ATI RN MENTAL HEALTH CMS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
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Core Domains
Foundations of Mental Health Nursing and Legal/Ethical Issues
Therapeutic Communication and the Nurse-Client Relationship
Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Trauma-Related Disorders
Depressive and Bipolar Mood Disorders
Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders
Personality Disorders and Substance Use Disorders
Neurocognitive and Eating Disorders
Psychopharmacology and Somatic Therapies
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
Patient Safety, Restraints, and Milieu Therapy
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the
candidate's knowledge and clinical judgment in mental health
nursing. The assessment covers foundational theory, therapeutic
communication, psychopharmacology, legal and ethical
standards, and real-world clinical decision-making across
psychiatric disorders. Through multiple-choice and scenario-based
items, candidates will demonstrate mastery of prioritization,
,safety, and evidence-based mental health nursing practice. This
test bank emphasizes the application of clinical judgment required
for safe, patient-centered psychiatric care.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A client with major depressive disorder states, "My
family would be better off without me." What is the
nurse's priority action?
A. Ask the client, "What makes you say that?"
B. Assess for suicidal ideation, plan, and means
C. Encourage the client to join a group activity
D. Reassure the client that things will get better
B. Assess for suicidal ideation, plan, and means
RATIONALE: The priority is to assess for suicidal risk when a
client expresses feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
Directly assessing for a plan and means is essential for safety.
Reassurance is nontherapeutic, activity does not address the
safety concern, and asking "why" is not the priority over a direct
safety assessment.
2. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing alcohol
withdrawal. Which finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Tremors
B. Diaphoresis
C. Seizure activity
D. Nausea
C. Seizure activity
, RATIONALE: Seizures are life-threatening and can occur 6 to
48 hours after the last drink. The nurse must prioritize seizure
precautions, including padded side rails, oxygen, and suction.
Tremors, diaphoresis, and nausea are expected withdrawal
symptoms but are not immediately life-threatening.
3. A client says, "The FBI is following me and reading my
thoughts." Which is the most therapeutic response?
A. "That must be very frightening for you."
B. "There is no FBI following you."
C. "Why do you think the FBI would be interested in you?"
D. "You're safe here; no one can read your thoughts."
A. "That must be very frightening for you."
RATIONALE: This response acknowledges the client's feelings
without reinforcing the delusion. Direct confrontation or
questioning the delusion is not therapeutic and can increase
anxiety. Option D gives false reassurance and does not validate
the client's emotional experience.
4. A client with depression was admitted 3 days ago and
has been withdrawn. Today, the nurse notes the client
suddenly appears calm, cheerful, and is giving away
personal belongings. What is the nurse's priority
interpretation of these findings?
A. The client's antidepressant is working effectively
B. The client has resolved their suicidal ideation
C. The client may have decided to complete suicide
D. The client is ready for discharge planning
C. The client may have decided to complete suicide
, RATIONALE: Sudden mood improvement and giving away
personal belongings are warning signs that a client has made a
decision to end their life. This requires immediate intervention,
not discharge planning or assuming the depression has resolved.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol
withdrawal. Which intervention should the nurse
implement first?
A. Administer a PRN dose of chlordiazepoxide
B. Place the client on seizure precautions
C. Encourage oral fluid intake
D. Assess the client's withdrawal symptoms using a CIWA-Ar
scale
B. Place the client on seizure precautions
RATIONALE: Seizures are life-threatening and can occur 6 to
48 hours after the last drink. Seizure precautions are the priority
to prevent injury. Assessing withdrawal symptoms and
administering medication follow after safety measures are in
place.
6. A client tells the nurse, "Don't tell anyone, but I hid a
sharp knife under my mattress to protect myself from my
roommate." Which action should the nurse take?
A. Keep the client's communication confidential
B. Watch the client and roommate closely without intervening
C. Tell the client this must be reported to the healthcare team
D. Report the incident without informing the client
C. Tell the client this must be reported to the healthcare team
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Foundations of Mental Health Nursing and Legal/Ethical Issues
Therapeutic Communication and the Nurse-Client Relationship
Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Trauma-Related Disorders
Depressive and Bipolar Mood Disorders
Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders
Personality Disorders and Substance Use Disorders
Neurocognitive and Eating Disorders
Psychopharmacology and Somatic Therapies
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
Patient Safety, Restraints, and Milieu Therapy
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the
candidate's knowledge and clinical judgment in mental health
nursing. The assessment covers foundational theory, therapeutic
communication, psychopharmacology, legal and ethical
standards, and real-world clinical decision-making across
psychiatric disorders. Through multiple-choice and scenario-based
items, candidates will demonstrate mastery of prioritization,
,safety, and evidence-based mental health nursing practice. This
test bank emphasizes the application of clinical judgment required
for safe, patient-centered psychiatric care.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A client with major depressive disorder states, "My
family would be better off without me." What is the
nurse's priority action?
A. Ask the client, "What makes you say that?"
B. Assess for suicidal ideation, plan, and means
C. Encourage the client to join a group activity
D. Reassure the client that things will get better
B. Assess for suicidal ideation, plan, and means
RATIONALE: The priority is to assess for suicidal risk when a
client expresses feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
Directly assessing for a plan and means is essential for safety.
Reassurance is nontherapeutic, activity does not address the
safety concern, and asking "why" is not the priority over a direct
safety assessment.
2. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing alcohol
withdrawal. Which finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Tremors
B. Diaphoresis
C. Seizure activity
D. Nausea
C. Seizure activity
, RATIONALE: Seizures are life-threatening and can occur 6 to
48 hours after the last drink. The nurse must prioritize seizure
precautions, including padded side rails, oxygen, and suction.
Tremors, diaphoresis, and nausea are expected withdrawal
symptoms but are not immediately life-threatening.
3. A client says, "The FBI is following me and reading my
thoughts." Which is the most therapeutic response?
A. "That must be very frightening for you."
B. "There is no FBI following you."
C. "Why do you think the FBI would be interested in you?"
D. "You're safe here; no one can read your thoughts."
A. "That must be very frightening for you."
RATIONALE: This response acknowledges the client's feelings
without reinforcing the delusion. Direct confrontation or
questioning the delusion is not therapeutic and can increase
anxiety. Option D gives false reassurance and does not validate
the client's emotional experience.
4. A client with depression was admitted 3 days ago and
has been withdrawn. Today, the nurse notes the client
suddenly appears calm, cheerful, and is giving away
personal belongings. What is the nurse's priority
interpretation of these findings?
A. The client's antidepressant is working effectively
B. The client has resolved their suicidal ideation
C. The client may have decided to complete suicide
D. The client is ready for discharge planning
C. The client may have decided to complete suicide
, RATIONALE: Sudden mood improvement and giving away
personal belongings are warning signs that a client has made a
decision to end their life. This requires immediate intervention,
not discharge planning or assuming the depression has resolved.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol
withdrawal. Which intervention should the nurse
implement first?
A. Administer a PRN dose of chlordiazepoxide
B. Place the client on seizure precautions
C. Encourage oral fluid intake
D. Assess the client's withdrawal symptoms using a CIWA-Ar
scale
B. Place the client on seizure precautions
RATIONALE: Seizures are life-threatening and can occur 6 to
48 hours after the last drink. Seizure precautions are the priority
to prevent injury. Assessing withdrawal symptoms and
administering medication follow after safety measures are in
place.
6. A client tells the nurse, "Don't tell anyone, but I hid a
sharp knife under my mattress to protect myself from my
roommate." Which action should the nurse take?
A. Keep the client's communication confidential
B. Watch the client and roommate closely without intervening
C. Tell the client this must be reported to the healthcare team
D. Report the incident without informing the client
C. Tell the client this must be reported to the healthcare team
