ATI RN Mental Health Nursing 2026 Upgraded NGN Exam-Style
Practice Test
70 Questions with Answers key
Instructions: Read each question carefully. Select the best answer. Questions marked with [NGN] reflect
Next Generation NCLEX enhanced item formats. For Select All That Apply (SATA) items, choose all correct
answers. For Ordered Response items, arrange interventions in correct priority order.
Question 1
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is prescribed fluoxetine
(Prozac). The nurse should instruct the client to report which adverse effect
immediately?
A. Mild nausea and headache
B. Increased suicidal ideation
C. Weight gain of 2 pounds in one week
D. Dry mouth and blurred vision
Question 2
A client with schizophrenia begins taking risperidone (Risperdal). The nurse
monitors for which extrapyramidal symptom (EPS) that is most commonly
associated with this medication?
A. Neurolepticmalignant syndrome
B. Tardive dyskinesia
C. Acute dystonia
D. Akathisia
Question 3
A client with bipolar disorder is taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid). Which serum
lithium level indicates that the client is at risk for lithium toxicity?
A. 0.6 mEq/L
B. 1.0 mEq/L
C. 1.5 mEq/L
ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Exam Practice | Page 1
, D. 0.8 mEq/L
Question 4
A client with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed lorazepam (Ativan).
Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
A. "Take this medication with grapefruit juice to enhance absorption."
B. "Discontinue the medication abruptly when you feel calm."
C. "Avoid alcohol while taking this medication."
D. "Take the medication on an as-needed basis only for panic attacks."
ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Exam Practice | Page 2
, 70 Multiple-Choice Questions | NGN Exam-Style
Question 5
A client on the psychiatric unit says, "I'm worthless and no one would care if I
disappeared." Which response by the nurse demonstrates the therapeutic
communication technique of clarification?
A. "Don't say that; you have a lot to live for."
B. "Are you saying that you feel like no one cares about you?"
C. "I understand how you feel; I've been there too."
D. "Why would you think something like that?"
Question 6 [NGN Enhanced Item]
A client arrives at the emergency department following a suicide attempt by
overdose. Which action should the nurse perform first?
A. Conduct a comprehensive psychiatric assessment
B. Obtain a detailed suicide risk assessment
C. Ensure airway patency and hemodynamic stability
D. Contact the client's family for social support
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who
frequently self-harms. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate when
establishing the therapeutic milieu?
A. Allow the client to self-harm in a controlled, safe environment
B. Set consistent limits and maintain clear boundaries
C. Avoid discussing the self-harming behavior to prevent reinforcement
D. Assign a primary nurse who is available 24 hours a day
Question 8
A client with alcohol use disorder is admitted for alcohol withdrawal. Which
medication does the nurse anticipate the provider will prescribe to manage
withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures?
A. Naltrexone (ReVia)
B. Disulfiram (Antabuse)
C. Lorazepam (Ativan)
D. Acamprosate (Campral)
ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Exam Practice | Page 3
, 70 Multiple-Choice Questions | NGN Exam-Style
Question 9
A client prescribed phenelzine (Nardil), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), asks
the nurse about dietary restrictions. Which food should the nurse instruct the client
to avoid?
A. Fresh green leafy vegetables
B. Aged cheese and cured meats
C. Whole grain bread and pasta
D. Fresh poultry and fish
ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Exam Practice | Page 4
Practice Test
70 Questions with Answers key
Instructions: Read each question carefully. Select the best answer. Questions marked with [NGN] reflect
Next Generation NCLEX enhanced item formats. For Select All That Apply (SATA) items, choose all correct
answers. For Ordered Response items, arrange interventions in correct priority order.
Question 1
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is prescribed fluoxetine
(Prozac). The nurse should instruct the client to report which adverse effect
immediately?
A. Mild nausea and headache
B. Increased suicidal ideation
C. Weight gain of 2 pounds in one week
D. Dry mouth and blurred vision
Question 2
A client with schizophrenia begins taking risperidone (Risperdal). The nurse
monitors for which extrapyramidal symptom (EPS) that is most commonly
associated with this medication?
A. Neurolepticmalignant syndrome
B. Tardive dyskinesia
C. Acute dystonia
D. Akathisia
Question 3
A client with bipolar disorder is taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid). Which serum
lithium level indicates that the client is at risk for lithium toxicity?
A. 0.6 mEq/L
B. 1.0 mEq/L
C. 1.5 mEq/L
ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Exam Practice | Page 1
, D. 0.8 mEq/L
Question 4
A client with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed lorazepam (Ativan).
Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
A. "Take this medication with grapefruit juice to enhance absorption."
B. "Discontinue the medication abruptly when you feel calm."
C. "Avoid alcohol while taking this medication."
D. "Take the medication on an as-needed basis only for panic attacks."
ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Exam Practice | Page 2
, 70 Multiple-Choice Questions | NGN Exam-Style
Question 5
A client on the psychiatric unit says, "I'm worthless and no one would care if I
disappeared." Which response by the nurse demonstrates the therapeutic
communication technique of clarification?
A. "Don't say that; you have a lot to live for."
B. "Are you saying that you feel like no one cares about you?"
C. "I understand how you feel; I've been there too."
D. "Why would you think something like that?"
Question 6 [NGN Enhanced Item]
A client arrives at the emergency department following a suicide attempt by
overdose. Which action should the nurse perform first?
A. Conduct a comprehensive psychiatric assessment
B. Obtain a detailed suicide risk assessment
C. Ensure airway patency and hemodynamic stability
D. Contact the client's family for social support
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who
frequently self-harms. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate when
establishing the therapeutic milieu?
A. Allow the client to self-harm in a controlled, safe environment
B. Set consistent limits and maintain clear boundaries
C. Avoid discussing the self-harming behavior to prevent reinforcement
D. Assign a primary nurse who is available 24 hours a day
Question 8
A client with alcohol use disorder is admitted for alcohol withdrawal. Which
medication does the nurse anticipate the provider will prescribe to manage
withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures?
A. Naltrexone (ReVia)
B. Disulfiram (Antabuse)
C. Lorazepam (Ativan)
D. Acamprosate (Campral)
ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Exam Practice | Page 3
, 70 Multiple-Choice Questions | NGN Exam-Style
Question 9
A client prescribed phenelzine (Nardil), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), asks
the nurse about dietary restrictions. Which food should the nurse instruct the client
to avoid?
A. Fresh green leafy vegetables
B. Aged cheese and cured meats
C. Whole grain bread and pasta
D. Fresh poultry and fish
ATI RN Mental Health 2026 - NGN Exam Practice | Page 4
