ATI Mental Health Nursing Practice
Exam 2026 | 100 Questions & Answers
with Detailed Rationales | ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Exam Prep |
Comprehensive Psychiatric Nursing
Study Guide | Updated 2026 Edition
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. Which
finding should the nurse expect?
A. Persistent elevated mood
B. Excessive worry about multiple areas of life
C. Recurrent flashbacks related to trauma
D. Repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety
Answer: Excessive worry about multiple areas of life
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive, difficult-
to-control worry about multiple events or activities, often accompanied by
restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
2. A nurse is assessing a client experiencing a panic attack. Which
manifestation is expected?
,A. Bradycardia
B. Hypotension
C. Palpitations
D. Decreased respiratory rate
Answer: Palpitations
Rationale: Panic attacks can cause intense autonomic stimulation, including
palpitations, tachycardia, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a sense
of impending doom.
3. A client experiencing severe anxiety is pacing and unable to concentrate.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Ask the client to participate in group therapy
B. Provide a detailed explanation of the treatment plan
C. Move the client to a quiet environment
D. Encourage the client to make independent decisions
Answer: Move the client to a quiet environment
Rationale: Severe anxiety decreases the ability to process information. Reducing
environmental stimuli can help decrease anxiety and improve the client's ability
to focus.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who has depression. Which statement requires
immediate intervention?
A. "I don't enjoy activities anymore."
B. "I have been sleeping more than usual."
C. "My family would be better off without me."
D. "I don't have much energy."
Answer: "My family would be better off without me."
Rationale: Statements suggesting worthlessness or that others would be better
off without the client can indicate suicidal thinking and require immediate
suicide-risk assessment.
, 5. Which question is most appropriate when assessing a client for suicidal
ideation?
A. "You aren't thinking about suicide, are you?"
B. "Why would you want to hurt yourself?"
C. "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
D. "You wouldn't actually attempt suicide, would you?"
Answer: "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
Rationale: Directly asking about suicide does not cause suicidal behavior. A
clear, direct question helps the nurse determine the client's level of risk.
6. A client who has major depressive disorder reports having no energy.
Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage participation in several activities each day
B. Schedule brief, structured activities
C. Allow the client to remain in bed throughout the day
D. Encourage the client to make major life decisions
Answer: Schedule brief, structured activities
Rationale: Clients with depression often have decreased energy and motivation.
Short, manageable activities provide structure without overwhelming the client.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing
acute mania. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage lengthy discussions
B. Provide a stimulating environment
C. Set clear, consistent limits
D. Encourage group activities throughout the day
Answer: Set clear, consistent limits
Rationale: Clients experiencing mania benefit from clear limits and consistent
expectations to help reduce impulsive, unsafe, and disruptive behaviors.
, 8. Which food is appropriate for a client experiencing acute mania who is
unable to sit for meals?
A. Hot coffee
B. Gelatin dessert
C. Peanut butter sandwich
D. Large bowl of soup
Answer: Peanut butter sandwich
Rationale: Clients experiencing mania may be highly active and unable to
remain seated for meals. High-calorie, nutritious finger foods can help meet
nutritional needs.
9. A client who has bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which finding
should the nurse identify as a possible indication of lithium toxicity?
A. Mild thirst
B. Fine hand tremor
C. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
D. Increased appetite
Answer: Severe diarrhea and vomiting
Rationale: Severe gastrointestinal disturbances, coarse tremors, confusion,
ataxia, and other neurologic manifestations can indicate lithium toxicity and
require prompt intervention.
10.A nurse is teaching a client who takes lithium. Which instruction should the
nurse include?
A. "Avoid drinking fluids during hot weather."
B. "Maintain consistent sodium and fluid intake."
C. "Stop taking lithium when you feel better."
D. "Double the dose if you miss a dose."
Answer: "Maintain consistent sodium and fluid intake."
Exam 2026 | 100 Questions & Answers
with Detailed Rationales | ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Exam Prep |
Comprehensive Psychiatric Nursing
Study Guide | Updated 2026 Edition
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. Which
finding should the nurse expect?
A. Persistent elevated mood
B. Excessive worry about multiple areas of life
C. Recurrent flashbacks related to trauma
D. Repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety
Answer: Excessive worry about multiple areas of life
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive, difficult-
to-control worry about multiple events or activities, often accompanied by
restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
2. A nurse is assessing a client experiencing a panic attack. Which
manifestation is expected?
,A. Bradycardia
B. Hypotension
C. Palpitations
D. Decreased respiratory rate
Answer: Palpitations
Rationale: Panic attacks can cause intense autonomic stimulation, including
palpitations, tachycardia, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a sense
of impending doom.
3. A client experiencing severe anxiety is pacing and unable to concentrate.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Ask the client to participate in group therapy
B. Provide a detailed explanation of the treatment plan
C. Move the client to a quiet environment
D. Encourage the client to make independent decisions
Answer: Move the client to a quiet environment
Rationale: Severe anxiety decreases the ability to process information. Reducing
environmental stimuli can help decrease anxiety and improve the client's ability
to focus.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who has depression. Which statement requires
immediate intervention?
A. "I don't enjoy activities anymore."
B. "I have been sleeping more than usual."
C. "My family would be better off without me."
D. "I don't have much energy."
Answer: "My family would be better off without me."
Rationale: Statements suggesting worthlessness or that others would be better
off without the client can indicate suicidal thinking and require immediate
suicide-risk assessment.
, 5. Which question is most appropriate when assessing a client for suicidal
ideation?
A. "You aren't thinking about suicide, are you?"
B. "Why would you want to hurt yourself?"
C. "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
D. "You wouldn't actually attempt suicide, would you?"
Answer: "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
Rationale: Directly asking about suicide does not cause suicidal behavior. A
clear, direct question helps the nurse determine the client's level of risk.
6. A client who has major depressive disorder reports having no energy.
Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage participation in several activities each day
B. Schedule brief, structured activities
C. Allow the client to remain in bed throughout the day
D. Encourage the client to make major life decisions
Answer: Schedule brief, structured activities
Rationale: Clients with depression often have decreased energy and motivation.
Short, manageable activities provide structure without overwhelming the client.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing
acute mania. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage lengthy discussions
B. Provide a stimulating environment
C. Set clear, consistent limits
D. Encourage group activities throughout the day
Answer: Set clear, consistent limits
Rationale: Clients experiencing mania benefit from clear limits and consistent
expectations to help reduce impulsive, unsafe, and disruptive behaviors.
, 8. Which food is appropriate for a client experiencing acute mania who is
unable to sit for meals?
A. Hot coffee
B. Gelatin dessert
C. Peanut butter sandwich
D. Large bowl of soup
Answer: Peanut butter sandwich
Rationale: Clients experiencing mania may be highly active and unable to
remain seated for meals. High-calorie, nutritious finger foods can help meet
nutritional needs.
9. A client who has bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which finding
should the nurse identify as a possible indication of lithium toxicity?
A. Mild thirst
B. Fine hand tremor
C. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
D. Increased appetite
Answer: Severe diarrhea and vomiting
Rationale: Severe gastrointestinal disturbances, coarse tremors, confusion,
ataxia, and other neurologic manifestations can indicate lithium toxicity and
require prompt intervention.
10.A nurse is teaching a client who takes lithium. Which instruction should the
nurse include?
A. "Avoid drinking fluids during hot weather."
B. "Maintain consistent sodium and fluid intake."
C. "Stop taking lithium when you feel better."
D. "Double the dose if you miss a dose."
Answer: "Maintain consistent sodium and fluid intake."
