with OCD repeatedly washes their hands. What is an appropriate nursing action?
A. Interrupt the behavior immediately.
B. Allow the ritual but set limits on time.
C. Ignore the behavior.
D. Restrict bathroom access.
Answer: B
Rationale: Allowing the ritual initially reduces anxiety; time limits prevent interference with care.
9. A client with schizophrenia is pacing and clenching fists. The nurse should:
A. Offer PRN medication.
B. Call security.
C. Use open-ended questions.
D. Move the client to a quiet area.
ATI Questions with Rationales (Updated 2025) ATI RN Mental
Health Predictor & Proctored Practice Exam – 70 Questions with
100% Verified Rationales
1. A client says, “I can’t go on living like this.” What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Notify the family.
B. Ask about suicidal thoughts or plans.
C. Encourage the client to rest.
D. Contact the provider for medication changes.
Answer: B
Rationale: Always assess for suicide risk first—safety takes priority.
2. A client taking haloperidol develops a high fever and muscle rigidity. Which action is priority?
A. Give acetaminophen.
B. Hold the medication and notify the provider.
C. Increase the next dose.
D. Encourage ambulation.
Answer: B
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome requires immediate discontinuation and medical attention.
3. Which communication by the nurse demonstrates empathy?
A. “I know how you feel.”
B. “You seem upset; would you like to talk about it?”
C. “Try to think positive.”
D. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Empathetic statements acknowledge emotion and invite discussion.
4. A client with schizophrenia says, “The FBI put a chip in my head.” What is the best response?
A. “That isn’t true.”
B. “Let’s focus on getting ready for lunch.”
C. “Tell me more about what makes you think that.”
D. “You’re safe here.”
Answer: C
Rationale: Encourages expression without validating or arguing against the delusion.
, 5. A client on lithium reports diarrhea and tremors. The nurse should:
A. Withhold the next dose and notify the provider.
B. Give an antiemetic.
C. Encourage more fluids.
D. Administer the next dose with food.
Answer: A
Rationale: Signs of lithium toxicity require holding the medication and lab evaluation.
6. A client experiencing a panic attack should receive which nursing intervention first?
A. Teach relaxation techniques.
B. Encourage verbalization of anxiety.
C. Stay with the client and speak calmly.
D. Offer a sedative.
Answer: C
Rationale: Presence and calm reassurance reduce anxiety during an acute attack.
7. A nurse is caring for a client with depression. Which statement requires follow-up?
A. “I’m just tired all the time.”
B. “I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up.”
C. “I feel sad in the mornings.”
D. “I’ve lost interest in my hobbies.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Expresses suicidal ideation—requires immediate safety assessment.
8. A client with OCD repeatedly washes their hands. What is an appropriate nursing action?
A. Interrupt the behavior immediately.
B. Allow the ritual but set limits on time.
C. Ignore the behavior.
D. Restrict bathroom access.
Answer: B
Rationale: Allowing the ritual initially reduces anxiety; time limits prevent interference with care.
9. A client with schizophrenia is pacing and clenching fists. The nurse should:
A. Offer PRN medication.
B. Call security.
C. Use open-ended questions.
D. Move the client to a quiet area.
