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NUR 222 – PSYCHIATRIC & COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH NURSING ATI Modules
1–14 Comprehensive Practice Exam Questions | Answers & Rationales
Module 1: Foundations of Mental Health Nursing
1. The nurse is caring for a client who states, “I just don’t think
anyone can help me.” Which response is most therapeutic?
A. “Everyone here is very capable.”
B. “You don’t think anyone can help you?”
C. “Why would you say that?”
D. “You’ll feel better after treatment.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Restating clarifies and encourages the client to
continue expressing feelings without judgment or false
reassurance.
2. The nurse is using therapeutic silence. Which client situation
is most appropriate for this technique?
A. Client is angry and shouting
B. Client is crying quietly after discussing a loss
C. Client is confused and disoriented
D. Client is refusing medication
Answer: B
Rationale: Silence gives the client time to process emotions. It
is especially useful when the client is crying or thoughtful.
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Module 2: Therapeutic Communication & the Nurse-Client
Relationship
3. During the working phase of the nurse-client relationship, the
nurse should primarily:
A. Establish trust and boundaries
B. Summarize progress and plan termination
C. Encourage the client to problem-solve and practice coping
D. Complete admission paperwork
Answer: C
Rationale: The working phase focuses on problem-solving,
coping skills, and behavior change.
4. A client tells the nurse, “You’re the only one who
understands me.” This is an example of:
A. transference
B. countertransference
C. resistance
D. splitting
Answer: A
Rationale: Transference occurs when the client displaces
feelings about another person onto the nurse.
Module 3: Legal & Ethical Issues
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5. An adult client refuses an antipsychotic injection. The client is
not dangerous and is competent. The nurse should:
A. give the injection because it is prescribed
B. respect the client’s right to refuse
C. ask the family to convince the client
D. hide the medication in food
Answer: B
Rationale: Competent clients have the right to refuse treatment
unless they are a danger to self/others or lack capacity.
6. Which client can be admitted to an inpatient psychiatric
unit against their will?
A. A depressed client who refuses medication
B. A client who is homicidal
C. A client with anxiety who wants to leave
D. A client with a personality disorder only
Answer: B
Rationale: Involuntary commitment requires danger to
self/others or grave disability.
Module 4: Anxiety & Related Disorders
7. A client with panic disorder reports rapid heartbeat, chest
tightness, and fear of dying. The priority nursing action is to:
A. Explore childhood trauma
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B. Stay with the client and provide calm reassurance
C. Give a detailed explanation of panic disorder
D. Leave the client alone to calm down
Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, the nurse should remain with
the client, speak calmly, and reduce stimuli.
8. Which medication is commonly used for short-term relief of
severe anxiety?
A. Sertraline
B. Lorazepam
C. Buspirone
D. Lithium
Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam provide rapid
but short-term anxiety relief. SSRIs are first-line for long-term
treatment.
Module 5: Depressive Disorders
9. A client with major depressive disorder is started on
sertraline. The nurse should tell the client:
A. “You will feel better in 24 hours.”
B. “It may take 2–6 weeks for full effect.”
NUR 222 – PSYCHIATRIC & COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH NURSING ATI Modules
1–14 Comprehensive Practice Exam Questions | Answers & Rationales
Module 1: Foundations of Mental Health Nursing
1. The nurse is caring for a client who states, “I just don’t think
anyone can help me.” Which response is most therapeutic?
A. “Everyone here is very capable.”
B. “You don’t think anyone can help you?”
C. “Why would you say that?”
D. “You’ll feel better after treatment.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Restating clarifies and encourages the client to
continue expressing feelings without judgment or false
reassurance.
2. The nurse is using therapeutic silence. Which client situation
is most appropriate for this technique?
A. Client is angry and shouting
B. Client is crying quietly after discussing a loss
C. Client is confused and disoriented
D. Client is refusing medication
Answer: B
Rationale: Silence gives the client time to process emotions. It
is especially useful when the client is crying or thoughtful.
, Page |2
Module 2: Therapeutic Communication & the Nurse-Client
Relationship
3. During the working phase of the nurse-client relationship, the
nurse should primarily:
A. Establish trust and boundaries
B. Summarize progress and plan termination
C. Encourage the client to problem-solve and practice coping
D. Complete admission paperwork
Answer: C
Rationale: The working phase focuses on problem-solving,
coping skills, and behavior change.
4. A client tells the nurse, “You’re the only one who
understands me.” This is an example of:
A. transference
B. countertransference
C. resistance
D. splitting
Answer: A
Rationale: Transference occurs when the client displaces
feelings about another person onto the nurse.
Module 3: Legal & Ethical Issues
, Page |3
5. An adult client refuses an antipsychotic injection. The client is
not dangerous and is competent. The nurse should:
A. give the injection because it is prescribed
B. respect the client’s right to refuse
C. ask the family to convince the client
D. hide the medication in food
Answer: B
Rationale: Competent clients have the right to refuse treatment
unless they are a danger to self/others or lack capacity.
6. Which client can be admitted to an inpatient psychiatric
unit against their will?
A. A depressed client who refuses medication
B. A client who is homicidal
C. A client with anxiety who wants to leave
D. A client with a personality disorder only
Answer: B
Rationale: Involuntary commitment requires danger to
self/others or grave disability.
Module 4: Anxiety & Related Disorders
7. A client with panic disorder reports rapid heartbeat, chest
tightness, and fear of dying. The priority nursing action is to:
A. Explore childhood trauma
, Page |4
B. Stay with the client and provide calm reassurance
C. Give a detailed explanation of panic disorder
D. Leave the client alone to calm down
Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, the nurse should remain with
the client, speak calmly, and reduce stimuli.
8. Which medication is commonly used for short-term relief of
severe anxiety?
A. Sertraline
B. Lorazepam
C. Buspirone
D. Lithium
Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam provide rapid
but short-term anxiety relief. SSRIs are first-line for long-term
treatment.
Module 5: Depressive Disorders
9. A client with major depressive disorder is started on
sertraline. The nurse should tell the client:
A. “You will feel better in 24 hours.”
B. “It may take 2–6 weeks for full effect.”
