ATI RN Mental Health NCLEX Style
(Latest Updated) Questions with
Rationales 2025 | The Ultimate
Study Guide for Yr. (2026/2027)
➢45 Mental Health Disorders Multi Choice
(MCQs)
➢clinical scenarios Questions
➢critical thinking questions
➢100% Correct Answers & Expert Verified
Rationales
1. A nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing a
manic episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse
implement first? A. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy.
1
, B. Provide the client with high-calorie finger foods.
C. Place the client in a private room with dim lighting.
D. Allow the client to engage in physical activity in the dayroom.
Correct Answer: B. Provide the client with high-calorie finger foods. Rationale:
Clients in a manic episode have increased energy and decreased appetite, making
them at risk for malnutrition. Providing high-calorie, easy-to-eat foods ensures adequate
nutrition.
2. A nurse is monitoring a client receiving lamotrigine for bipolar disorder. Which
of the following findings should the nurse report immediately to the provider?
A. Mild rash on the arms
B. Weight gain of 2 lbs in a week
C. Insomnia for two nights
D. Nausea after meals
Correct Answer: A. Mild rash on the arms. Rationale: A rash may indicate Stevens-
Johnson syndrome, a life-threatening reaction to lamotrigine. The nurse should report
this immediately.
3. A client with schizophrenia states, "The government is watching me through my
television." Which of the following nursing responses is appropriate?
A. "That is not true. The government cannot watch you."
B. "Why do you think the government is watching you?"
2
, C. "I understand this is real to you, but I do not see evidence to support that."
D. "Tell me more about how the television makes you feel."
Correct Answer: C. "I understand this is real to you, but I do not see evidence to
support that." Rationale: This response validates the client’s feelings while gently
orienting them to reality, which is a therapeutic communication strategy.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about the side effects of olanzapine. Which
statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should watch for sudden weight loss."
B. "I might feel drowsy after taking this medication."
C. "I should take this medication on an empty stomach."
D. "I will stop taking this medication if I feel better."
Correct Answer: B. "I might feel drowsy after taking this medication." Rationale:
Olanzapine commonly causes sedation. Clients should be advised to avoid activities
requiring alertness until they understand how the medication affects them.
5. A nurse is providing education to a client prescribed phenelzine. Which food
should the client avoid?
A. Grilled chicken
B. Fresh vegetables
C. Aged cheese
D. Whole wheat bread
3
(Latest Updated) Questions with
Rationales 2025 | The Ultimate
Study Guide for Yr. (2026/2027)
➢45 Mental Health Disorders Multi Choice
(MCQs)
➢clinical scenarios Questions
➢critical thinking questions
➢100% Correct Answers & Expert Verified
Rationales
1. A nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing a
manic episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse
implement first? A. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy.
1
, B. Provide the client with high-calorie finger foods.
C. Place the client in a private room with dim lighting.
D. Allow the client to engage in physical activity in the dayroom.
Correct Answer: B. Provide the client with high-calorie finger foods. Rationale:
Clients in a manic episode have increased energy and decreased appetite, making
them at risk for malnutrition. Providing high-calorie, easy-to-eat foods ensures adequate
nutrition.
2. A nurse is monitoring a client receiving lamotrigine for bipolar disorder. Which
of the following findings should the nurse report immediately to the provider?
A. Mild rash on the arms
B. Weight gain of 2 lbs in a week
C. Insomnia for two nights
D. Nausea after meals
Correct Answer: A. Mild rash on the arms. Rationale: A rash may indicate Stevens-
Johnson syndrome, a life-threatening reaction to lamotrigine. The nurse should report
this immediately.
3. A client with schizophrenia states, "The government is watching me through my
television." Which of the following nursing responses is appropriate?
A. "That is not true. The government cannot watch you."
B. "Why do you think the government is watching you?"
2
, C. "I understand this is real to you, but I do not see evidence to support that."
D. "Tell me more about how the television makes you feel."
Correct Answer: C. "I understand this is real to you, but I do not see evidence to
support that." Rationale: This response validates the client’s feelings while gently
orienting them to reality, which is a therapeutic communication strategy.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about the side effects of olanzapine. Which
statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should watch for sudden weight loss."
B. "I might feel drowsy after taking this medication."
C. "I should take this medication on an empty stomach."
D. "I will stop taking this medication if I feel better."
Correct Answer: B. "I might feel drowsy after taking this medication." Rationale:
Olanzapine commonly causes sedation. Clients should be advised to avoid activities
requiring alertness until they understand how the medication affects them.
5. A nurse is providing education to a client prescribed phenelzine. Which food
should the client avoid?
A. Grilled chicken
B. Fresh vegetables
C. Aged cheese
D. Whole wheat bread
3
