,ATI PN Mental Health Proctored Exam | Study Guide & NGN
Practice Pack (Latest 2026-2027)
1. A client with major depressive disorder says, "Nothing matters anymore." Which
is the best response?
A. "You have so much to live for."
B. "Are you thinking of harming yourself?"
C. "I understand how you feel."
D. "Why do you feel that way?"
Rationale: The priority is to assess for suicidal ideation. Asking directly about self-harm is
essential for safety. Option A minimizes feelings; option C is nontherapeutic (assuming
understanding); option D asks "why," which can seem judgmental .
2. A nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is in a manic phase.
Which intervention is most important?
A. Encourage group activities.
B. *Provide high-calorie finger foods. *
C. Limit physical activity.
D. Offer detailed explanations of rules.
Rationale: Manic clients may not sit for meals and can expend many calories. Finger foods
allow eating on the move. Group activities may overstimulate; physical activity is not
limited but structured; detailed explanations may not be attended to .
3. A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is poisoning my food."
Which is the best response?
A. "That's not true. The CIA doesn't care about you."
,B. *"I know you believe that, but I don't see evidence of poison." *
C. "You must be very scared. Let's check your food together."
D. "Let's talk about something else."
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's belief without reinforcing the delusion is therapeutic.
Option C may reinforce the delusion; option A is argumentative; option D dismisses the
client's concern .
4. A client has been taking fluoxetine (Prozac) for 6 weeks. Which statement
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I'll avoid grapefruit juice."
B. *"I can stop taking it once I feel better." *
C. "I'll watch for signs of increased anxiety or agitation."
D. "It takes several weeks to see the full effect."
Rationale: SSRIs like fluoxetine should not be stopped abruptly, as this can lead to
discontinuation syndrome. The medication should be taken as prescribed, even when the
client feels better .
5. A client is admitted for alcohol withdrawal. Which symptom is expected 6–12
hours after the last drink?
A. Seizures
B. Delirium tremens
C. *Tremors and anxiety *
D. Hallucinations
Rationale: Mild withdrawal symptoms like tremors, anxiety, and diaphoresis begin 6–12
hours after the last drink. Seizures typically occur 12–48 hours later, and Delirium Tremens
(DTs) peak around 48–72 hours .
6. A nurse is assessing a client's risk for suicide. Which factor is the most
significant predictor?
, A. Family history of depression
B. Social isolation
C. Substance use
D. *History of previous suicide attempts *
Rationale: A history of previous suicide attempts is the most significant predictor of future
suicide attempts .
7. A client with borderline personality disorder threatens self-harm after a staff
change. What is the nurse's priority?
A. Place the client in seclusion for 2 hours.
B. Ask the client to sign a no-harm contract.
C. *Implement one-to-one observation. *
D. Call the provider for a PRN antipsychotic.
Rationale: Immediate safety requires continuous observation. Seclusion is restrictive and
not first-line; contracts are not reliable; medication may be used but not before
observation .
8. A client taking clozapine (Clozaril) reports sore throat and fever. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Administer acetaminophen.
B. Hold the next dose of clozapine.
C. *Obtain a white blood cell count. *
D. Assess for swollen lymph nodes.
Rationale: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis; fever and sore throat are red flags.
Immediate blood work is needed. Symptom management or assessment come after lab
draw .
9. A nurse is leading a grief support group. A member says, "I'm so angry at God
for taking my child." Which response is most therapeutic?
Practice Pack (Latest 2026-2027)
1. A client with major depressive disorder says, "Nothing matters anymore." Which
is the best response?
A. "You have so much to live for."
B. "Are you thinking of harming yourself?"
C. "I understand how you feel."
D. "Why do you feel that way?"
Rationale: The priority is to assess for suicidal ideation. Asking directly about self-harm is
essential for safety. Option A minimizes feelings; option C is nontherapeutic (assuming
understanding); option D asks "why," which can seem judgmental .
2. A nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is in a manic phase.
Which intervention is most important?
A. Encourage group activities.
B. *Provide high-calorie finger foods. *
C. Limit physical activity.
D. Offer detailed explanations of rules.
Rationale: Manic clients may not sit for meals and can expend many calories. Finger foods
allow eating on the move. Group activities may overstimulate; physical activity is not
limited but structured; detailed explanations may not be attended to .
3. A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is poisoning my food."
Which is the best response?
A. "That's not true. The CIA doesn't care about you."
,B. *"I know you believe that, but I don't see evidence of poison." *
C. "You must be very scared. Let's check your food together."
D. "Let's talk about something else."
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's belief without reinforcing the delusion is therapeutic.
Option C may reinforce the delusion; option A is argumentative; option D dismisses the
client's concern .
4. A client has been taking fluoxetine (Prozac) for 6 weeks. Which statement
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I'll avoid grapefruit juice."
B. *"I can stop taking it once I feel better." *
C. "I'll watch for signs of increased anxiety or agitation."
D. "It takes several weeks to see the full effect."
Rationale: SSRIs like fluoxetine should not be stopped abruptly, as this can lead to
discontinuation syndrome. The medication should be taken as prescribed, even when the
client feels better .
5. A client is admitted for alcohol withdrawal. Which symptom is expected 6–12
hours after the last drink?
A. Seizures
B. Delirium tremens
C. *Tremors and anxiety *
D. Hallucinations
Rationale: Mild withdrawal symptoms like tremors, anxiety, and diaphoresis begin 6–12
hours after the last drink. Seizures typically occur 12–48 hours later, and Delirium Tremens
(DTs) peak around 48–72 hours .
6. A nurse is assessing a client's risk for suicide. Which factor is the most
significant predictor?
, A. Family history of depression
B. Social isolation
C. Substance use
D. *History of previous suicide attempts *
Rationale: A history of previous suicide attempts is the most significant predictor of future
suicide attempts .
7. A client with borderline personality disorder threatens self-harm after a staff
change. What is the nurse's priority?
A. Place the client in seclusion for 2 hours.
B. Ask the client to sign a no-harm contract.
C. *Implement one-to-one observation. *
D. Call the provider for a PRN antipsychotic.
Rationale: Immediate safety requires continuous observation. Seclusion is restrictive and
not first-line; contracts are not reliable; medication may be used but not before
observation .
8. A client taking clozapine (Clozaril) reports sore throat and fever. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Administer acetaminophen.
B. Hold the next dose of clozapine.
C. *Obtain a white blood cell count. *
D. Assess for swollen lymph nodes.
Rationale: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis; fever and sore throat are red flags.
Immediate blood work is needed. Symptom management or assessment come after lab
draw .
9. A nurse is leading a grief support group. A member says, "I'm so angry at God
for taking my child." Which response is most therapeutic?
