ATI PN MENTAL HEALTH
PROCTORED EXAM
1. A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has major depressive
disorder and is starting sertraline. Which statement indicates understanding of the
teaching?
A. “I should start to feel better in 1–2 days.”
B. “I should avoid eating foods that contain tyramine.”
C. “It may take several weeks before I feel an improvement.”
D. “I can stop the medication once I feel better.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: SSRIs like sertraline take 2–4 weeks to reach therapeutic effect.
2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing command hallucinations. What is the
priority action by the nurse?
A. Tell the client the voices are not real.
B. Ask the client what the voices are telling them to do.
C. Encourage the client to attend group therapy.
D. Provide headphones to distract from the voices.
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Determine risk for harm by assessing the content of the hallucinations.
3. The nurse is caring for a client in alcohol withdrawal. Which finding is the priority?
A. Fine hand tremors
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Blood pressure 190/110 mm Hg
D. Anxiety and agitation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe hypertension increases the risk of stroke and seizures → priority.
4. A client with bipolar disorder is in the manic phase. Which intervention should the
nurse implement?
A. Encourage large-group activities
B. Offer high-calorie finger foods
C. Provide detailed written instructions
D. Initiate deep-breathing exercises hourly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Manic clients need portable, high-calorie foods due to hyperactivity.
5. A client says, “I don’t want to live anymore.” Which is the nurse’s best response?
A. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
B. “Have you thought about harming yourself?”
C. “Things will get better soon.”
D. “Let’s talk about something else.”
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Directly ask about suicidal intent to ensure client safety.
6. A client with panic disorder reports chest pain and fear of dying. Which is the
nurse’s priority?
A. Teach relaxation techniques
B. Stay with the client
C. Provide a PRN antacid
D. Encourage the client to lie down
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, stay with the client to reduce fear and ensure
safety.
7. A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client taking lithium. Which statement
requires further teaching?
A. “I’ll maintain consistent sodium in my diet.”
B. “I will report diarrhea to my provider.”
C. “I will increase fluids to 2–3 L/day.”
D. “I can take ibuprofen daily for headaches.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NSAIDs increase lithium toxicity; client should avoid ibuprofen.
8. A client taking haloperidol develops a shuffling gait and tremors. Which action
should the nurse take?
, A. Hold the next dose and notify the provider
B. Administer diphenhydramine
C. Apply restraints
D. Give propranolol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This is extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) → treat with anticholinergic (e.g.,
benztropine or diphenhydramine).
9. A nurse identifies a client using the defense mechanism “projection.” Which
statement is an example?
A. “I failed the test because the instructor hates me.”
B. “I forgot the appointment because I was so busy.”
C. “I don’t want to talk about that right now.”
D. “I only drink because my friends do.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Projection = blaming someone else for one’s own faults or feelings.
10. A nurse is reinforcing teaching on relaxation strategies. Which technique involves
tensing and relaxing muscle groups?
A. Biofeedback
B. Guided imagery
C. Progressive muscle relaxation
D. Mindfulness
Correct Answer: C
PROCTORED EXAM
1. A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has major depressive
disorder and is starting sertraline. Which statement indicates understanding of the
teaching?
A. “I should start to feel better in 1–2 days.”
B. “I should avoid eating foods that contain tyramine.”
C. “It may take several weeks before I feel an improvement.”
D. “I can stop the medication once I feel better.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: SSRIs like sertraline take 2–4 weeks to reach therapeutic effect.
2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing command hallucinations. What is the
priority action by the nurse?
A. Tell the client the voices are not real.
B. Ask the client what the voices are telling them to do.
C. Encourage the client to attend group therapy.
D. Provide headphones to distract from the voices.
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Determine risk for harm by assessing the content of the hallucinations.
3. The nurse is caring for a client in alcohol withdrawal. Which finding is the priority?
A. Fine hand tremors
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Blood pressure 190/110 mm Hg
D. Anxiety and agitation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe hypertension increases the risk of stroke and seizures → priority.
4. A client with bipolar disorder is in the manic phase. Which intervention should the
nurse implement?
A. Encourage large-group activities
B. Offer high-calorie finger foods
C. Provide detailed written instructions
D. Initiate deep-breathing exercises hourly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Manic clients need portable, high-calorie foods due to hyperactivity.
5. A client says, “I don’t want to live anymore.” Which is the nurse’s best response?
A. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
B. “Have you thought about harming yourself?”
C. “Things will get better soon.”
D. “Let’s talk about something else.”
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Directly ask about suicidal intent to ensure client safety.
6. A client with panic disorder reports chest pain and fear of dying. Which is the
nurse’s priority?
A. Teach relaxation techniques
B. Stay with the client
C. Provide a PRN antacid
D. Encourage the client to lie down
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, stay with the client to reduce fear and ensure
safety.
7. A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client taking lithium. Which statement
requires further teaching?
A. “I’ll maintain consistent sodium in my diet.”
B. “I will report diarrhea to my provider.”
C. “I will increase fluids to 2–3 L/day.”
D. “I can take ibuprofen daily for headaches.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NSAIDs increase lithium toxicity; client should avoid ibuprofen.
8. A client taking haloperidol develops a shuffling gait and tremors. Which action
should the nurse take?
, A. Hold the next dose and notify the provider
B. Administer diphenhydramine
C. Apply restraints
D. Give propranolol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This is extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) → treat with anticholinergic (e.g.,
benztropine or diphenhydramine).
9. A nurse identifies a client using the defense mechanism “projection.” Which
statement is an example?
A. “I failed the test because the instructor hates me.”
B. “I forgot the appointment because I was so busy.”
C. “I don’t want to talk about that right now.”
D. “I only drink because my friends do.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Projection = blaming someone else for one’s own faults or feelings.
10. A nurse is reinforcing teaching on relaxation strategies. Which technique involves
tensing and relaxing muscle groups?
A. Biofeedback
B. Guided imagery
C. Progressive muscle relaxation
D. Mindfulness
Correct Answer: C
