ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam
2025/2026
verified answers and rationales
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is
experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which intervention should
the nurse implement first?
Encourage the client to discuss the content of the hallucinations
Rationale: Assessing the content helps determine if the
hallucinations are threatening or commanding and allows the
nurse to intervene safely.
2. A client with depression tells the nurse, "I feel like life is not worth
living." What is the priority nursing action?
Assess the client’s suicidal ideation and plan
Rationale: Safety is the priority; assessing for suicidal thoughts is
essential to prevent self-harm.
3. Which behavior is an example of manic behavior in a client with
bipolar disorder?
Rapid, pressured speech
Rationale: Pressured speech is a hallmark of mania, indicating
elevated mood and increased energy.
4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing panic anxiety. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
Remain with the client and provide a calm presence
Rationale: Clients in panic require safety and reassurance; a
calm presence helps reduce anxiety.
,5. A client taking lithium reports nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What should the nurse do first?
Hold the medication and notify the provider
Rationale: These are early signs of lithium toxicity; prompt
intervention is critical.
6. A client with PTSD experiences nightmares and hypervigilance.
Which nursing intervention is appropriate?
Encourage the client to use grounding techniques
Rationale: Grounding helps clients manage flashbacks and
anxiety associated with PTSD.
7. Which statement indicates effective teaching about SSRIs for a
client with depression?
"It may take several weeks before I notice an improvement in
my mood."
Rationale: SSRIs typically require 4–6 weeks for full therapeutic
effect.
8. A nurse is caring for a client with anorexia nervosa. Which
assessment finding is most concerning?
Heart rate of 38/min
Rationale: Bradycardia indicates severe malnutrition and
potential cardiac complications, which is life-threatening.
9. A client taking an MAOI wants to know which foods to avoid.
Which food should the nurse advise avoiding?
Aged cheese
Rationale: Aged cheese contains tyramine, which can cause
hypertensive crisis when combined with MAOIs.
10. Which defense mechanism is the client using when they
refuse to acknowledge a painful reality?
, Denial
Rationale: Denial involves refusing to accept reality to avoid
anxiety or distress.
11. A client with schizophrenia is exhibiting flat affect. What is
the nurse’s best response?
Accept the client’s emotional state without trying to change it
Rationale: Flat affect is a negative symptom; acceptance avoids
frustration and supports therapeutic rapport.
12. Which intervention is most appropriate for a client with OCD
who is performing ritualistic handwashing?
Set limits while allowing time for rituals
Rationale: Limiting rituals gradually and safely helps manage
compulsions without causing extreme anxiety.
13. A client taking haloperidol reports muscle stiffness and
tremors. Which condition does this suggest?
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Rationale: EPS are common side effects of typical antipsychotics
and require intervention to prevent complications.
14. A nurse is caring for a client with borderline personality
disorder who is manipulative. How should the nurse respond?
Maintain consistent boundaries
Rationale: Consistency helps prevent manipulation and
promotes safety and therapeutic relationship.
15. Which intervention is most appropriate for a client
experiencing severe anxiety?
Encourage slow, deep breathing
Rationale: Deep breathing helps reduce physiological symptoms
of anxiety and promotes relaxation.
2025/2026
verified answers and rationales
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is
experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which intervention should
the nurse implement first?
Encourage the client to discuss the content of the hallucinations
Rationale: Assessing the content helps determine if the
hallucinations are threatening or commanding and allows the
nurse to intervene safely.
2. A client with depression tells the nurse, "I feel like life is not worth
living." What is the priority nursing action?
Assess the client’s suicidal ideation and plan
Rationale: Safety is the priority; assessing for suicidal thoughts is
essential to prevent self-harm.
3. Which behavior is an example of manic behavior in a client with
bipolar disorder?
Rapid, pressured speech
Rationale: Pressured speech is a hallmark of mania, indicating
elevated mood and increased energy.
4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing panic anxiety. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
Remain with the client and provide a calm presence
Rationale: Clients in panic require safety and reassurance; a
calm presence helps reduce anxiety.
,5. A client taking lithium reports nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What should the nurse do first?
Hold the medication and notify the provider
Rationale: These are early signs of lithium toxicity; prompt
intervention is critical.
6. A client with PTSD experiences nightmares and hypervigilance.
Which nursing intervention is appropriate?
Encourage the client to use grounding techniques
Rationale: Grounding helps clients manage flashbacks and
anxiety associated with PTSD.
7. Which statement indicates effective teaching about SSRIs for a
client with depression?
"It may take several weeks before I notice an improvement in
my mood."
Rationale: SSRIs typically require 4–6 weeks for full therapeutic
effect.
8. A nurse is caring for a client with anorexia nervosa. Which
assessment finding is most concerning?
Heart rate of 38/min
Rationale: Bradycardia indicates severe malnutrition and
potential cardiac complications, which is life-threatening.
9. A client taking an MAOI wants to know which foods to avoid.
Which food should the nurse advise avoiding?
Aged cheese
Rationale: Aged cheese contains tyramine, which can cause
hypertensive crisis when combined with MAOIs.
10. Which defense mechanism is the client using when they
refuse to acknowledge a painful reality?
, Denial
Rationale: Denial involves refusing to accept reality to avoid
anxiety or distress.
11. A client with schizophrenia is exhibiting flat affect. What is
the nurse’s best response?
Accept the client’s emotional state without trying to change it
Rationale: Flat affect is a negative symptom; acceptance avoids
frustration and supports therapeutic rapport.
12. Which intervention is most appropriate for a client with OCD
who is performing ritualistic handwashing?
Set limits while allowing time for rituals
Rationale: Limiting rituals gradually and safely helps manage
compulsions without causing extreme anxiety.
13. A client taking haloperidol reports muscle stiffness and
tremors. Which condition does this suggest?
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Rationale: EPS are common side effects of typical antipsychotics
and require intervention to prevent complications.
14. A nurse is caring for a client with borderline personality
disorder who is manipulative. How should the nurse respond?
Maintain consistent boundaries
Rationale: Consistency helps prevent manipulation and
promotes safety and therapeutic relationship.
15. Which intervention is most appropriate for a client
experiencing severe anxiety?
Encourage slow, deep breathing
Rationale: Deep breathing helps reduce physiological symptoms
of anxiety and promotes relaxation.
