Solution Manual
ATI RN Mental Health (Complete Guide for
exam Preparation, Correct Answers)
ATI RN Mental Health Practice Questions
1. Therapeutic Communication
Q: A client says, “I feel hopeless.” What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “Why do you feel hopeless?”
B. “Everything will be fine.”
C. “Tell me more about how you are feeling.”
D. “Other people have it worse.”
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage client expression. “Why” can feel judgmental;
reassurance is not therapeutic.
2. Suicide Priority
Q: Which client should the nurse see first?
A. Client with anxiety requesting meds
B. Client with depression expressing hopelessness
C. Client with schizophrenia hearing voices
D. Client stating a plan to commit suicide tonight
✅ Answer: D
Rationale: Direct suicidal plan = highest priority. Safety first.
3. Lithium Toxicity
Q: Which symptom indicates lithium toxicity?
A. Fine tremor
B. Nausea
,C. Severe diarrhea
D. Mild thirst
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Early toxicity: nausea, tremors. Severe toxicity includes diarrhea, confusion, ataxia.
4. Hallucinations
Q: Client says, “The TV is talking to me.” This is:
A. Delusion
B. Illusion
C. Hallucination
D. Idea of reference
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Hallucination = sensory perception without stimulus. Hearing voices is auditory
hallucination.
5. Bipolar Mania
Q: Which behavior is expected during mania?
A. Slow speech
B. Decreased energy
C. Flight of ideas
D. Social withdrawal
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Mania = rapid thinking, hyperactivity, flight of ideas.
6. Serotonin Syndrome
Q: Which indicates serotonin syndrome?
A. Dry mouth
B. Weight gain
C. Hyperreflexia and fever
D. Constipation
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome = fever, agitation, hyperreflexia; emergency condition.
, 7. Defense Mechanism
Q: A client blames others for their mistakes. This is:
A. Regression
B. Projection
C. Denial
D. Sublimation
✅ Answer: B
Rationale: Projection = attributing own feelings to others.
8. Anxiety Levels
Q: At which anxiety level does problem-solving decrease?
A. Mild
B. Moderate
C. Severe
D. Panic
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Severe anxiety = impaired problem-solving; panic = loss of control.
9. Restraints Priority
Q: Priority when using restraints?
A. Documentation
B. Family notification
C. Client safety
D. Physician order
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Safety is always the first priority.
10. PTSD Symptom
Q: Symptom of PTSD?
A. Hallucinations
ATI RN Mental Health (Complete Guide for
exam Preparation, Correct Answers)
ATI RN Mental Health Practice Questions
1. Therapeutic Communication
Q: A client says, “I feel hopeless.” What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “Why do you feel hopeless?”
B. “Everything will be fine.”
C. “Tell me more about how you are feeling.”
D. “Other people have it worse.”
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage client expression. “Why” can feel judgmental;
reassurance is not therapeutic.
2. Suicide Priority
Q: Which client should the nurse see first?
A. Client with anxiety requesting meds
B. Client with depression expressing hopelessness
C. Client with schizophrenia hearing voices
D. Client stating a plan to commit suicide tonight
✅ Answer: D
Rationale: Direct suicidal plan = highest priority. Safety first.
3. Lithium Toxicity
Q: Which symptom indicates lithium toxicity?
A. Fine tremor
B. Nausea
,C. Severe diarrhea
D. Mild thirst
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Early toxicity: nausea, tremors. Severe toxicity includes diarrhea, confusion, ataxia.
4. Hallucinations
Q: Client says, “The TV is talking to me.” This is:
A. Delusion
B. Illusion
C. Hallucination
D. Idea of reference
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Hallucination = sensory perception without stimulus. Hearing voices is auditory
hallucination.
5. Bipolar Mania
Q: Which behavior is expected during mania?
A. Slow speech
B. Decreased energy
C. Flight of ideas
D. Social withdrawal
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Mania = rapid thinking, hyperactivity, flight of ideas.
6. Serotonin Syndrome
Q: Which indicates serotonin syndrome?
A. Dry mouth
B. Weight gain
C. Hyperreflexia and fever
D. Constipation
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome = fever, agitation, hyperreflexia; emergency condition.
, 7. Defense Mechanism
Q: A client blames others for their mistakes. This is:
A. Regression
B. Projection
C. Denial
D. Sublimation
✅ Answer: B
Rationale: Projection = attributing own feelings to others.
8. Anxiety Levels
Q: At which anxiety level does problem-solving decrease?
A. Mild
B. Moderate
C. Severe
D. Panic
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Severe anxiety = impaired problem-solving; panic = loss of control.
9. Restraints Priority
Q: Priority when using restraints?
A. Documentation
B. Family notification
C. Client safety
D. Physician order
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Safety is always the first priority.
10. PTSD Symptom
Q: Symptom of PTSD?
A. Hallucinations
