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,ATI PN MENTAL HEALTH 2023/2026 PROCTORED EXAM – NGN-STYLE
PRACTICE QUESTIONS (1-200)
1. A client with schizophrenia tells the PN, "The FBI is watching me
through the television." Which is the most therapeutic response?
A) "That sounds frightening. Let's turn the TV off."
B) "The FBI has no reason to watch you."
C) "I know you believe that, but I do not see anyone there."
D) "Why do you think they are watching you?"
*C) "I know you believe that, but I do not see anyone there." *
Rationale: This response acknowledges the client's perception without
reinforcing the delusion. It is reality-based and non-confrontational. Options
A and B dismiss the client's feelings, and D encourages further elaboration on
the delusion.
2. A client prescribed fluoxetine for major depressive disorder reports
nausea and headache. What is the PN's best action?
A) Hold the next dose and notify the RN.
B) Instruct the client to take the medication with food.
C) Discontinue the medication immediately.
D) Administer an antiemetic PRN.
*B) Instruct the client to take the medication with food. *
Rationale: GI upset, including nausea and headache, is a common side effect
of SSRIs like fluoxetine during the first 1-2 weeks. Taking it with food can
minimize this. It is not an emergency, so holding the dose or discontinuing is
not indicated.
, 3. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which lab value
requires the PN's priority notification to the RN?
A) Sodium 140 mEq/L
B) Lithium level 1.8 mEq/L
C) BUN 18 mg/dL
D) Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
*B) Lithium level 1.8 mEq/L *
Rationale: The therapeutic lithium level is 0.8-1.2 mEq/L for acute mania. A
level of 1.8 mEq/L is approaching toxicity. Early signs of toxicity include
nausea, tremor, and confusion. The other values are within normal limits.
4. A client with alcohol use disorder is prescribed disulfiram. Which
teaching point is most critical?
A) Take the medication on an empty stomach.
B) Avoid using alcohol-containing products like mouthwash and vanilla
extract.
C) Expect immediate relief from alcohol cravings.
D) This medication can be taken PRN for anxiety.
*B) Avoid using alcohol-containing products like mouthwash and
vanilla extract. *
Rationale: Disulfiram causes a severe reaction (flushing, vomiting,
hypotension) if combined with any alcohol, including hidden sources like
cough syrups, mouthwash, and vanilla extract. It does not treat cravings or
anxiety.
,ATI PN MENTAL HEALTH 2023/2026 PROCTORED EXAM – NGN-STYLE
PRACTICE QUESTIONS (1-200)
1. A client with schizophrenia tells the PN, "The FBI is watching me
through the television." Which is the most therapeutic response?
A) "That sounds frightening. Let's turn the TV off."
B) "The FBI has no reason to watch you."
C) "I know you believe that, but I do not see anyone there."
D) "Why do you think they are watching you?"
*C) "I know you believe that, but I do not see anyone there." *
Rationale: This response acknowledges the client's perception without
reinforcing the delusion. It is reality-based and non-confrontational. Options
A and B dismiss the client's feelings, and D encourages further elaboration on
the delusion.
2. A client prescribed fluoxetine for major depressive disorder reports
nausea and headache. What is the PN's best action?
A) Hold the next dose and notify the RN.
B) Instruct the client to take the medication with food.
C) Discontinue the medication immediately.
D) Administer an antiemetic PRN.
*B) Instruct the client to take the medication with food. *
Rationale: GI upset, including nausea and headache, is a common side effect
of SSRIs like fluoxetine during the first 1-2 weeks. Taking it with food can
minimize this. It is not an emergency, so holding the dose or discontinuing is
not indicated.
, 3. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which lab value
requires the PN's priority notification to the RN?
A) Sodium 140 mEq/L
B) Lithium level 1.8 mEq/L
C) BUN 18 mg/dL
D) Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
*B) Lithium level 1.8 mEq/L *
Rationale: The therapeutic lithium level is 0.8-1.2 mEq/L for acute mania. A
level of 1.8 mEq/L is approaching toxicity. Early signs of toxicity include
nausea, tremor, and confusion. The other values are within normal limits.
4. A client with alcohol use disorder is prescribed disulfiram. Which
teaching point is most critical?
A) Take the medication on an empty stomach.
B) Avoid using alcohol-containing products like mouthwash and vanilla
extract.
C) Expect immediate relief from alcohol cravings.
D) This medication can be taken PRN for anxiety.
*B) Avoid using alcohol-containing products like mouthwash and
vanilla extract. *
Rationale: Disulfiram causes a severe reaction (flushing, vomiting,
hypotension) if combined with any alcohol, including hidden sources like
cough syrups, mouthwash, and vanilla extract. It does not treat cravings or
anxiety.
