ATI PN Mental Health Proctored Exam | Latest Update
2026/2027 | 200 Practice Questions and Verified Answers |
NGNStyle Practice Test | A+ Graded
Question 1
A practical nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which finding requires
the highest priority intervention?
A. The client refuses breakfast.
B. The client remains isolated in the room.
C. The client states, "Everyone would be better off without me."
D. The client reports difficulty sleeping.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A statement suggesting hopelessness or that others would be better off without the client
indicates possible suicidal ideation. Safety is always the nurse's priority. Nutritional deficits, isolation,
and insomnia require intervention but are secondary to suicide risk.
Question 2
A nurse is preparing to administer haloperidol to a client experiencing acute psychosis. Which
assessment should be completed first?
A. Visual acuity
B. Blood glucose level
C. Presence of extrapyramidal symptoms
D. Hearing ability
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Haloperidol is a firstgeneration antipsychotic associated with extrapyramidal side effects
(EPS). Baseline assessment of EPS is essential before administration.
,Question 3
Which statement best describes mental health?
A. Absence of mental illness
B. Ability to cope with stressors and function effectively
C. Emotional stability at all times
D. Freedom from anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health involves coping, adaptability, and effective functioning—not just absence of
illness. It encompasses the ability to engage in productive activities, fulfilling relationships, and adapt to
change and adversity.
Question 4
A nurse uses therapeutic communication when stating:
A. "Everything will be fine."
B. "Why do you feel that way?"
C. "Tell me more about how you're feeling."
D. "You shouldn't think like that."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Openended statements encourage patient expression without judgment. This technique
allows the client to direct the conversation and explore feelings more deeply.
,Question 5
Which intervention is priority for a client experiencing panic anxiety?
A. Teach relaxation techniques
B. Encourage group therapy
C. Stay with the client
D. Provide education about anxiety
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Safety and presence are the priority during paniclevel anxiety. During panic, the client cannot
process complex information and may feel overwhelmingly frightened. The nurse's presence provides
reassurance and security.
Question 6
Select all that apply: Which are symptoms of depression?
A. Anhedonia
B. Insomnia
C. Elevated mood
D. Feelings of worthlessness
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Depression symptoms include anhedonia (loss of pleasure), insomnia or hypersomnia, and
feelings of worthlessness. Elevated mood is not a symptom of depression.
Question 7
Which intervention is appropriate when caring for a client experiencing auditory hallucinations?
A. Encourage the client to obey the voices.
, B. Ask what the voices are saying and assess for commands to harm self or others.
C. Tell the client the voices are imaginary.
D. Ignore the client's comments.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the content of hallucinations determines whether they include command
hallucinations, which may pose an immediate safety risk.
Question 8
A client with depression tells the nurse, "I feel so hopeless. I don't think I can go on much longer." Which
of the following is the nurse's best initial response?
A. "You shouldn't feel that way; things will get better."
B. "I can see that you are feeling hopeless. Tell me more about how you're feeling."
C. "Try to think more positively. There are always reasons to be hopeful."
D. "You should talk to your therapist about your feelings."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best initial response acknowledges the client's feelings and encourages further
communication. This demonstrates empathy and invites the client to express emotions in a safe
environment. Responses A and C are dismissive, and D is premature.
Question 9
A nurse is using therapeutic communication. What is a key technique?
A. Active listening
B. Giving advice
C. Interrupting the client
2026/2027 | 200 Practice Questions and Verified Answers |
NGNStyle Practice Test | A+ Graded
Question 1
A practical nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which finding requires
the highest priority intervention?
A. The client refuses breakfast.
B. The client remains isolated in the room.
C. The client states, "Everyone would be better off without me."
D. The client reports difficulty sleeping.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A statement suggesting hopelessness or that others would be better off without the client
indicates possible suicidal ideation. Safety is always the nurse's priority. Nutritional deficits, isolation,
and insomnia require intervention but are secondary to suicide risk.
Question 2
A nurse is preparing to administer haloperidol to a client experiencing acute psychosis. Which
assessment should be completed first?
A. Visual acuity
B. Blood glucose level
C. Presence of extrapyramidal symptoms
D. Hearing ability
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Haloperidol is a firstgeneration antipsychotic associated with extrapyramidal side effects
(EPS). Baseline assessment of EPS is essential before administration.
,Question 3
Which statement best describes mental health?
A. Absence of mental illness
B. Ability to cope with stressors and function effectively
C. Emotional stability at all times
D. Freedom from anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health involves coping, adaptability, and effective functioning—not just absence of
illness. It encompasses the ability to engage in productive activities, fulfilling relationships, and adapt to
change and adversity.
Question 4
A nurse uses therapeutic communication when stating:
A. "Everything will be fine."
B. "Why do you feel that way?"
C. "Tell me more about how you're feeling."
D. "You shouldn't think like that."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Openended statements encourage patient expression without judgment. This technique
allows the client to direct the conversation and explore feelings more deeply.
,Question 5
Which intervention is priority for a client experiencing panic anxiety?
A. Teach relaxation techniques
B. Encourage group therapy
C. Stay with the client
D. Provide education about anxiety
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Safety and presence are the priority during paniclevel anxiety. During panic, the client cannot
process complex information and may feel overwhelmingly frightened. The nurse's presence provides
reassurance and security.
Question 6
Select all that apply: Which are symptoms of depression?
A. Anhedonia
B. Insomnia
C. Elevated mood
D. Feelings of worthlessness
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Depression symptoms include anhedonia (loss of pleasure), insomnia or hypersomnia, and
feelings of worthlessness. Elevated mood is not a symptom of depression.
Question 7
Which intervention is appropriate when caring for a client experiencing auditory hallucinations?
A. Encourage the client to obey the voices.
, B. Ask what the voices are saying and assess for commands to harm self or others.
C. Tell the client the voices are imaginary.
D. Ignore the client's comments.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the content of hallucinations determines whether they include command
hallucinations, which may pose an immediate safety risk.
Question 8
A client with depression tells the nurse, "I feel so hopeless. I don't think I can go on much longer." Which
of the following is the nurse's best initial response?
A. "You shouldn't feel that way; things will get better."
B. "I can see that you are feeling hopeless. Tell me more about how you're feeling."
C. "Try to think more positively. There are always reasons to be hopeful."
D. "You should talk to your therapist about your feelings."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best initial response acknowledges the client's feelings and encourages further
communication. This demonstrates empathy and invites the client to express emotions in a safe
environment. Responses A and C are dismissive, and D is premature.
Question 9
A nurse is using therapeutic communication. What is a key technique?
A. Active listening
B. Giving advice
C. Interrupting the client
