ATI Mental Health Nursing Exam (2026) – 100 Practice
Questions with Fully Explained Answers & Rationales
(Latest Revision Study Guide)
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which action is the priority?
A. Teach relaxation techniques
B. Leave the client alone
C. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
D. Encourage discussion of stressors
Answer: C
Rationale: During a panic attack, the nurse should remain with the client, provide
reassurance, and maintain a calm environment.
Question 2
Which statement by a client taking lithium indicates understanding of the medication?
A. “I will restrict my fluid intake.” B. “I will maintain a consistent sodium intake.” C. “I
can stop taking the medication when I feel better.” D. “Blood tests are unnecessary.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Consistent sodium intake helps prevent lithium toxicity.
Question 3
A client reports hearing voices. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “The voices are not real.” B. “What are the voices telling you?” C. “I understand you
hear voices, but I do not hear them.” D. “Ignore the voices.”
Answer: C
Rationale: This acknowledges the client’s experience without reinforcing hallucinations.
Question 4
Which finding is most associated with major depressive disorder?
, A. Grandiosity B. Euphoric mood C. Persistent hopelessness D. Hyperactivity
Answer: C
Rationale: Hopelessness is a common symptom of depression.
Question 5
Which client is at greatest risk for suicide?
A. Client with strong family support B. Client with a detailed suicide plan C. Client
attending therapy sessions D. Client with mild anxiety
Answer: B
Rationale: A specific plan and means indicate high suicide risk.
Question 6
Which defense mechanism is demonstrated when a student blames a poor grade on an
unfair exam?
A. Regression B. Projection C. Suppression D. Sublimation
Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves attributing one’s shortcomings to others.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client prescribed fluoxetine. Which adverse effect should be
monitored?
A. Hypertension B. Serotonin syndrome C. Hypoglycemia D. Bradycardia
Answer: B
Rationale: SSRIs can contribute to serotonin syndrome.
Question 8
Which behavior is expected in a client experiencing mania?
A. Slow speech B. Flat affect C. Flight of ideas D. Social withdrawal
Answer: C
Rationale: Flight of ideas is characteristic of manic episodes.
Question 9
, A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder repeatedly washes their hands. The nurse
should:
A. Prevent the behavior immediately B. Encourage discussion of feelings C. Criticize
the ritual D. Punish the behavior
Answer: B
Rationale: Exploring feelings can help reduce anxiety and improve coping.
Question 10
Which symptom is commonly associated with schizophrenia?
A. Elevated mood B. Hallucinations C. Hyperactivity D. Euphoria
Answer: B
Rationale: Hallucinations are a positive symptom of schizophrenia.
Question 11
The primary purpose of therapeutic communication is to:
A. Give advice B. Solve problems for the client C. Promote client expression and
growth D. Establish authority
Answer: C
Question 12
Which finding indicates alcohol withdrawal?
A. Bradycardia B. Tremors C. Drowsiness D. Hypotension
Answer: B
Question 13
A client taking clozapine should be monitored for:
A. Agranulocytosis B. Hypoglycemia C. Cataracts D. Hearing loss
Answer: A
Question 14
Which statement reflects effective coping?
Questions with Fully Explained Answers & Rationales
(Latest Revision Study Guide)
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which action is the priority?
A. Teach relaxation techniques
B. Leave the client alone
C. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
D. Encourage discussion of stressors
Answer: C
Rationale: During a panic attack, the nurse should remain with the client, provide
reassurance, and maintain a calm environment.
Question 2
Which statement by a client taking lithium indicates understanding of the medication?
A. “I will restrict my fluid intake.” B. “I will maintain a consistent sodium intake.” C. “I
can stop taking the medication when I feel better.” D. “Blood tests are unnecessary.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Consistent sodium intake helps prevent lithium toxicity.
Question 3
A client reports hearing voices. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “The voices are not real.” B. “What are the voices telling you?” C. “I understand you
hear voices, but I do not hear them.” D. “Ignore the voices.”
Answer: C
Rationale: This acknowledges the client’s experience without reinforcing hallucinations.
Question 4
Which finding is most associated with major depressive disorder?
, A. Grandiosity B. Euphoric mood C. Persistent hopelessness D. Hyperactivity
Answer: C
Rationale: Hopelessness is a common symptom of depression.
Question 5
Which client is at greatest risk for suicide?
A. Client with strong family support B. Client with a detailed suicide plan C. Client
attending therapy sessions D. Client with mild anxiety
Answer: B
Rationale: A specific plan and means indicate high suicide risk.
Question 6
Which defense mechanism is demonstrated when a student blames a poor grade on an
unfair exam?
A. Regression B. Projection C. Suppression D. Sublimation
Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves attributing one’s shortcomings to others.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client prescribed fluoxetine. Which adverse effect should be
monitored?
A. Hypertension B. Serotonin syndrome C. Hypoglycemia D. Bradycardia
Answer: B
Rationale: SSRIs can contribute to serotonin syndrome.
Question 8
Which behavior is expected in a client experiencing mania?
A. Slow speech B. Flat affect C. Flight of ideas D. Social withdrawal
Answer: C
Rationale: Flight of ideas is characteristic of manic episodes.
Question 9
, A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder repeatedly washes their hands. The nurse
should:
A. Prevent the behavior immediately B. Encourage discussion of feelings C. Criticize
the ritual D. Punish the behavior
Answer: B
Rationale: Exploring feelings can help reduce anxiety and improve coping.
Question 10
Which symptom is commonly associated with schizophrenia?
A. Elevated mood B. Hallucinations C. Hyperactivity D. Euphoria
Answer: B
Rationale: Hallucinations are a positive symptom of schizophrenia.
Question 11
The primary purpose of therapeutic communication is to:
A. Give advice B. Solve problems for the client C. Promote client expression and
growth D. Establish authority
Answer: C
Question 12
Which finding indicates alcohol withdrawal?
A. Bradycardia B. Tremors C. Drowsiness D. Hypotension
Answer: B
Question 13
A client taking clozapine should be monitored for:
A. Agranulocytosis B. Hypoglycemia C. Cataracts D. Hearing loss
Answer: A
Question 14
Which statement reflects effective coping?
