ATI MENTAL HEALTH 2026-Nursing Exam
Study Guide 2026-2027 | Accurate
Questions and Detailed Answers with
Rationales | 100% Guaranteed Pass (Brand
New Version)
The Nursing Exam Study Guide 2026-2027 is a comprehensive resource designed to prepare
nursing students for their exams with accuracy and precision. This guide includes a wide array
of practice questions that reflect the latest trends and standards in nursing education. Each
question is followed by a detailed, verified answer along with an explanation of the rationale
behind it. This ensures not only memorization but also a deeper understanding of the
concepts, which is essential for real-world clinical practice and critical thinking.
From patient care and medical-surgical nursing to pharmacology, ethical principles, and
healthcare laws, this study guide covers all the critical areas you need to master. The
rationales provided with each answer will help you understand why a particular option is
correct, enhancing your problem-solving skills and boosting your confidence for the exam.
With a focus on evidence-based practice, patient safety, and ethical nursing standards, the
guide empowers you to apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations, both in exams and
clinical practice.
Updated with the latest content relevant to nursing exams, this guide ensures you are
studying the most current information. Whether you’re preparing for final exams, licensing
exams, or clinical assessments, this study guide will provide the tools necessary for success.
Achieve your nursing certification with the 100% guaranteed pass strategy, and approach your
exams with clarity and confidence.
Key Features:
• Up-to-date Questions: Reflects the most recent exam patterns, covering topics like
patient assessment, clinical procedures, and medical-surgical nursing.
• Detailed Rationales: Each answer is supported by clear, comprehensive explanations to
enhance your understanding.
, • 100% Guaranteed Pass: Study with confidence, knowing that this guide is designed to
ensure you pass your exams.
• Evidence-Based Content: Focuses on applying scientific research and best practices to
improve patient care and clinical decision-making.
• Updated for 2026-2027 Exams: Reflects the latest nursing practices, guidelines, and
exam formats.
Key Terms:
1. Patient Assessment: The systematic process of collecting and analyzing patient
information to make informed decisions about care.
2. Clinical Interventions: Actions taken by nurses to address patient needs based on
assessments and evidence-based practices.
3. Pharmacology: The study of medications, their uses, dosages, and effects on the body.
4. Medical-Surgical Nursing: A branch of nursing focusing on the care of adult patients
undergoing surgery or dealing with medical conditions.
5. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): The integration of the best available research with
clinical expertise and patient preferences to deliver optimal care.
6. Patient-Centered Care: A healthcare approach where patients are actively involved in
their care decisions and treatment planning.
7. Nursing Ethics: The moral principles that guide nursing practice, ensuring patient
dignity, autonomy, and confidentiality.
8. Healthcare Regulations: Legal guidelines and standards that govern the practice of
nursing and ensure patient safety and quality care.
9. Infection Control: Procedures and practices designed to prevent the spread of
infections in healthcare settings.
10. Nursing Leadership: The ability of nurses to guide and influence healthcare teams,
ensuring optimal patient outcomes through collaboration and communication.
A charge nurse is discussing mental status exams with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the
following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
,(Select all that apply)
A) To assess cognitive ability, I should ask the client to count backward by sevens.
B) To assess affect, I should observe the client's facial expression
C) To assess language ability, I should instruct the client to write a sentence.
D) To assess remote memory, I should have the client repeat a list of objects.
E) To assess the client's abstract thinking, I should ask the client to identify our most recent
presidents.
A, B, C
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a mental health disorder. Which of the following
actions should the nurse include as a psychobiological intervention?
A) Assist the client with systematic desensitization therapy.
B) Teach the client appropriate coping mechanisms.
C) Assess the client for comorbid health conditions.
D) Monitor the client for adverse effects of the medications.
D
A nurse in an outpatient mental health clinic is preparing to conduct an initial client interview.
When conducting the interview, which of the following actions should the nurse identify as
the priority?
A) Coordinate holistic care with social services.
B) Identify the client's perception of her mental health status.
C) Include the client's family in the interview.
D) Teach the client about her current mental health disorder
B
A nurse is told during change of shift report that a client is stuporous. When assessing the
client, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A) The client arouses briefly in response to a sternal rub.
B) The client has a glasgow coma scale score less than 7.
C) The client exhibits decorticate rigidity.
D) The client is alert but disoriented to time and place.
A
A nurse is planning a peer group about the DSM-5. Which of the following information is
appropriate to include in the discussion? (Select all that apply).
A) The DSM-5 includes client education handouts for mental health disorders.
B) The DSM-5 establishes diagnostic criteria for individual mental health disorders.
, C) The DSM-5 indicates recommended pharmacological treatment for mental health
disorders.
D) The DSM-5 assists nurses in planning care for client's who have mental health disorders.
E) The DSM-5 indicates expected assessment findings of mental health disorders.
B, D, E
A nurse in an emergency mental health facility is caring for a group of clients. The nurse
should identify that which of the following clients requires a temporary emergency
admission?
A) A client who has schizophrenia with delusions of grandeur
B) A client who has manifestations of depression and attempted suicide a year ago.
C) A client who has borderline personality disorder and assaulted a homeless man with a
metal rod.
D) A client who has bipolar disorder and paces quickly around the room while talking to
himself.
C
A nurse decides to put a client who has a psychotic disorder in seclusion overnight because
the unit is very short-staffed, and the client frequently fights with other clients. The nurse's
actions are an example of which of the following torts?
A) Invasion of privacy
B) False imprisonment
C) Assault
D) Battery
B
A client tells a nurse, "Don't tell anyone but I hid a sharp knife under my mattress in order to
protect myself from my roommate, who is always yelling at me and threatening me." Which
of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Keep the client's communication confidential, but talk to the client daily, using therapeutic
communication to convince him to admit to hiding the knife.
B) Keep the client's communication confidential, but watch the client and his roommate
closely.
C) Tell the client that this must be reported to the healthcare team because it concerns the
health and safety of the client and others.
D) Report the incident to the health care team, but do not inform the client of the intention to
do so.
D
Study Guide 2026-2027 | Accurate
Questions and Detailed Answers with
Rationales | 100% Guaranteed Pass (Brand
New Version)
The Nursing Exam Study Guide 2026-2027 is a comprehensive resource designed to prepare
nursing students for their exams with accuracy and precision. This guide includes a wide array
of practice questions that reflect the latest trends and standards in nursing education. Each
question is followed by a detailed, verified answer along with an explanation of the rationale
behind it. This ensures not only memorization but also a deeper understanding of the
concepts, which is essential for real-world clinical practice and critical thinking.
From patient care and medical-surgical nursing to pharmacology, ethical principles, and
healthcare laws, this study guide covers all the critical areas you need to master. The
rationales provided with each answer will help you understand why a particular option is
correct, enhancing your problem-solving skills and boosting your confidence for the exam.
With a focus on evidence-based practice, patient safety, and ethical nursing standards, the
guide empowers you to apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations, both in exams and
clinical practice.
Updated with the latest content relevant to nursing exams, this guide ensures you are
studying the most current information. Whether you’re preparing for final exams, licensing
exams, or clinical assessments, this study guide will provide the tools necessary for success.
Achieve your nursing certification with the 100% guaranteed pass strategy, and approach your
exams with clarity and confidence.
Key Features:
• Up-to-date Questions: Reflects the most recent exam patterns, covering topics like
patient assessment, clinical procedures, and medical-surgical nursing.
• Detailed Rationales: Each answer is supported by clear, comprehensive explanations to
enhance your understanding.
, • 100% Guaranteed Pass: Study with confidence, knowing that this guide is designed to
ensure you pass your exams.
• Evidence-Based Content: Focuses on applying scientific research and best practices to
improve patient care and clinical decision-making.
• Updated for 2026-2027 Exams: Reflects the latest nursing practices, guidelines, and
exam formats.
Key Terms:
1. Patient Assessment: The systematic process of collecting and analyzing patient
information to make informed decisions about care.
2. Clinical Interventions: Actions taken by nurses to address patient needs based on
assessments and evidence-based practices.
3. Pharmacology: The study of medications, their uses, dosages, and effects on the body.
4. Medical-Surgical Nursing: A branch of nursing focusing on the care of adult patients
undergoing surgery or dealing with medical conditions.
5. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): The integration of the best available research with
clinical expertise and patient preferences to deliver optimal care.
6. Patient-Centered Care: A healthcare approach where patients are actively involved in
their care decisions and treatment planning.
7. Nursing Ethics: The moral principles that guide nursing practice, ensuring patient
dignity, autonomy, and confidentiality.
8. Healthcare Regulations: Legal guidelines and standards that govern the practice of
nursing and ensure patient safety and quality care.
9. Infection Control: Procedures and practices designed to prevent the spread of
infections in healthcare settings.
10. Nursing Leadership: The ability of nurses to guide and influence healthcare teams,
ensuring optimal patient outcomes through collaboration and communication.
A charge nurse is discussing mental status exams with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the
following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
,(Select all that apply)
A) To assess cognitive ability, I should ask the client to count backward by sevens.
B) To assess affect, I should observe the client's facial expression
C) To assess language ability, I should instruct the client to write a sentence.
D) To assess remote memory, I should have the client repeat a list of objects.
E) To assess the client's abstract thinking, I should ask the client to identify our most recent
presidents.
A, B, C
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a mental health disorder. Which of the following
actions should the nurse include as a psychobiological intervention?
A) Assist the client with systematic desensitization therapy.
B) Teach the client appropriate coping mechanisms.
C) Assess the client for comorbid health conditions.
D) Monitor the client for adverse effects of the medications.
D
A nurse in an outpatient mental health clinic is preparing to conduct an initial client interview.
When conducting the interview, which of the following actions should the nurse identify as
the priority?
A) Coordinate holistic care with social services.
B) Identify the client's perception of her mental health status.
C) Include the client's family in the interview.
D) Teach the client about her current mental health disorder
B
A nurse is told during change of shift report that a client is stuporous. When assessing the
client, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A) The client arouses briefly in response to a sternal rub.
B) The client has a glasgow coma scale score less than 7.
C) The client exhibits decorticate rigidity.
D) The client is alert but disoriented to time and place.
A
A nurse is planning a peer group about the DSM-5. Which of the following information is
appropriate to include in the discussion? (Select all that apply).
A) The DSM-5 includes client education handouts for mental health disorders.
B) The DSM-5 establishes diagnostic criteria for individual mental health disorders.
, C) The DSM-5 indicates recommended pharmacological treatment for mental health
disorders.
D) The DSM-5 assists nurses in planning care for client's who have mental health disorders.
E) The DSM-5 indicates expected assessment findings of mental health disorders.
B, D, E
A nurse in an emergency mental health facility is caring for a group of clients. The nurse
should identify that which of the following clients requires a temporary emergency
admission?
A) A client who has schizophrenia with delusions of grandeur
B) A client who has manifestations of depression and attempted suicide a year ago.
C) A client who has borderline personality disorder and assaulted a homeless man with a
metal rod.
D) A client who has bipolar disorder and paces quickly around the room while talking to
himself.
C
A nurse decides to put a client who has a psychotic disorder in seclusion overnight because
the unit is very short-staffed, and the client frequently fights with other clients. The nurse's
actions are an example of which of the following torts?
A) Invasion of privacy
B) False imprisonment
C) Assault
D) Battery
B
A client tells a nurse, "Don't tell anyone but I hid a sharp knife under my mattress in order to
protect myself from my roommate, who is always yelling at me and threatening me." Which
of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Keep the client's communication confidential, but talk to the client daily, using therapeutic
communication to convince him to admit to hiding the knife.
B) Keep the client's communication confidential, but watch the client and his roommate
closely.
C) Tell the client that this must be reported to the healthcare team because it concerns the
health and safety of the client and others.
D) Report the incident to the health care team, but do not inform the client of the intention to
do so.
D
