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ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Retake 2024/2025 |
170 Verified Questions & Rationales | Graded A+ |
NCLEX & ATI Prep Bundle
1. A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who exhibits negative
symptoms, including flat affect and social withdrawal. Which nursing intervention
is most appropriate to encourage social interaction?
A. Instruct the client to attend all group therapy sessions
B. Offer to sit with the client during quiet times
C. Encourage the client to make phone calls to family daily
D. Require participation in recreational activities
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as flat affect and social
withdrawal, require gentle, non-threatening approaches. Sitting quietly with the
, 2
client helps establish trust without placing demands, which supports social
engagement over time. Group therapy and recreational activities may feel
overwhelming, and enforcing them can increase anxiety or withdrawal.
2. A nurse is assessing a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Fine hand tremors
B. Anxiety and irritability
C. Blood pressure of 178/104 mm Hg
D. Temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elevated blood pressure during alcohol withdrawal may indicate
impending delirium tremens, a life-threatening condition. It requires immediate
medical management to prevent seizures, cardiovascular collapse, or death. The
other signs are expected withdrawal symptoms that need monitoring but not urgent
intervention.
3. A client with major depressive disorder states, “There’s no point in trying
anymore.” What is the priority nursing action?
, 3
A. Reassure the client that things will improve
B. Ask the client if they are thinking of harming themselves
C. Encourage the client to rest and focus on self-care
D. Notify the provider to adjust antidepressant medication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The statement reflects hopelessness and possible suicidal ideation. The
priority is to assess for suicide risk by asking directly about thoughts of self-
harm. Therapeutic communication takes precedence before interventions or
medication adjustments.
4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client prescribed lithium carbonate. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?
A. “I’ll call the doctor if I develop diarrhea.”
B. “I’ll drink plenty of fluids each day.”
C. “I’ll avoid taking NSAIDs for pain.”
D. “I’ll reduce my salt intake to prevent toxicity.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Reducing sodium intake can increase lithium reabsorption in the
kidneys, leading to toxicity. Clients on lithium should maintain consistent salt
, 4
intake. The other responses reflect appropriate understanding of lithium therapy
precautions.
5. A client with panic disorder suddenly begins hyperventilating and saying, “I
think I’m going to die.” What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Administer alprazolam as prescribed
B. Reassure the client they are safe
C. Encourage the client to breathe into a paper bag
D. Take the client to a quiet room
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperventilation during a panic attack can lead to respiratory
alkalosis. Guiding the client to breathe into a paper bag helps restore CO₂ levels
and reduce symptoms. Once stabilized, other supportive measures can follow.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia and becomes agitated each
evening. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Administer a PRN sedative
B. Offer stimulating activities
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Retake 2024/2025 |
170 Verified Questions & Rationales | Graded A+ |
NCLEX & ATI Prep Bundle
1. A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who exhibits negative
symptoms, including flat affect and social withdrawal. Which nursing intervention
is most appropriate to encourage social interaction?
A. Instruct the client to attend all group therapy sessions
B. Offer to sit with the client during quiet times
C. Encourage the client to make phone calls to family daily
D. Require participation in recreational activities
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as flat affect and social
withdrawal, require gentle, non-threatening approaches. Sitting quietly with the
, 2
client helps establish trust without placing demands, which supports social
engagement over time. Group therapy and recreational activities may feel
overwhelming, and enforcing them can increase anxiety or withdrawal.
2. A nurse is assessing a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Fine hand tremors
B. Anxiety and irritability
C. Blood pressure of 178/104 mm Hg
D. Temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elevated blood pressure during alcohol withdrawal may indicate
impending delirium tremens, a life-threatening condition. It requires immediate
medical management to prevent seizures, cardiovascular collapse, or death. The
other signs are expected withdrawal symptoms that need monitoring but not urgent
intervention.
3. A client with major depressive disorder states, “There’s no point in trying
anymore.” What is the priority nursing action?
, 3
A. Reassure the client that things will improve
B. Ask the client if they are thinking of harming themselves
C. Encourage the client to rest and focus on self-care
D. Notify the provider to adjust antidepressant medication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The statement reflects hopelessness and possible suicidal ideation. The
priority is to assess for suicide risk by asking directly about thoughts of self-
harm. Therapeutic communication takes precedence before interventions or
medication adjustments.
4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client prescribed lithium carbonate. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?
A. “I’ll call the doctor if I develop diarrhea.”
B. “I’ll drink plenty of fluids each day.”
C. “I’ll avoid taking NSAIDs for pain.”
D. “I’ll reduce my salt intake to prevent toxicity.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Reducing sodium intake can increase lithium reabsorption in the
kidneys, leading to toxicity. Clients on lithium should maintain consistent salt
, 4
intake. The other responses reflect appropriate understanding of lithium therapy
precautions.
5. A client with panic disorder suddenly begins hyperventilating and saying, “I
think I’m going to die.” What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Administer alprazolam as prescribed
B. Reassure the client they are safe
C. Encourage the client to breathe into a paper bag
D. Take the client to a quiet room
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperventilation during a panic attack can lead to respiratory
alkalosis. Guiding the client to breathe into a paper bag helps restore CO₂ levels
and reduce symptoms. Once stabilized, other supportive measures can follow.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia and becomes agitated each
evening. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Administer a PRN sedative
B. Offer stimulating activities
