NEWEST ATI RN Mental Health Proctored Exam
2023/2026 with NGN: 70 Real Exam Questions and
Answers
1. A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder who says, "Everyone
would be better off if I were dead." What is the nurse's priority response?
A. "Why do you feel that way?"
B. "You shouldn't think like that."
C. "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
D. "Let's talk about something positive."
Answer: C. "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
Rationale: Any statement suggesting self-harm requires immediate suicide assessment,
including direct questioning about suicidal ideation and plans.
2. A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports persistent worry and difficulty
sleeping. Which manifestation is commonly associated with this disorder?
A. Flat affect
B. Auditory hallucinations
C. Muscle tension and restlessness
D. Euphoria
Answer: C. Muscle tension and restlessness
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry, restlessness,
irritability, and muscle tension.
3. Which intervention is appropriate when caring for a client experiencing a panic
attack?
A. Encourage group discussion
B. Leave the client alone to calm down
,C. Stay with the client and use short, simple statements
D. Ask the client to explain the cause of the panic
Answer: C. Stay with the client and use short, simple statements
Rationale: Clients experiencing panic attacks have difficulty processing information and
benefit from calm, concise communication.
4. Which finding requires immediate follow-up in a client receiving lithium therapy?
A. Mild hand tremors
B. Increased thirst
C. Serum lithium level of 2.0 mEq/L
D. Weight gain
Answer: C. Serum lithium level of 2.0 mEq/L
Rationale: Therapeutic lithium levels are generally 0.6–1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L
may indicate toxicity.
5. A client with schizophrenia states, "The television is sending me secret
messages." This statement is an example of:
A. Thought blocking
B. Delusion of reference
C. Echolalia
D. Perseveration
Answer: B. Delusion of reference
Rationale: Delusions of reference involve believing external events have special personal
meaning.
6. Which finding is expected during the manic phase of bipolar disorder?
A. Psychomotor retardation
B. Flat affect
C. Decreased energy
D. Inflated self-esteem
,Answer: D. Inflated self-esteem
Rationale: Mania commonly presents with grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, and
increased energy.
7. A nurse is caring for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which
behavior is considered a compulsion?
A. Fear of contamination
B. Repeated handwashing
C. Intrusive thoughts
D. Excessive worrying
Answer: B. Repeated handwashing
Rationale: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety caused by
obsessions.
8. Which statement by a client prescribed sertraline indicates understanding of the
medication?
A. "I should stop taking this medication when I feel better."
B. "I may need several weeks before I notice improvement."
C. "This medication works immediately."
D. "I can take this medication only when I feel anxious."
Answer: B. "I may need several weeks before I notice improvement."
Rationale: SSRIs generally require several weeks before therapeutic effects are achieved.
9. Which action should the nurse take when a client with schizophrenia is
experiencing auditory hallucinations?
A. Argue with the hallucinations
B. Reinforce the hallucinations
C. Ask the client if the voices are commanding harmful actions
D. Ignore the client's statements
Answer: C. Ask the client if the voices are commanding harmful actions
, Rationale: Command hallucinations may pose safety risks and require further assessment.
10. Which defense mechanism is demonstrated by a client who blames coworkers for
mistakes the client made?
A. Projection
B. Regression
C. Suppression
D. Compensation
Answer: A. Projection
Rationale: Projection involves attributing one's own thoughts or behaviors to another
person.
11. A client suddenly begins sweating, trembling, and reporting chest pain. Which
condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Panic attack
B. Schizophrenia
C. Delirium
D. Dementia
Answer: A. Panic attack
Rationale: Panic attacks often produce intense physical symptoms resembling
cardiovascular events.
12. Which intervention is appropriate for a client with anorexia nervosa?
A. Allow unlimited exercise
B. Weigh the client daily at the same time
C. Permit meals in isolation
D. Encourage meal skipping
Answer: B. Weigh the client daily at the same time
Rationale: Consistent monitoring of nutritional status is essential.
2023/2026 with NGN: 70 Real Exam Questions and
Answers
1. A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder who says, "Everyone
would be better off if I were dead." What is the nurse's priority response?
A. "Why do you feel that way?"
B. "You shouldn't think like that."
C. "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
D. "Let's talk about something positive."
Answer: C. "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
Rationale: Any statement suggesting self-harm requires immediate suicide assessment,
including direct questioning about suicidal ideation and plans.
2. A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports persistent worry and difficulty
sleeping. Which manifestation is commonly associated with this disorder?
A. Flat affect
B. Auditory hallucinations
C. Muscle tension and restlessness
D. Euphoria
Answer: C. Muscle tension and restlessness
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry, restlessness,
irritability, and muscle tension.
3. Which intervention is appropriate when caring for a client experiencing a panic
attack?
A. Encourage group discussion
B. Leave the client alone to calm down
,C. Stay with the client and use short, simple statements
D. Ask the client to explain the cause of the panic
Answer: C. Stay with the client and use short, simple statements
Rationale: Clients experiencing panic attacks have difficulty processing information and
benefit from calm, concise communication.
4. Which finding requires immediate follow-up in a client receiving lithium therapy?
A. Mild hand tremors
B. Increased thirst
C. Serum lithium level of 2.0 mEq/L
D. Weight gain
Answer: C. Serum lithium level of 2.0 mEq/L
Rationale: Therapeutic lithium levels are generally 0.6–1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L
may indicate toxicity.
5. A client with schizophrenia states, "The television is sending me secret
messages." This statement is an example of:
A. Thought blocking
B. Delusion of reference
C. Echolalia
D. Perseveration
Answer: B. Delusion of reference
Rationale: Delusions of reference involve believing external events have special personal
meaning.
6. Which finding is expected during the manic phase of bipolar disorder?
A. Psychomotor retardation
B. Flat affect
C. Decreased energy
D. Inflated self-esteem
,Answer: D. Inflated self-esteem
Rationale: Mania commonly presents with grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, and
increased energy.
7. A nurse is caring for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which
behavior is considered a compulsion?
A. Fear of contamination
B. Repeated handwashing
C. Intrusive thoughts
D. Excessive worrying
Answer: B. Repeated handwashing
Rationale: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety caused by
obsessions.
8. Which statement by a client prescribed sertraline indicates understanding of the
medication?
A. "I should stop taking this medication when I feel better."
B. "I may need several weeks before I notice improvement."
C. "This medication works immediately."
D. "I can take this medication only when I feel anxious."
Answer: B. "I may need several weeks before I notice improvement."
Rationale: SSRIs generally require several weeks before therapeutic effects are achieved.
9. Which action should the nurse take when a client with schizophrenia is
experiencing auditory hallucinations?
A. Argue with the hallucinations
B. Reinforce the hallucinations
C. Ask the client if the voices are commanding harmful actions
D. Ignore the client's statements
Answer: C. Ask the client if the voices are commanding harmful actions
, Rationale: Command hallucinations may pose safety risks and require further assessment.
10. Which defense mechanism is demonstrated by a client who blames coworkers for
mistakes the client made?
A. Projection
B. Regression
C. Suppression
D. Compensation
Answer: A. Projection
Rationale: Projection involves attributing one's own thoughts or behaviors to another
person.
11. A client suddenly begins sweating, trembling, and reporting chest pain. Which
condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Panic attack
B. Schizophrenia
C. Delirium
D. Dementia
Answer: A. Panic attack
Rationale: Panic attacks often produce intense physical symptoms resembling
cardiovascular events.
12. Which intervention is appropriate for a client with anorexia nervosa?
A. Allow unlimited exercise
B. Weigh the client daily at the same time
C. Permit meals in isolation
D. Encourage meal skipping
Answer: B. Weigh the client daily at the same time
Rationale: Consistent monitoring of nutritional status is essential.
