Mental Health RN ATI Proctored Exam Practice Exam verified with
correct answers and rationales 2026/2027 version A+ Graded
1. A client with major depressive disorder says, “There is no reason for me to live
anymore.” What is the nurse's priority response?
A. “You have many reasons to live.”
B. “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
C. “Why do you feel this way?”
D. “You should focus on positive things.”
Correct answer: B. “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
Rationale: The nurse should directly assess for suicidal ideation. Asking directly about suicide
does not cause suicidal behavior and helps determine immediate safety needs.
2. A client experiencing mania is pacing, speaking rapidly, and interrupting
others. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage participation in group activities
B. Provide a quiet, low-stimulation environment
C. Encourage lengthy discussions about feelings
D. Allow unlimited activity to reduce energy
Correct answer: B. Provide a quiet, low-stimulation environment
Rationale: Clients experiencing mania benefit from decreased environmental stimulation, clear
limits, and brief, simple communication.
3. A client with schizophrenia reports hearing voices telling them to harm
another person. What should the nurse do first?
A. Tell the client the voices are not real
B. Ask whether the client intends to act on the commands
C. Encourage the client to ignore the voices
D. Leave the client alone to decrease stimulation
Correct answer: B. Ask whether the client intends to act on the commands
Rationale: Command hallucinations require immediate assessment of the content, intent, plan,
and ability to act.
4. Which statement by a client indicates understanding of cognitive behavioral
therapy?
,A. “My thoughts can influence how I feel and behave.”
B. “My therapist will make all decisions for me.”
C. “I should avoid discussing negative thoughts.”
D. “Therapy will eliminate all stressful situations.”
Correct answer: A. “My thoughts can influence how I feel and behave.”
Rationale: Cognitive behavioral therapy helps clients identify and change maladaptive thought
patterns and behaviors.
5. A client is having a panic attack. Which nursing action is appropriate?
A. Leave the client alone
B. Use short, simple statements
C. Ask the client to explain the cause of the anxiety in detail
D. Encourage the client to make complex decisions
Correct answer: B. Use short, simple statements
Rationale: Severe anxiety reduces the ability to process complex information. The nurse should
remain with the client and use calm, simple communication.
6. A client with generalized anxiety disorder is learning relaxation techniques.
Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “I will practice relaxation only when I am extremely anxious.”
B. “I can use controlled breathing to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.”
C. “I should avoid all physical activity.”
D. “Relaxation techniques work immediately for everyone.”
Correct answer: B. “I can use controlled breathing to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.”
Rationale: Controlled breathing and relaxation techniques can help reduce sympathetic arousal
and anxiety symptoms.
7. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder repeatedly washes their hands.
Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Force the client to stop immediately
B. Acknowledge the anxiety and help develop healthier coping strategies
C. Reinforce the ritual every time
D. Ridicule the behavior
Correct answer: B. Acknowledge the anxiety and help develop healthier coping strategies
, Rationale: The nurse should not shame the client or unnecessarily reinforce compulsive rituals.
Treatment focuses on managing anxiety and reducing compulsive behavior.
8. A client with anorexia nervosa is admitted with severe malnutrition. Which
assessment is the priority?
A. Body image
B. Cardiac status and electrolyte balance
C. Family relationships
D. Educational level
Correct answer: B. Cardiac status and electrolyte balance
Rationale: Severe malnutrition and electrolyte abnormalities can cause life-threatening
cardiovascular complications.
9. Which finding is commonly associated with bulimia nervosa?
A. Parotid gland enlargement
B. Severe bradycardia only
C. Absence of concern about body weight
D. Persistent weight gain without compensatory behaviors
Correct answer: A. Parotid gland enlargement
Rationale: Recurrent vomiting may cause parotid enlargement, dental enamel erosion, and
electrolyte abnormalities.
10. A client with post-traumatic stress disorder is experiencing a flashback. What
should the nurse do?
A. Tell the client to stop thinking about the trauma
B. Help the client identify that they are currently safe
C. Force the client to describe the trauma
D. Leave the client alone
Correct answer: B. Help the client identify that they are currently safe
Rationale: Grounding techniques help the client distinguish the present environment from the
traumatic event.
11. A client taking lithium reports severe diarrhea, vomiting, coarse tremors, and
confusion. What should the nurse do?
correct answers and rationales 2026/2027 version A+ Graded
1. A client with major depressive disorder says, “There is no reason for me to live
anymore.” What is the nurse's priority response?
A. “You have many reasons to live.”
B. “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
C. “Why do you feel this way?”
D. “You should focus on positive things.”
Correct answer: B. “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
Rationale: The nurse should directly assess for suicidal ideation. Asking directly about suicide
does not cause suicidal behavior and helps determine immediate safety needs.
2. A client experiencing mania is pacing, speaking rapidly, and interrupting
others. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage participation in group activities
B. Provide a quiet, low-stimulation environment
C. Encourage lengthy discussions about feelings
D. Allow unlimited activity to reduce energy
Correct answer: B. Provide a quiet, low-stimulation environment
Rationale: Clients experiencing mania benefit from decreased environmental stimulation, clear
limits, and brief, simple communication.
3. A client with schizophrenia reports hearing voices telling them to harm
another person. What should the nurse do first?
A. Tell the client the voices are not real
B. Ask whether the client intends to act on the commands
C. Encourage the client to ignore the voices
D. Leave the client alone to decrease stimulation
Correct answer: B. Ask whether the client intends to act on the commands
Rationale: Command hallucinations require immediate assessment of the content, intent, plan,
and ability to act.
4. Which statement by a client indicates understanding of cognitive behavioral
therapy?
,A. “My thoughts can influence how I feel and behave.”
B. “My therapist will make all decisions for me.”
C. “I should avoid discussing negative thoughts.”
D. “Therapy will eliminate all stressful situations.”
Correct answer: A. “My thoughts can influence how I feel and behave.”
Rationale: Cognitive behavioral therapy helps clients identify and change maladaptive thought
patterns and behaviors.
5. A client is having a panic attack. Which nursing action is appropriate?
A. Leave the client alone
B. Use short, simple statements
C. Ask the client to explain the cause of the anxiety in detail
D. Encourage the client to make complex decisions
Correct answer: B. Use short, simple statements
Rationale: Severe anxiety reduces the ability to process complex information. The nurse should
remain with the client and use calm, simple communication.
6. A client with generalized anxiety disorder is learning relaxation techniques.
Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “I will practice relaxation only when I am extremely anxious.”
B. “I can use controlled breathing to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.”
C. “I should avoid all physical activity.”
D. “Relaxation techniques work immediately for everyone.”
Correct answer: B. “I can use controlled breathing to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.”
Rationale: Controlled breathing and relaxation techniques can help reduce sympathetic arousal
and anxiety symptoms.
7. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder repeatedly washes their hands.
Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Force the client to stop immediately
B. Acknowledge the anxiety and help develop healthier coping strategies
C. Reinforce the ritual every time
D. Ridicule the behavior
Correct answer: B. Acknowledge the anxiety and help develop healthier coping strategies
, Rationale: The nurse should not shame the client or unnecessarily reinforce compulsive rituals.
Treatment focuses on managing anxiety and reducing compulsive behavior.
8. A client with anorexia nervosa is admitted with severe malnutrition. Which
assessment is the priority?
A. Body image
B. Cardiac status and electrolyte balance
C. Family relationships
D. Educational level
Correct answer: B. Cardiac status and electrolyte balance
Rationale: Severe malnutrition and electrolyte abnormalities can cause life-threatening
cardiovascular complications.
9. Which finding is commonly associated with bulimia nervosa?
A. Parotid gland enlargement
B. Severe bradycardia only
C. Absence of concern about body weight
D. Persistent weight gain without compensatory behaviors
Correct answer: A. Parotid gland enlargement
Rationale: Recurrent vomiting may cause parotid enlargement, dental enamel erosion, and
electrolyte abnormalities.
10. A client with post-traumatic stress disorder is experiencing a flashback. What
should the nurse do?
A. Tell the client to stop thinking about the trauma
B. Help the client identify that they are currently safe
C. Force the client to describe the trauma
D. Leave the client alone
Correct answer: B. Help the client identify that they are currently safe
Rationale: Grounding techniques help the client distinguish the present environment from the
traumatic event.
11. A client taking lithium reports severe diarrhea, vomiting, coarse tremors, and
confusion. What should the nurse do?
