• ATI RN Mental Health 2026
Proctored Exam | 70 NGN
Questions, Answers and
Rationales
• 1. A nurse is assessing a client who has generalized anxiety disorder
(GAD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
o A. episodes of acute, intense fear
o B. excessive worry about multiple events
o C. fear of being in public places
o D. persistent, intrusive thoughts
o Correct Answer: B
o Rationale: Excessive worry about multiple events is a hallmark of
generalized anxiety disorder. The anxiety is not tied to a specific
trigger and is present for at least 6 months.
• 2. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first?
o A. Administer a PRN dose of alprazolam.
o B. Stay with the client and speak in a calm, reassuring voice.
o C. Teach the client deep breathing exercises.
o D. Move the client to a quiet, low-stimulus environment.
o Correct Answer: B
o Rationale: The first priority during a panic attack is safety and
reducing the client's anxiety. Staying with the client and providing a
calm presence is the most immediate and therapeutic intervention.
, While a low-stimulus environment is helpful, ensuring the client is
not alone is paramount.
• 3. A client is prescribed sertraline for major depressive disorder. Which of
the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the
teaching?
o A. "I should expect to feel better within a few days."
o B. "I need to avoid eating aged cheese and drinking red wine."
o C. "It may take several weeks for my mood to improve."
o D. "I can stop taking this medication once I feel better."
o Correct Answer: C
o Rationale: SSRIs like sertraline can take 4-6 weeks to reach their full
therapeutic effect. It is crucial for the client to understand this to
prevent premature discontinuation. Avoiding tyramine is necessary
for MAOIs, not SSRIs. Medications should be tapered, not stopped
abruptly.
• 4. A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is taking
clozapine. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to
report to the provider?
o A. Weight gain of 2 kg (4.4 lb) over 2 months
o B. Heart rate of 110/min
o C. Sore throat and fever
o D. Dry mouth
o Correct Answer: C
o Rationale: Clozapine carries a risk of severe neutropenia and
agranulocytosis. A sore throat and fever are classic signs of infection
, and require immediate medical attention and a CBC to check the
absolute neutrophil count (ANC).
• 5. A nurse is planning care for a client who is in the acute phase of mania.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
o A. Encourage the client to attend a group therapy session.
o B. Provide a stimulating environment to distract the client.
o C. Offer frequent, high-calorie finger foods.
o D. Involve the client in a complex, competitive game.
o Correct Answer: C
o Rationale: Clients in the acute manic phase have high energy
expenditure and are often too distracted to sit and eat a full meal.
Providing frequent, high-calorie finger foods ensures they receive
adequate nutrition. The environment should be low-stimulus, and
complex or competitive activities can increase agitation.
• 6. A client with borderline personality disorder (BPD) is admitted to the
unit. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect?
o A. Grandiosity and a decreased need for sleep
o B. Social withdrawal and flat affect
o C. Fear of abandonment and impulsive actions
o D. Compulsive rituals and perfectionism
o Correct Answer: C
o Rationale: Borderline personality disorder is characterized by
instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect. Key
features include a frantic fear of abandonment and impulsivity.
Grandiosity is seen in narcissistic or manic states, and compulsive
rituals are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
, • 7. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal.
Which of the following medications is used to manage withdrawal
symptoms?
o A. Naltrexone
o B. Disulfiram
o C. Lorazepam
o D. Acamprosate
o Correct Answer: C
o Rationale: Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, are the first-line
treatment for managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms because
they help prevent seizures and delirium tremens. Naltrexone,
disulfiram, and acamprosate are used for maintaining abstinence,
not for acute withdrawal.
• 8. A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
o A. "Increase your sodium intake to prevent toxicity."
o B. "Maintain a consistent fluid intake of 2 to 3 liters per day."
o C. "Take the medication on an empty stomach."
o D. "You can expect to lose weight while on this medication."
o Correct Answer: B
o Rationale: Lithium is a salt, and its levels are affected by hydration
and sodium balance. Clients should maintain a consistent fluid
intake (2-3 L/day) and a normal sodium diet. Dehydration or sodium
depletion can lead to lithium toxicity. The medication is taken with
food to reduce GI upset, and weight gain is a common side effect.
Proctored Exam | 70 NGN
Questions, Answers and
Rationales
• 1. A nurse is assessing a client who has generalized anxiety disorder
(GAD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
o A. episodes of acute, intense fear
o B. excessive worry about multiple events
o C. fear of being in public places
o D. persistent, intrusive thoughts
o Correct Answer: B
o Rationale: Excessive worry about multiple events is a hallmark of
generalized anxiety disorder. The anxiety is not tied to a specific
trigger and is present for at least 6 months.
• 2. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first?
o A. Administer a PRN dose of alprazolam.
o B. Stay with the client and speak in a calm, reassuring voice.
o C. Teach the client deep breathing exercises.
o D. Move the client to a quiet, low-stimulus environment.
o Correct Answer: B
o Rationale: The first priority during a panic attack is safety and
reducing the client's anxiety. Staying with the client and providing a
calm presence is the most immediate and therapeutic intervention.
, While a low-stimulus environment is helpful, ensuring the client is
not alone is paramount.
• 3. A client is prescribed sertraline for major depressive disorder. Which of
the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the
teaching?
o A. "I should expect to feel better within a few days."
o B. "I need to avoid eating aged cheese and drinking red wine."
o C. "It may take several weeks for my mood to improve."
o D. "I can stop taking this medication once I feel better."
o Correct Answer: C
o Rationale: SSRIs like sertraline can take 4-6 weeks to reach their full
therapeutic effect. It is crucial for the client to understand this to
prevent premature discontinuation. Avoiding tyramine is necessary
for MAOIs, not SSRIs. Medications should be tapered, not stopped
abruptly.
• 4. A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is taking
clozapine. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to
report to the provider?
o A. Weight gain of 2 kg (4.4 lb) over 2 months
o B. Heart rate of 110/min
o C. Sore throat and fever
o D. Dry mouth
o Correct Answer: C
o Rationale: Clozapine carries a risk of severe neutropenia and
agranulocytosis. A sore throat and fever are classic signs of infection
, and require immediate medical attention and a CBC to check the
absolute neutrophil count (ANC).
• 5. A nurse is planning care for a client who is in the acute phase of mania.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
o A. Encourage the client to attend a group therapy session.
o B. Provide a stimulating environment to distract the client.
o C. Offer frequent, high-calorie finger foods.
o D. Involve the client in a complex, competitive game.
o Correct Answer: C
o Rationale: Clients in the acute manic phase have high energy
expenditure and are often too distracted to sit and eat a full meal.
Providing frequent, high-calorie finger foods ensures they receive
adequate nutrition. The environment should be low-stimulus, and
complex or competitive activities can increase agitation.
• 6. A client with borderline personality disorder (BPD) is admitted to the
unit. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect?
o A. Grandiosity and a decreased need for sleep
o B. Social withdrawal and flat affect
o C. Fear of abandonment and impulsive actions
o D. Compulsive rituals and perfectionism
o Correct Answer: C
o Rationale: Borderline personality disorder is characterized by
instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect. Key
features include a frantic fear of abandonment and impulsivity.
Grandiosity is seen in narcissistic or manic states, and compulsive
rituals are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
, • 7. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal.
Which of the following medications is used to manage withdrawal
symptoms?
o A. Naltrexone
o B. Disulfiram
o C. Lorazepam
o D. Acamprosate
o Correct Answer: C
o Rationale: Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, are the first-line
treatment for managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms because
they help prevent seizures and delirium tremens. Naltrexone,
disulfiram, and acamprosate are used for maintaining abstinence,
not for acute withdrawal.
• 8. A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
o A. "Increase your sodium intake to prevent toxicity."
o B. "Maintain a consistent fluid intake of 2 to 3 liters per day."
o C. "Take the medication on an empty stomach."
o D. "You can expect to lose weight while on this medication."
o Correct Answer: B
o Rationale: Lithium is a salt, and its levels are affected by hydration
and sodium balance. Clients should maintain a consistent fluid
intake (2-3 L/day) and a normal sodium diet. Dehydration or sodium
depletion can lead to lithium toxicity. The medication is taken with
food to reduce GI upset, and weight gain is a common side effect.
