ATI RN Mental Health Proctored-2019.
Best for just before exam quick read
SECTION 1: Therapeutic Communication & Nurse-Client Relationship (Q1–15)
1. A client says, "I'm worthless. Everyone would be better off without me." Which is the best
initial response?
A. "You shouldn't say things like that."
B. "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
C. "Why do you feel that way?"
D. "Let's talk about something more positive."
B. Direct, direct suicide inquiry is required when a client expresses
worthlessness/hopelessness.
Asking directly does not plant the idea; it assesses immediate safety, which is the priority. A,
C, and D minimize, probe "why" (nontherapeutic), or avoid the risk.
2. Which nurse statement is an example of restating?
A. "You feel angry because your mother didn't visit."
B. "You say you feel angry because your mother didn't visit."
C. "Let's explore why you're angry."
D. "I notice you're clenching your fists."
B. Restating repeats the client's main idea back to confirm meaning.
A is paraphrasing/reflection, C is probing, D is making an observation.
3. SATA – Which are nontherapeutic communication techniques? (Select all that apply.)
A. Giving false reassurance
B. Offering self
C. Asking "why" questions
D. Giving advice
E. Using silence
A, C, D. False reassurance, "why" questions, and advice-giving block communication.
Offering self and silence are therapeutic. "Why" questions imply criticism and cause
defensiveness.
4. A client is silent for several minutes during a session. The nurse should:
A. Fill the silence with questions
B. Sit quietly and allow the client time to think
,C. Leave the room
D. Change the topic
B. Silence allows the client to process and can be therapeutic.
Filling silence, leaving, or changing topics interrupts the client's processing and conveys
discomfort.
5. A client flirts with the nurse and asks for a personal phone number. The best response is:
A. "You're attractive, but I can't."
B. "I'm your nurse; my role is to help you with your treatment, not a personal relationship."
C. "Give me your number and I'll call you."
D. Ignore the comment.
B. Setting limits clarifies the professional boundary.
A is inappropriate/ambiguous, C violates boundaries, D ignores a boundary issue that must
be addressed.
6. The preorientation phase of the nurse-client relationship primarily involves:
A. Establishing trust
B. Examining one's own feelings, biases, and anxieties
C. Terminating the relationship
D. Setting mutual goals
B. Preorientation = self-examination before meeting the client.
Orientation = establishing trust and goals (A, D); termination = ending (C).
7. A client says, "My family doesn't care about me." Which is reflecting?
A. "You feel your family doesn't care about you."
B. "Why do you think that?"
C. "I'm sure they care."
D. "Tell me more."
A. Reflection mirrors the client's feelings/content back.
B is probing, C is false reassurance, D is a general lead (less specific).
8. Which statement best demonstrates empathy?
A. "I know exactly how you feel."
B. "It sounds like this has been overwhelming for you."
C. "You'll feel better soon."
D. "Others have it worse."
B. Empathy acknowledges the client's experience without claiming to share it.
A claims shared experience, C is false reassurance, D minimizes.
, 9. During the working phase, the nurse's primary focus is:
A. Building trust
B. Promoting client insight, coping, and behavior change
C. Summarizing progress and saying goodbye
D. Collecting initial data
B. The working phase is where problem-solving and change occur.
Trust (A) = orientation; termination (C) = ending; data collection (D) = orientation.
10. SATA – Which behaviors indicate a therapeutic milieu? (Select all that apply.)
A. Consistent, structured daily schedule
B. Staff using open, honest communication
C. Allowing manipulative behavior to avoid conflict
D. Client involvement in unit decisions
E. Physical and psychological safety maintained
A, B, D, E. Structure, honesty, client involvement, and safety are milieu hallmarks.
Allowing manipulation (C) undermines trust and consistency.
11. A client asks the nurse, "Have you ever been depressed?" The best response is:
A. "Yes, I take medication too."
B. "This is about you, not me. What makes you ask?"
C. "No, I've never had problems."
D. "Why do you want to know?"
B. Redirecting focus to the client maintains boundaries while exploring meaning.
A overshares, C is a closed reply that ends exploration, D is a "why" question that may
sound defensive.
12. Which is an example of giving recognition?
A. "You finished your group project today—that took effort."
B. "You're doing great."
C. "Don't worry, you'll be fine."
D. "Let's talk about your discharge."
A. Recognition acknowledges specific effort/behavior.
B is vague/general praise, C is false reassurance, D changes the subject.
13. A client suddenly becomes loud and demands to leave. The nurse should first:
A. Call security
B. Use a calm, firm voice and offer choices to de-escalate
C. Ignore the behavior
D. Restrain the client
Best for just before exam quick read
SECTION 1: Therapeutic Communication & Nurse-Client Relationship (Q1–15)
1. A client says, "I'm worthless. Everyone would be better off without me." Which is the best
initial response?
A. "You shouldn't say things like that."
B. "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
C. "Why do you feel that way?"
D. "Let's talk about something more positive."
B. Direct, direct suicide inquiry is required when a client expresses
worthlessness/hopelessness.
Asking directly does not plant the idea; it assesses immediate safety, which is the priority. A,
C, and D minimize, probe "why" (nontherapeutic), or avoid the risk.
2. Which nurse statement is an example of restating?
A. "You feel angry because your mother didn't visit."
B. "You say you feel angry because your mother didn't visit."
C. "Let's explore why you're angry."
D. "I notice you're clenching your fists."
B. Restating repeats the client's main idea back to confirm meaning.
A is paraphrasing/reflection, C is probing, D is making an observation.
3. SATA – Which are nontherapeutic communication techniques? (Select all that apply.)
A. Giving false reassurance
B. Offering self
C. Asking "why" questions
D. Giving advice
E. Using silence
A, C, D. False reassurance, "why" questions, and advice-giving block communication.
Offering self and silence are therapeutic. "Why" questions imply criticism and cause
defensiveness.
4. A client is silent for several minutes during a session. The nurse should:
A. Fill the silence with questions
B. Sit quietly and allow the client time to think
,C. Leave the room
D. Change the topic
B. Silence allows the client to process and can be therapeutic.
Filling silence, leaving, or changing topics interrupts the client's processing and conveys
discomfort.
5. A client flirts with the nurse and asks for a personal phone number. The best response is:
A. "You're attractive, but I can't."
B. "I'm your nurse; my role is to help you with your treatment, not a personal relationship."
C. "Give me your number and I'll call you."
D. Ignore the comment.
B. Setting limits clarifies the professional boundary.
A is inappropriate/ambiguous, C violates boundaries, D ignores a boundary issue that must
be addressed.
6. The preorientation phase of the nurse-client relationship primarily involves:
A. Establishing trust
B. Examining one's own feelings, biases, and anxieties
C. Terminating the relationship
D. Setting mutual goals
B. Preorientation = self-examination before meeting the client.
Orientation = establishing trust and goals (A, D); termination = ending (C).
7. A client says, "My family doesn't care about me." Which is reflecting?
A. "You feel your family doesn't care about you."
B. "Why do you think that?"
C. "I'm sure they care."
D. "Tell me more."
A. Reflection mirrors the client's feelings/content back.
B is probing, C is false reassurance, D is a general lead (less specific).
8. Which statement best demonstrates empathy?
A. "I know exactly how you feel."
B. "It sounds like this has been overwhelming for you."
C. "You'll feel better soon."
D. "Others have it worse."
B. Empathy acknowledges the client's experience without claiming to share it.
A claims shared experience, C is false reassurance, D minimizes.
, 9. During the working phase, the nurse's primary focus is:
A. Building trust
B. Promoting client insight, coping, and behavior change
C. Summarizing progress and saying goodbye
D. Collecting initial data
B. The working phase is where problem-solving and change occur.
Trust (A) = orientation; termination (C) = ending; data collection (D) = orientation.
10. SATA – Which behaviors indicate a therapeutic milieu? (Select all that apply.)
A. Consistent, structured daily schedule
B. Staff using open, honest communication
C. Allowing manipulative behavior to avoid conflict
D. Client involvement in unit decisions
E. Physical and psychological safety maintained
A, B, D, E. Structure, honesty, client involvement, and safety are milieu hallmarks.
Allowing manipulation (C) undermines trust and consistency.
11. A client asks the nurse, "Have you ever been depressed?" The best response is:
A. "Yes, I take medication too."
B. "This is about you, not me. What makes you ask?"
C. "No, I've never had problems."
D. "Why do you want to know?"
B. Redirecting focus to the client maintains boundaries while exploring meaning.
A overshares, C is a closed reply that ends exploration, D is a "why" question that may
sound defensive.
12. Which is an example of giving recognition?
A. "You finished your group project today—that took effort."
B. "You're doing great."
C. "Don't worry, you'll be fine."
D. "Let's talk about your discharge."
A. Recognition acknowledges specific effort/behavior.
B is vague/general praise, C is false reassurance, D changes the subject.
13. A client suddenly becomes loud and demands to leave. The nurse should first:
A. Call security
B. Use a calm, firm voice and offer choices to de-escalate
C. Ignore the behavior
D. Restrain the client
