ATI RN Mental Health 2026 Proctored Exam with
NGN Questions and 100% Correct Answers to
Score 98% and Above in the New 2026 RN ATI
Mental Health Proctored Assessment, Updated
Exam Review Materials, Comprehensive Study
Guide and Practice Questions
1. A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder who states, "I'm
worthless. Everyone would be better off without me." What is the nurse's
priority action?
• A. Encourage the client to attend group therapy
• B. Ask directly whether the client has thoughts of harming themselves
• C. Reassure the client that these feelings will pass
• D. Document the statement and continue the shift
Rationale: Direct, nonjudgmental questioning about suicidal ideation is the
priority when a client expresses worthlessness and burdensomeness. It does not
increase risk and allows accurate assessment. Reassurance minimizes feelings;
documentation alone delays safety intervention.
2. Which finding best indicates a client is experiencing a panic attack rather than
generalized anxiety?
• A. Persistent worry lasting more than six months
• B. Sudden, intense fear peaking within minutes with palpitations and a
sense of doom
• C. Gradual onset of restlessness over several days
• D. Avoidance of social situations for years
, Rationale: Panic attacks are abrupt, peak within minutes, and include
autonomic symptoms plus a sense of impending doom. GAD is chronic and
persistent; social anxiety involves long-term avoidance.
3. A client on haloperidol develops a stiff neck, difficulty swallowing, and a fixed
upward gaze. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
• A. Lorazepam
• B. Benztropine
• C. Propranolol
• D. Clonazepam
Rationale: These are acute dystonia symptoms — an extrapyramidal side
effect of typical antipsychotics. Benztropine, an anticholinergic, treats acute
dystonia. Lorazepam and clonazepam are adjuncts; propranolol is used for
akathisia.
4. A client with bipolar I disorder in a manic episode is pacing, intrusive, and not
sleeping. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate initially?
• A. Provide a low-stimulation environment and set firm, simple limits
• B. Encourage group participation to channel energy
• C. Allow the client to skip meals until calm
• D. Confront the client about manipulative behavior
Rationale: Mania worsens with stimulation. A calm, low-stimulus setting with
clear, consistent limits promotes safety. Group therapy is overstimulating during
acute mania. Nutrition should be maintained with high-calorie finger foods.
5. Which statement by a client taking lithium indicates a need for further
teaching?
, • A. "I'll drink 2–3 liters of water daily."
• B. "I'll keep my salt intake steady."
• C. "I'll take ibuprofen for headaches."
• D. "I'll get my blood levels checked regularly."
Rationale: NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce renal lithium clearance and can raise
levels to toxic range. Consistent hydration and sodium intake are correct.
Acetaminophen is a safer analgesic choice.
6. A nurse is assessing a client with anorexia nervosa. Which finding is most
concerning?
• A. Body mass index of 17
• B. Heart rate of 44 beats/min with orthostatic hypotension
• C. Preoccupation with food
• D. Amenorrhea
Rationale: Bradycardia with orthostatic hypotension signals cardiovascular
instability from malnutrition and risk of sudden death. This requires immediate
medical intervention. The other findings are characteristic but less acutely
dangerous.
7. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using when saying,
"Tell me more about what happened when you felt abandoned"?
• A. Restating
• B. Exploring
• C. Reflecting
• D. Summarizing
, Rationale: Exploring invites the client to elaborate on a topic, deepening
assessment. Restating repeats the client's words; reflecting mirrors feelings;
summarizing recaps key points.
8. A client with schizophrenia says, "The radio is telling me to hurt my
neighbor." What is the nurse's best response?
• A. "That's not real; radios can't talk."
• B. "Why do you think the radio is talking to you?"
• C. "I don't hear the radio, but I understand it feels real to you. Are you
thinking of hurting your neighbor?"
• D. "Let's turn off the radio so it stops."
Rationale: Acknowledge the client's experience without reinforcing the
delusion, then assess safety. Arguing increases distress; "why" questions are
nontherapeutic; removing the radio doesn't address the command hallucination.
9. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor for a client taking
clozapine?
• A. Serum sodium
• B. Absolute neutrophil count
• C. Serum potassium
• D. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
Rationale: Clozapine carries a risk of severe neutropenia/agranulocytosis.
ANC must be monitored weekly initially per REMS protocol.
10. A client is admitted with alcohol withdrawal. Which finding indicates
impending delirium tremens?
• A. Mild hand tremor
NGN Questions and 100% Correct Answers to
Score 98% and Above in the New 2026 RN ATI
Mental Health Proctored Assessment, Updated
Exam Review Materials, Comprehensive Study
Guide and Practice Questions
1. A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder who states, "I'm
worthless. Everyone would be better off without me." What is the nurse's
priority action?
• A. Encourage the client to attend group therapy
• B. Ask directly whether the client has thoughts of harming themselves
• C. Reassure the client that these feelings will pass
• D. Document the statement and continue the shift
Rationale: Direct, nonjudgmental questioning about suicidal ideation is the
priority when a client expresses worthlessness and burdensomeness. It does not
increase risk and allows accurate assessment. Reassurance minimizes feelings;
documentation alone delays safety intervention.
2. Which finding best indicates a client is experiencing a panic attack rather than
generalized anxiety?
• A. Persistent worry lasting more than six months
• B. Sudden, intense fear peaking within minutes with palpitations and a
sense of doom
• C. Gradual onset of restlessness over several days
• D. Avoidance of social situations for years
, Rationale: Panic attacks are abrupt, peak within minutes, and include
autonomic symptoms plus a sense of impending doom. GAD is chronic and
persistent; social anxiety involves long-term avoidance.
3. A client on haloperidol develops a stiff neck, difficulty swallowing, and a fixed
upward gaze. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
• A. Lorazepam
• B. Benztropine
• C. Propranolol
• D. Clonazepam
Rationale: These are acute dystonia symptoms — an extrapyramidal side
effect of typical antipsychotics. Benztropine, an anticholinergic, treats acute
dystonia. Lorazepam and clonazepam are adjuncts; propranolol is used for
akathisia.
4. A client with bipolar I disorder in a manic episode is pacing, intrusive, and not
sleeping. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate initially?
• A. Provide a low-stimulation environment and set firm, simple limits
• B. Encourage group participation to channel energy
• C. Allow the client to skip meals until calm
• D. Confront the client about manipulative behavior
Rationale: Mania worsens with stimulation. A calm, low-stimulus setting with
clear, consistent limits promotes safety. Group therapy is overstimulating during
acute mania. Nutrition should be maintained with high-calorie finger foods.
5. Which statement by a client taking lithium indicates a need for further
teaching?
, • A. "I'll drink 2–3 liters of water daily."
• B. "I'll keep my salt intake steady."
• C. "I'll take ibuprofen for headaches."
• D. "I'll get my blood levels checked regularly."
Rationale: NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce renal lithium clearance and can raise
levels to toxic range. Consistent hydration and sodium intake are correct.
Acetaminophen is a safer analgesic choice.
6. A nurse is assessing a client with anorexia nervosa. Which finding is most
concerning?
• A. Body mass index of 17
• B. Heart rate of 44 beats/min with orthostatic hypotension
• C. Preoccupation with food
• D. Amenorrhea
Rationale: Bradycardia with orthostatic hypotension signals cardiovascular
instability from malnutrition and risk of sudden death. This requires immediate
medical intervention. The other findings are characteristic but less acutely
dangerous.
7. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using when saying,
"Tell me more about what happened when you felt abandoned"?
• A. Restating
• B. Exploring
• C. Reflecting
• D. Summarizing
, Rationale: Exploring invites the client to elaborate on a topic, deepening
assessment. Restating repeats the client's words; reflecting mirrors feelings;
summarizing recaps key points.
8. A client with schizophrenia says, "The radio is telling me to hurt my
neighbor." What is the nurse's best response?
• A. "That's not real; radios can't talk."
• B. "Why do you think the radio is talking to you?"
• C. "I don't hear the radio, but I understand it feels real to you. Are you
thinking of hurting your neighbor?"
• D. "Let's turn off the radio so it stops."
Rationale: Acknowledge the client's experience without reinforcing the
delusion, then assess safety. Arguing increases distress; "why" questions are
nontherapeutic; removing the radio doesn't address the command hallucination.
9. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor for a client taking
clozapine?
• A. Serum sodium
• B. Absolute neutrophil count
• C. Serum potassium
• D. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
Rationale: Clozapine carries a risk of severe neutropenia/agranulocytosis.
ANC must be monitored weekly initially per REMS protocol.
10. A client is admitted with alcohol withdrawal. Which finding indicates
impending delirium tremens?
• A. Mild hand tremor
