ATI RN MENTAL HEALTH PROCTORED/ATI MENTAL
HEALTH EXAM 2025/2026 BANK COMPLETE 200 EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS
/ALREADY GRADED A+
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has borderline personality disorder. The client tells the
nurse, "My roommate is the worst person I've ever met. An hour ago, she was my best friend."
The nurse should identify this statement as an example of which of the following defense
mechanisms?
A) Regression
B) Splitting
C) Dissociation
D) Projection
Answer: B) Splitting
Rationale: Splitting is a defense mechanism common in borderline personality disorder where a
person views people or situations as either all good or all bad, with no middle ground. The
client's rapid shift from viewing the roommate as a "best friend" to the "worst person" is a
classic example of this black-and-white thinking.
2. A client is admitted to the mental health unit with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
A) The client states, "I feel so worthless and hopeless all the time."
B) The client has not showered or changed clothes for 4 days.
C) The client states, "The world would be better off without me."
D) The client has lost 10 pounds in the last 3 weeks.
Answer: C) The client states, "The world would be better off without me."
Rationale: This statement is a verbal indicator of suicidal ideation. The nurse's priority is always
to assess and ensure client safety. While the other options are significant and require
intervention, the direct statement implying self-harm or suicide poses the most immediate and
life-threatening risk.
,3. A nurse is teaching a group of clients about a new medication. One client, who is taking
haloperidol, begins to pace uncontrollably and complains of feeling extremely restless. The
nurse should recognize this as which of the following extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)?
A) Tardive dyskinesia
B) Dystonia
C) Akathisia
D) Pseudoparkinsonism
Answer: C) Akathisia
Rationale: Akathisia is a subjective feeling of inner restlessness and an inability to sit or stand
still, often manifested by pacing, rocking, or fidgeting. It is a common extrapyramidal side effect
of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol.
4. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoid type, tells the nurse, "The FBI has bugged my
room and is broadcasting my thoughts on the radio." The nurse should document this as which
of the following?
A) Ideas of reference
B) Thought broadcasting
C) Persecutory delusion
D) Somatic delusion
Answer: B) Thought broadcasting
Rationale: Thought broadcasting is a delusion where the client believes their thoughts are being
transmitted or broadcasted so that others can hear them. The client's belief that their thoughts
are being put on the radio is a specific example of this positive symptom of schizophrenia.
5. A nurse is using therapeutic communication with a client who is experiencing a panic attack.
Which of the following statements by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) "You need to calm down right now. Everything is fine."
B) "Tell me what you are feeling right at this moment."
C) "Just try to take slow, deep breaths with me."
,D) "Why do you think you are feeling so anxious?"
Answer: C) "Just try to take slow, deep breaths with me."
Rationale: During a panic attack, the client's cognitive ability is impaired. Giving a simple, direct
instruction that focuses on a physiological function (breathing) is most effective. Asking "why"
(D) is nontherapeutic as it can increase anxiety, and commanding them to calm down (A) is
dismissive and ineffective. Option B might be too complex during the peak of the attack.
6. A client is brought to the emergency department by a family member after ingesting a full
bottle of amitriptyline 2 hours ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate?
A) Hypertension and hyperthermia
B) Seizures and cardiac arrhythmias
C) Pinpoint pupils and respiratory depression
D) Agranulocytosis and elevated liver enzymes
Answer: B) Seizures and cardiac arrhythmias
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose, such as with amitriptyline, is a medical
emergency. It can cause profound cardiac effects (dysrhythmias, conduction delays) and central
nervous system effects, including seizures. Options A, C, and D are associated with overdoses of
other drug classes (e.g., C is associated with opioid overdose).
7. A nurse is planning care for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following is the
priority goal?
A) Improve family dynamics through therapy.
B) Restore the client's nutritional status.
C) Address body image distortions.
D) Stabilize mood and affect.
Answer: B) Restore the client's nutritional status.
Rationale: The physical complications of starvation, such as cardiac abnormalities and
electrolyte imbalances, are life-threatening. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs,
, physiological needs (like nutrition) must be addressed before psychological needs (like body
image or family dynamics).
8. A client with bipolar disorder is admitted to the unit during a manic episode. The client is
loud, sexually provocative, and has not slept in 48 hours. Which of the following interventions is
most appropriate for this client?
A) Provide a private room near the nurses' station.
B) Encourage participation in a group basketball game.
C) Confront the client about their inappropriate behavior.
D) Place the client in seclusion until they calm down.
Answer: A) Provide a private room near the nurses' station.
Rationale: A client in a manic state requires a low-stimulation environment to prevent
escalation. A private room reduces social stimulation, and placement near the nurses' station
allows for close monitoring for safety. Strenuous activity (B) can increase exhaustion and
agitation. Confrontation (C) can be perceived as challenging and increase aggressive behavior.
Seclusion (D) is a restrictive intervention used only when the client is a direct threat to self or
others.
9. A client who has been taking lithium for 2 weeks reports nausea, fine hand tremors, and
feeling lethargic. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A) Hold the next dose of lithium and obtain a stat lithium level.
B) Reassure the client that these are normal side effects.
C) Administer an antiemetic as prescribed.
D) Check the client's most recent lithium level.
Answer: D) Check the client's most recent lithium level.
Rationale: Early signs of lithium toxicity can mimic its common, benign side effects. The nurse's
first action is to check the most recent serum lithium level to determine if the symptoms are
within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) or if they indicate toxicity (>1.5 mEq/L). Holding
the dose (A) may be premature without this data. Simply reassuring the client (B) could be
dangerous if the level is toxic.
HEALTH EXAM 2025/2026 BANK COMPLETE 200 EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS
/ALREADY GRADED A+
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has borderline personality disorder. The client tells the
nurse, "My roommate is the worst person I've ever met. An hour ago, she was my best friend."
The nurse should identify this statement as an example of which of the following defense
mechanisms?
A) Regression
B) Splitting
C) Dissociation
D) Projection
Answer: B) Splitting
Rationale: Splitting is a defense mechanism common in borderline personality disorder where a
person views people or situations as either all good or all bad, with no middle ground. The
client's rapid shift from viewing the roommate as a "best friend" to the "worst person" is a
classic example of this black-and-white thinking.
2. A client is admitted to the mental health unit with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
A) The client states, "I feel so worthless and hopeless all the time."
B) The client has not showered or changed clothes for 4 days.
C) The client states, "The world would be better off without me."
D) The client has lost 10 pounds in the last 3 weeks.
Answer: C) The client states, "The world would be better off without me."
Rationale: This statement is a verbal indicator of suicidal ideation. The nurse's priority is always
to assess and ensure client safety. While the other options are significant and require
intervention, the direct statement implying self-harm or suicide poses the most immediate and
life-threatening risk.
,3. A nurse is teaching a group of clients about a new medication. One client, who is taking
haloperidol, begins to pace uncontrollably and complains of feeling extremely restless. The
nurse should recognize this as which of the following extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)?
A) Tardive dyskinesia
B) Dystonia
C) Akathisia
D) Pseudoparkinsonism
Answer: C) Akathisia
Rationale: Akathisia is a subjective feeling of inner restlessness and an inability to sit or stand
still, often manifested by pacing, rocking, or fidgeting. It is a common extrapyramidal side effect
of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol.
4. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoid type, tells the nurse, "The FBI has bugged my
room and is broadcasting my thoughts on the radio." The nurse should document this as which
of the following?
A) Ideas of reference
B) Thought broadcasting
C) Persecutory delusion
D) Somatic delusion
Answer: B) Thought broadcasting
Rationale: Thought broadcasting is a delusion where the client believes their thoughts are being
transmitted or broadcasted so that others can hear them. The client's belief that their thoughts
are being put on the radio is a specific example of this positive symptom of schizophrenia.
5. A nurse is using therapeutic communication with a client who is experiencing a panic attack.
Which of the following statements by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) "You need to calm down right now. Everything is fine."
B) "Tell me what you are feeling right at this moment."
C) "Just try to take slow, deep breaths with me."
,D) "Why do you think you are feeling so anxious?"
Answer: C) "Just try to take slow, deep breaths with me."
Rationale: During a panic attack, the client's cognitive ability is impaired. Giving a simple, direct
instruction that focuses on a physiological function (breathing) is most effective. Asking "why"
(D) is nontherapeutic as it can increase anxiety, and commanding them to calm down (A) is
dismissive and ineffective. Option B might be too complex during the peak of the attack.
6. A client is brought to the emergency department by a family member after ingesting a full
bottle of amitriptyline 2 hours ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate?
A) Hypertension and hyperthermia
B) Seizures and cardiac arrhythmias
C) Pinpoint pupils and respiratory depression
D) Agranulocytosis and elevated liver enzymes
Answer: B) Seizures and cardiac arrhythmias
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose, such as with amitriptyline, is a medical
emergency. It can cause profound cardiac effects (dysrhythmias, conduction delays) and central
nervous system effects, including seizures. Options A, C, and D are associated with overdoses of
other drug classes (e.g., C is associated with opioid overdose).
7. A nurse is planning care for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following is the
priority goal?
A) Improve family dynamics through therapy.
B) Restore the client's nutritional status.
C) Address body image distortions.
D) Stabilize mood and affect.
Answer: B) Restore the client's nutritional status.
Rationale: The physical complications of starvation, such as cardiac abnormalities and
electrolyte imbalances, are life-threatening. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs,
, physiological needs (like nutrition) must be addressed before psychological needs (like body
image or family dynamics).
8. A client with bipolar disorder is admitted to the unit during a manic episode. The client is
loud, sexually provocative, and has not slept in 48 hours. Which of the following interventions is
most appropriate for this client?
A) Provide a private room near the nurses' station.
B) Encourage participation in a group basketball game.
C) Confront the client about their inappropriate behavior.
D) Place the client in seclusion until they calm down.
Answer: A) Provide a private room near the nurses' station.
Rationale: A client in a manic state requires a low-stimulation environment to prevent
escalation. A private room reduces social stimulation, and placement near the nurses' station
allows for close monitoring for safety. Strenuous activity (B) can increase exhaustion and
agitation. Confrontation (C) can be perceived as challenging and increase aggressive behavior.
Seclusion (D) is a restrictive intervention used only when the client is a direct threat to self or
others.
9. A client who has been taking lithium for 2 weeks reports nausea, fine hand tremors, and
feeling lethargic. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A) Hold the next dose of lithium and obtain a stat lithium level.
B) Reassure the client that these are normal side effects.
C) Administer an antiemetic as prescribed.
D) Check the client's most recent lithium level.
Answer: D) Check the client's most recent lithium level.
Rationale: Early signs of lithium toxicity can mimic its common, benign side effects. The nurse's
first action is to check the most recent serum lithium level to determine if the symptoms are
within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) or if they indicate toxicity (>1.5 mEq/L). Holding
the dose (A) may be premature without this data. Simply reassuring the client (B) could be
dangerous if the level is toxic.
