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ATI PN MENTAL HEALTH PROCTORED EXAM 2026 | NGN 60
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES ] ACTUAL QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
pg. 1
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pg. 2
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Question 1
A client with major depressive disorder tells the practical nurse, “I am
completely worthless and everyone would be better off without me.”
Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. “You shouldn’t say that; you have many people who care about you.”
B. “Let’s talk about something more positive.”
C. “You’re feeling that you are worthless and that others would be
better off without you?”
D. “Why do you think you are worthless?”
C. “You’re feeling that you are worthless and that others would be
better off without you?”
RATIONALE: This response uses reflection and restatement to
validate the client’s feelings without judgment and encourages further
exploration. It communicates active listening and acceptance, which is
essential when a client expresses hopelessness and possible suicidal
ideation. Option A gives false reassurance and dismisses the client’s
feelings. Option B changes the subject and avoids the important
disclosure. Option D uses “why,” which can be perceived as challenging
or judgmental and may cause defensiveness. After validating, the nurse
must further assess for suicide risk, notify the RN, and implement safety
precautions.
Question 2
A client with generalized anxiety disorder is pacing rapidly,
hyperventilating, and repeating, “I can’t breathe.” Which is the priority
nursing action?
A. Instruct the client to breathe into a paper bag
B. Administer a prescribed benzodiazepine immediately
C. Remain with the client and coach slow, deep breathing
D. Encourage the client to lie flat
C. Remain with the client and coach slow, deep breathing
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, 4
RATIONALE: The client is experiencing an acute anxiety attack with
hyperventilation. The priority is to stay with the client to provide safety
and reduce anxiety, while coaching slow, deep breathing to decrease
respiratory alkalosis and interrupt the panic cycle. A paper bag is no
longer routinely recommended and may worsen hypoxia. Medication
may be used if ordered, but nonpharmacologic interventions are first.
Lying flat may increase feelings of suffocation; the client should be in a
comfortable, semi-Fowler’s position. The nurse should maintain a calm,
quiet environment and provide reassurance.
Question 3
A client with schizophrenia is observed standing motionless in the
corner, appearing unaware of the environment, with one arm extended
awkwardly. Which term describes this behavior?
A. Akathisia
B. Catatonic stupor
C. Dystonia
D. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Catatonic stupor
RATIONALE: Catatonic stupor is characterized by immobility,
mutism, and posturing, often with unusual body positions maintained
for long periods. It is a feature of catatonic schizophrenia and may
alternate with catatonic excitement. Akathisia is motor restlessness;
dystonia is sustained muscle contractions (e.g., torticollis); tardive
dyskinesia is involuntary repetitive movements, especially of the face
and tongue. The nurse should ensure safety, monitor nutrition and
hydration, and implement prescribed treatment, which may include
benzodiazepines or electroconvulsive therapy.
Question 4
A practical nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder in the manic
pg. 4
ATI PN MENTAL HEALTH PROCTORED EXAM 2026 | NGN 60
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES ] ACTUAL QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
pg. 1
,2
pg. 2
,3
Question 1
A client with major depressive disorder tells the practical nurse, “I am
completely worthless and everyone would be better off without me.”
Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. “You shouldn’t say that; you have many people who care about you.”
B. “Let’s talk about something more positive.”
C. “You’re feeling that you are worthless and that others would be
better off without you?”
D. “Why do you think you are worthless?”
C. “You’re feeling that you are worthless and that others would be
better off without you?”
RATIONALE: This response uses reflection and restatement to
validate the client’s feelings without judgment and encourages further
exploration. It communicates active listening and acceptance, which is
essential when a client expresses hopelessness and possible suicidal
ideation. Option A gives false reassurance and dismisses the client’s
feelings. Option B changes the subject and avoids the important
disclosure. Option D uses “why,” which can be perceived as challenging
or judgmental and may cause defensiveness. After validating, the nurse
must further assess for suicide risk, notify the RN, and implement safety
precautions.
Question 2
A client with generalized anxiety disorder is pacing rapidly,
hyperventilating, and repeating, “I can’t breathe.” Which is the priority
nursing action?
A. Instruct the client to breathe into a paper bag
B. Administer a prescribed benzodiazepine immediately
C. Remain with the client and coach slow, deep breathing
D. Encourage the client to lie flat
C. Remain with the client and coach slow, deep breathing
pg. 3
, 4
RATIONALE: The client is experiencing an acute anxiety attack with
hyperventilation. The priority is to stay with the client to provide safety
and reduce anxiety, while coaching slow, deep breathing to decrease
respiratory alkalosis and interrupt the panic cycle. A paper bag is no
longer routinely recommended and may worsen hypoxia. Medication
may be used if ordered, but nonpharmacologic interventions are first.
Lying flat may increase feelings of suffocation; the client should be in a
comfortable, semi-Fowler’s position. The nurse should maintain a calm,
quiet environment and provide reassurance.
Question 3
A client with schizophrenia is observed standing motionless in the
corner, appearing unaware of the environment, with one arm extended
awkwardly. Which term describes this behavior?
A. Akathisia
B. Catatonic stupor
C. Dystonia
D. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Catatonic stupor
RATIONALE: Catatonic stupor is characterized by immobility,
mutism, and posturing, often with unusual body positions maintained
for long periods. It is a feature of catatonic schizophrenia and may
alternate with catatonic excitement. Akathisia is motor restlessness;
dystonia is sustained muscle contractions (e.g., torticollis); tardive
dyskinesia is involuntary repetitive movements, especially of the face
and tongue. The nurse should ensure safety, monitor nutrition and
hydration, and implement prescribed treatment, which may include
benzodiazepines or electroconvulsive therapy.
Question 4
A practical nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder in the manic
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