PN ATI Mental Health Retake 2026/2027
Proctored Exam | 180 NGN Questions &
Verified Answers with Rationales | Versions 1-
5 Bundle | Pass Guaranteed
Section 1: Foundations of Mental Health Nursing & Therapeutic Communication
(Questions 1-25)
1. A nurse is preparing to conduct an initial mental health assessment on a client
who has been admitted involuntarily. Which action should the nurse take first to
establish a therapeutic alliance?
A) Explain the client's legal rights and the treatment process
B) Ask the client about their reason for hospitalization
C) Provide the client with a written copy of unit rules
D) Complete the admission paperwork and physical assessment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beginning the assessment by asking the client about their reason for
hospitalization demonstrates respect for their perspective and initiates therapeutic
communication. While explaining legal rights is important, it should occur after establishing
, initial rapport. Providing unit rules can be perceived as authoritarian. Completing paperwork
prioritizes tasks over the therapeutic relationship .
2. Which statement best describes mental health?
A) The absence of mental illness or psychiatric symptoms
B) The successful performance of mental functions resulting in productive activities, fulfilling
relationships, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity
C) A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being
D) The ability to function independently without assistance from others
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health is defined as the successful performance of mental functions,
resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships, and the ability to adapt to change
and cope with adversity. Option A is incorrect because mental health is more than the
absence of illness. Option C describes overall health (WHO definition). Option D describes
functional independence .
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is withdrawn and refuses to speak. The nurse sits
with the client quietly for several minutes and then states, "I'll sit with you for a while.
You don't have to talk if you don't want to." This intervention demonstrates which
therapeutic communication technique?
A) Giving reassurance
, B) Offering self
C) Making observations
D) Using silence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Offering self involves making oneself available to the client without imposing
expectations. Sitting quietly with a withdrawn client and making occasional neutral
comments demonstrates presence and availability without pressure to communicate .
4. A nurse is building a therapeutic relationship with a client who has an eating
disorder. Which activity should the nurse initiate during the orientation phase?
A) Discussing the incorporation of new strategies into daily life
B) Mutually deciding and agreeing on the goals of the relationship
C) Teaching and encouraging the use of problem-solving skills
D) Using memories to validate the relationship experience
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mutually deciding and agreeing on goals occurs during the orientation phase.
The working phase involves teaching new strategies and problem-solving skills. Termination
involves validating the relationship experience .
, 5. A client tells the nurse a secret and asks the nurse to promise not to tell. Which
response is most appropriate?
A) "Go on. Tell me more."
B) "Why do you want to keep the information a secret?"
C) "Have you shared your secret with anyone else?"
D) "I can't promise that I will keep your secret."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse cannot promise confidentiality without limits. This response is honest
and establishes appropriate boundaries while acknowledging the need to maintain safety
and report certain information .
6. A charge nurse is discussing mental status exams with a newly licensed nurse.
Which statements by the newly licensed nurse indicate an understanding of the
teaching? (Select all that apply.)
A) "To assess cognitive ability, I should ask the client to count backward by sevens."
B) "To assess affect, I should observe the client's facial expression."
C) "To assess language ability, I should instruct the client to write a sentence."
D) "To assess remote memory, I should have the client repeat a list of words."
E) "To assess the client's abstract thinking, I should ask the client to identify our most recent
presidents."
Correct Answers: A, B, C
Proctored Exam | 180 NGN Questions &
Verified Answers with Rationales | Versions 1-
5 Bundle | Pass Guaranteed
Section 1: Foundations of Mental Health Nursing & Therapeutic Communication
(Questions 1-25)
1. A nurse is preparing to conduct an initial mental health assessment on a client
who has been admitted involuntarily. Which action should the nurse take first to
establish a therapeutic alliance?
A) Explain the client's legal rights and the treatment process
B) Ask the client about their reason for hospitalization
C) Provide the client with a written copy of unit rules
D) Complete the admission paperwork and physical assessment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beginning the assessment by asking the client about their reason for
hospitalization demonstrates respect for their perspective and initiates therapeutic
communication. While explaining legal rights is important, it should occur after establishing
, initial rapport. Providing unit rules can be perceived as authoritarian. Completing paperwork
prioritizes tasks over the therapeutic relationship .
2. Which statement best describes mental health?
A) The absence of mental illness or psychiatric symptoms
B) The successful performance of mental functions resulting in productive activities, fulfilling
relationships, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity
C) A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being
D) The ability to function independently without assistance from others
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health is defined as the successful performance of mental functions,
resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships, and the ability to adapt to change
and cope with adversity. Option A is incorrect because mental health is more than the
absence of illness. Option C describes overall health (WHO definition). Option D describes
functional independence .
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is withdrawn and refuses to speak. The nurse sits
with the client quietly for several minutes and then states, "I'll sit with you for a while.
You don't have to talk if you don't want to." This intervention demonstrates which
therapeutic communication technique?
A) Giving reassurance
, B) Offering self
C) Making observations
D) Using silence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Offering self involves making oneself available to the client without imposing
expectations. Sitting quietly with a withdrawn client and making occasional neutral
comments demonstrates presence and availability without pressure to communicate .
4. A nurse is building a therapeutic relationship with a client who has an eating
disorder. Which activity should the nurse initiate during the orientation phase?
A) Discussing the incorporation of new strategies into daily life
B) Mutually deciding and agreeing on the goals of the relationship
C) Teaching and encouraging the use of problem-solving skills
D) Using memories to validate the relationship experience
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mutually deciding and agreeing on goals occurs during the orientation phase.
The working phase involves teaching new strategies and problem-solving skills. Termination
involves validating the relationship experience .
, 5. A client tells the nurse a secret and asks the nurse to promise not to tell. Which
response is most appropriate?
A) "Go on. Tell me more."
B) "Why do you want to keep the information a secret?"
C) "Have you shared your secret with anyone else?"
D) "I can't promise that I will keep your secret."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse cannot promise confidentiality without limits. This response is honest
and establishes appropriate boundaries while acknowledging the need to maintain safety
and report certain information .
6. A charge nurse is discussing mental status exams with a newly licensed nurse.
Which statements by the newly licensed nurse indicate an understanding of the
teaching? (Select all that apply.)
A) "To assess cognitive ability, I should ask the client to count backward by sevens."
B) "To assess affect, I should observe the client's facial expression."
C) "To assess language ability, I should instruct the client to write a sentence."
D) "To assess remote memory, I should have the client repeat a list of words."
E) "To assess the client's abstract thinking, I should ask the client to identify our most recent
presidents."
Correct Answers: A, B, C
