ATI MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE EXAM — Most Recent exam
COMPLETE EXAM Questions and Answers (Verified Answers)
(Latest Update 2026)
1. A client with major depressive disorder states, “I don’t see the point in living anymore.”
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Encourage the client to join a group activity
B. Ask the client directly about suicidal thoughts
C. Offer prescribed antidepressants
D. Notify the family immediately
2. A client with schizophrenia reports hearing voices telling him to harm others. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Distract the client with an activity
B. Assess the content of the hallucinations
C. Offer PRN antipsychotic medication
D. Set limits on the client’s behavior
3. Which statement by a client indicates effective use of cognitive reframing?
A. “I can’t do anything right.”
B. “I made a mistake, but I can learn from it.”
C. “Everyone is against me.”
D. “Nothing in my life ever changes.”
4. A nurse is caring for a client having a panic attack. What action should the nurse take?
A. Increase sensory stimulation
B. Speak calmly and stay with the client
C. Provide detailed teaching about anxiety
D. Ask the client to explain their feelings
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EXAMPREPMASTER
,5. A client with bipolar disorder is in acute mania. Which menu item is most appropriate?
A. Peanut butter sandwich and apple slices
B. Soup and salad
C. Spaghetti and meatballs
D. Roast chicken and vegetables
6. A client states, “I am a failure and a burden to everyone.” What is the priority
assessment?
A. Sleep patterns
B. Suicide risk
C. Appetite changes
D. Medication compliance
7. A nurse should recognize which finding as a sign of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
(NMS)?
A. Drooling and tremors
B. Sudden high fever and muscle rigidity
C. Sedation and dry mouth
D. Restlessness and pacing
8. Which action demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication?
A. “Why would you feel that way?”
B. “You shouldn't think like that.”
C. “Tell me more about what you are experiencing.”
D. “Everything will be fine.”
9. A client with OCD spends hours checking door locks. What is the nurse’s priority?
A. Encourage the client to stop checking
B. Assess anxiety level
C. Restrict ritual behavior
D. Provide distraction activities
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, 10. A client taking lithium reports diarrhea and tremors. Which action should the nurse
take?
A. Administer the next dose early
B. Encourage increased fluids
C. Notify the provider of potential toxicity
D. Provide an antidiarrheal
11. A client with alcohol withdrawal is at highest risk for which complication?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypotension
C. Seizures
D. Hypothermia
12. Which is an example of a delusion of grandeur?
A. “Someone is following me.”
B. “I am the President of the United States.”
C. “My food is poisoned.”
D. “I hear someone talking to me.”
13. A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client starting sertraline. Which statement
indicates understanding?
A. “I will feel better in a day or two.”
B. “It may take several weeks to notice improvement.”
C. “I can stop taking it once I feel better.”
D. “I should take it only when I feel anxious.”
14. Which food should a client taking MAOIs avoid?
A. Bananas
B. Apples
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C. Aged cheese
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D. Oatmeal
EXAMPREPMASTER
COMPLETE EXAM Questions and Answers (Verified Answers)
(Latest Update 2026)
1. A client with major depressive disorder states, “I don’t see the point in living anymore.”
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Encourage the client to join a group activity
B. Ask the client directly about suicidal thoughts
C. Offer prescribed antidepressants
D. Notify the family immediately
2. A client with schizophrenia reports hearing voices telling him to harm others. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Distract the client with an activity
B. Assess the content of the hallucinations
C. Offer PRN antipsychotic medication
D. Set limits on the client’s behavior
3. Which statement by a client indicates effective use of cognitive reframing?
A. “I can’t do anything right.”
B. “I made a mistake, but I can learn from it.”
C. “Everyone is against me.”
D. “Nothing in my life ever changes.”
4. A nurse is caring for a client having a panic attack. What action should the nurse take?
A. Increase sensory stimulation
B. Speak calmly and stay with the client
C. Provide detailed teaching about anxiety
D. Ask the client to explain their feelings
1
Page
EXAMPREPMASTER
,5. A client with bipolar disorder is in acute mania. Which menu item is most appropriate?
A. Peanut butter sandwich and apple slices
B. Soup and salad
C. Spaghetti and meatballs
D. Roast chicken and vegetables
6. A client states, “I am a failure and a burden to everyone.” What is the priority
assessment?
A. Sleep patterns
B. Suicide risk
C. Appetite changes
D. Medication compliance
7. A nurse should recognize which finding as a sign of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
(NMS)?
A. Drooling and tremors
B. Sudden high fever and muscle rigidity
C. Sedation and dry mouth
D. Restlessness and pacing
8. Which action demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication?
A. “Why would you feel that way?”
B. “You shouldn't think like that.”
C. “Tell me more about what you are experiencing.”
D. “Everything will be fine.”
9. A client with OCD spends hours checking door locks. What is the nurse’s priority?
A. Encourage the client to stop checking
B. Assess anxiety level
C. Restrict ritual behavior
D. Provide distraction activities
2
Page
EXAMPREPMASTER
, 10. A client taking lithium reports diarrhea and tremors. Which action should the nurse
take?
A. Administer the next dose early
B. Encourage increased fluids
C. Notify the provider of potential toxicity
D. Provide an antidiarrheal
11. A client with alcohol withdrawal is at highest risk for which complication?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypotension
C. Seizures
D. Hypothermia
12. Which is an example of a delusion of grandeur?
A. “Someone is following me.”
B. “I am the President of the United States.”
C. “My food is poisoned.”
D. “I hear someone talking to me.”
13. A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client starting sertraline. Which statement
indicates understanding?
A. “I will feel better in a day or two.”
B. “It may take several weeks to notice improvement.”
C. “I can stop taking it once I feel better.”
D. “I should take it only when I feel anxious.”
14. Which food should a client taking MAOIs avoid?
A. Bananas
B. Apples
3
C. Aged cheese
Page
D. Oatmeal
EXAMPREPMASTER
