1
ATI MENTAL HEALTH PROCTORED EXAM 2026–2027 | 200 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
1. (Therapeutic Communication)
A client with depression says, “I feel like life isn’t worth living anymore.” Which
of the following is the nurse’s best response?
A. “You should think about the positive things in your life.”
B. “Why do you feel that way?”
C. “Tell me more about how you’re feeling right now.”
D. “That’s not true; things will get better soon.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Open-ended, therapeutic statements encourage expression of feelings
and assessment of suicide risk.
2. (Schizophrenia – Positive Symptoms)
A client with schizophrenia states, “The government is controlling my thoughts.”
This is an example of:
A. Hallucination
B. Delusion
C. Flight of ideas
D. Neologism
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Fixed false beliefs (delusions) reflect disturbed thought content; here, a
persecutory delusion.
3. (Anxiety Disorders – Nursing Action)
A client with panic disorder experiences acute panic. What should the nurse do
first?
A. Ask the client what triggered the episode.
, 2
B. Stay with the client and remain calm.
C. Encourage deep exploration of feelings.
D. Offer teaching about relaxation techniques.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During panic, priority is safety and calm presence; teaching follows
once anxiety subsides.
4. (Bipolar Disorder – Manic Phase)
A manic client is pacing the unit, shouting at staff. Which is the nurse’s priority
intervention?
A. Offer finger foods and fluids.
B. Set firm limits on behavior.
C. Encourage group therapy.
D. Administer sedative PRN as prescribed.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Priority = safety and reduction of agitation; administer medication per
order before limit-setting.
5. (Depression – Electroconvulsive Therapy)
Which client statement indicates understanding of ECT?
A. “I might have mild confusion right after treatment.”
B. “I’ll be awake during the procedure.”
C. “I’ll need to stop my antidepressant before every session.”
D. “ECT can permanently cure depression.”
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Common ECT side effects = short-term confusion, memory loss
immediately postprocedure.
6. (Substance Use – Withdrawal Monitoring)
A client with alcohol use disorder is admitted for detoxification. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Tremors and diaphoresis
, 3
B. Blood pressure 184/100 mm Hg and hallucinations
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Anxiety and insomnia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Elevated BP + hallucinations indicate possible delirium tremens, a
medical emergency.
7. (Therapeutic Milieu)
A therapeutic milieu primarily provides:
A. A place for clients to express anger freely.
B. A structured environment that promotes safety and positive change.
C. Socialization without boundaries.
D. A setting where staff maintain complete control.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The therapeutic milieu ensures structure, safety, and consistent
behavioral expectations.
8. (Defense Mechanisms)
A client who is angry at the nurse yells at another patient instead. This is an
example of:
A. Projection
B. Displacement
C. Sublimation
D. Reaction formation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Displacement involves transferring feelings toward a safer substitute
target.
9. (Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder)
A client repeatedly washes their hands for hours each day. The nurse should:
A. Interrupt the ritual immediately.
B. Allow time for the ritual while gradually limiting duration.
, 4
C. Encourage the client to suppress thoughts.
D. Tell the client to wash only once per day.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Initially allow ritual to reduce anxiety; gradually limit time as treatment
progresses.
10. (Crisis Intervention)
After losing a spouse, a client states, “I can’t go on.” Which is the nurse’s priority
action?
A. Assess suicide risk directly.
B. Offer information on grief stages.
C. Encourage expression in a support group.
D. Suggest journaling feelings.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Priority in crisis = assess suicide risk to ensure immediate safety.
11. (Therapeutic Communication)
A nurse caring for a client newly diagnosed with terminal cancer says, “I know this
must be difficult.” This demonstrates:
A. Sympathy
B. Empathy
C. Minimization
D. False reassurance
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Empathy acknowledges feelings and conveys understanding without
judgment.
12. (Anorexia Nervosa – Nursing Priority)
Which assessment finding is most critical for a client with anorexia nervosa?
A. Lanugo
B. Amenorrhea
C. Hypokalemia
ATI MENTAL HEALTH PROCTORED EXAM 2026–2027 | 200 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
1. (Therapeutic Communication)
A client with depression says, “I feel like life isn’t worth living anymore.” Which
of the following is the nurse’s best response?
A. “You should think about the positive things in your life.”
B. “Why do you feel that way?”
C. “Tell me more about how you’re feeling right now.”
D. “That’s not true; things will get better soon.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Open-ended, therapeutic statements encourage expression of feelings
and assessment of suicide risk.
2. (Schizophrenia – Positive Symptoms)
A client with schizophrenia states, “The government is controlling my thoughts.”
This is an example of:
A. Hallucination
B. Delusion
C. Flight of ideas
D. Neologism
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Fixed false beliefs (delusions) reflect disturbed thought content; here, a
persecutory delusion.
3. (Anxiety Disorders – Nursing Action)
A client with panic disorder experiences acute panic. What should the nurse do
first?
A. Ask the client what triggered the episode.
, 2
B. Stay with the client and remain calm.
C. Encourage deep exploration of feelings.
D. Offer teaching about relaxation techniques.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During panic, priority is safety and calm presence; teaching follows
once anxiety subsides.
4. (Bipolar Disorder – Manic Phase)
A manic client is pacing the unit, shouting at staff. Which is the nurse’s priority
intervention?
A. Offer finger foods and fluids.
B. Set firm limits on behavior.
C. Encourage group therapy.
D. Administer sedative PRN as prescribed.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Priority = safety and reduction of agitation; administer medication per
order before limit-setting.
5. (Depression – Electroconvulsive Therapy)
Which client statement indicates understanding of ECT?
A. “I might have mild confusion right after treatment.”
B. “I’ll be awake during the procedure.”
C. “I’ll need to stop my antidepressant before every session.”
D. “ECT can permanently cure depression.”
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Common ECT side effects = short-term confusion, memory loss
immediately postprocedure.
6. (Substance Use – Withdrawal Monitoring)
A client with alcohol use disorder is admitted for detoxification. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Tremors and diaphoresis
, 3
B. Blood pressure 184/100 mm Hg and hallucinations
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Anxiety and insomnia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Elevated BP + hallucinations indicate possible delirium tremens, a
medical emergency.
7. (Therapeutic Milieu)
A therapeutic milieu primarily provides:
A. A place for clients to express anger freely.
B. A structured environment that promotes safety and positive change.
C. Socialization without boundaries.
D. A setting where staff maintain complete control.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The therapeutic milieu ensures structure, safety, and consistent
behavioral expectations.
8. (Defense Mechanisms)
A client who is angry at the nurse yells at another patient instead. This is an
example of:
A. Projection
B. Displacement
C. Sublimation
D. Reaction formation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Displacement involves transferring feelings toward a safer substitute
target.
9. (Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder)
A client repeatedly washes their hands for hours each day. The nurse should:
A. Interrupt the ritual immediately.
B. Allow time for the ritual while gradually limiting duration.
, 4
C. Encourage the client to suppress thoughts.
D. Tell the client to wash only once per day.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Initially allow ritual to reduce anxiety; gradually limit time as treatment
progresses.
10. (Crisis Intervention)
After losing a spouse, a client states, “I can’t go on.” Which is the nurse’s priority
action?
A. Assess suicide risk directly.
B. Offer information on grief stages.
C. Encourage expression in a support group.
D. Suggest journaling feelings.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Priority in crisis = assess suicide risk to ensure immediate safety.
11. (Therapeutic Communication)
A nurse caring for a client newly diagnosed with terminal cancer says, “I know this
must be difficult.” This demonstrates:
A. Sympathy
B. Empathy
C. Minimization
D. False reassurance
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Empathy acknowledges feelings and conveys understanding without
judgment.
12. (Anorexia Nervosa – Nursing Priority)
Which assessment finding is most critical for a client with anorexia nervosa?
A. Lanugo
B. Amenorrhea
C. Hypokalemia
