Exam Prep Guide | 250+ Verified NCLEX-Style Practice
Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales |
Complete Updated Test Bank & Study Pack for ATI,
Chamberlain, WGU, and Rasmussen Nursing Students
Fall Semester 2025–2026 | ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Prep Guide | 250+
Verified NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales |
Complete Updated Test Bank & Study Pack for ATI, Chamberlain, WGU, and
Rasmussen Nursing Students
QUESTION1:
What is the primary purpose of conducting a mental health assessment?
A. To diagnose physical illnesses
B. To evaluate a patient's mental state and needs
C. To determine the appropriate medication
D. To establish a therapeutic relationship
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To evaluate a patient's mental state and needs
RATIONALE: The primary purpose of a mental health assessment is to evaluate the
patient's mental state, identify issues, and determine the appropriate course of
treatment.
QUESTION2:
Which of the following is a common symptom of Major Depressive Disorder?
A. Euphoria
B. Increased energy
C. Anhedonia
D. Impulsivity
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Anhedonia
RATIONALE: Anhedonia, or the inability to feel pleasure, is a key symptom of Major
Depressive Disorder and distinguishes it from other mood states.
QUESTION3:
What is the focus of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
A. Understanding childhood experiences
B. Changing negative thought patterns
C. Medication management
D. Group therapy dynamics
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Changing negative thought patterns
RATIONALE: CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that
contribute to emotional distress and behavioral issues.
QUESTION4:
Which of the following is a key component of effective therapeutic
communication?
A. Interrupting the patient to guide the conversation
B. Using medical jargon to explain conditions
C. Active listening and reflecting feelings
D. Providing solutions before understanding the problem
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Active listening and reflecting feelings
RATIONALE: Effective therapeutic communication involves active listening and
reflecting the patient's feelings to establish rapport and trust.
QUESTION5:
What is a potential risk factor for suicide?
A. Strong social support
B. Recent loss or trauma
C. High levels of resilience
D. Stable employment
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Recent loss or trauma
RATIONALE: Recent loss or trauma is a significant risk factor for suicide, as it can lead
to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
QUESTION6:
Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in
interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect?
A. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
B. Avoidant Personality Disorder
C. Borderline Personality Disorder
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Borderline Personality Disorder
RATIONALE: Borderline Personality Disorder is marked by instability in relationships,
self-image, and emotions, leading to impulsive behaviors.
QUESTION7:
,Fall Semester 2025–2026 | ATI Mental Health Proctored
Exam Prep Guide | 250+ Verified NCLEX-Style Practice
Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales |
Complete Updated Test Bank & Study Pack for ATI,
Chamberlain, WGU, and Rasmussen Nursing Students
What is the primary ethical concern when working with patients with mental health
disorders?
A. Ensuring the patient’s comfort
B. Maintaining confidentiality
C. Providing immediate solutions
D. Assessing physical health
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Maintaining confidentiality
RATIONALE: Maintaining confidentiality is crucial in mental health care to protect the
privacy and trust of the patient, enabling open communication.
QUESTION8:
What is a common first-line treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. Electroconvulsive therapy
B. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
C. Antipsychotics
D. Benzodiazepines
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
RATIONALE: SSRIs are commonly used as a first-line treatment for GAD due to their
effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms.
QUESTIONG:
Which of the following is a characteristic of a manic episode?
A. Low energy
B. Sadness
C. Excessive sleep
D. Elevated mood
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Elevated mood
RATIONALE: A manic episode is characterized by an elevated or irritable mood,
increased energy, and often impulsive behavior.
QUESTION10:
What is the primary goal of crisis intervention?
A. To provide long-term therapy
B. To diagnose mental disorders
C. To stabilize the individual and restore functioning
D. To prescribe medication
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. To stabilize the individual and restore functioning
RATIONALE: The primary goal of crisis intervention is to stabilize the individual and
help them return to their pre-crisis level of functioning.