ATI RN Mental Health Exam Files | Latest
2026/2027 Edition |with A++ Graded
Questions and 100% Verified Correct
Answers
🧠 ATI RN MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE EXAM
Questions 1–25: Foundations & Mood Disorders
1. A patient states, “I feel hopeless and don’t want to get out of bed.” Priority nursing
intervention:
A. Assess for suicidal ideation
B. Encourage exercise
C. Teach relaxation techniques
D. Offer snack
Answer: A
2. Which statement indicates effective therapeutic communication?
A. “I understand that must be hard for you.”
B. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
C. “Cheer up, it’s not that bad.”
D. “Why do you feel that way?”
Answer: A
3. A patient with major depressive disorder begins talking about wanting to die. The nurse
should:
A. Stay with the patient and initiate suicide precautions
B. Encourage patient to rest
C. Provide antipsychotic immediately
,D. Refer to nutritionist
Answer: A
4. First-line pharmacologic treatment for major depression:
A. SSRI
B. MAOI
C. Tricyclic antidepressant
D. Benzodiazepine
Answer: A
5. Patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing mania. Priority nursing intervention:
A. Maintain safety and set limits
B. Encourage long group therapy sessions
C. Restrict fluids
D. Increase stimuli
Answer: A
6. Lithium therapy requires monitoring:
A. Serum lithium levels, renal, and thyroid function
B. Liver enzymes only
C. CBC only
D. Blood glucose only
Answer: A
7. A patient taking MAOI should avoid:
A. Tyramine-containing foods (aged cheese, cured meats)
B. High-fiber foods
C. Fluids
D. Exercise
Answer: A
8. Priority assessment for a patient starting SSRI:
A. Suicidal ideation, especially in adolescents
B. Weight only
C. Blood pressure only
, D. Lung sounds only
Answer: A
9. ECT is indicated for:
A. Severe depression not responding to medications
B. Mild anxiety
C. Personality disorders
D. Schizophrenia without mood symptoms
Answer: A
10. Patient teaching for SSRI:
A. May take 4–6 weeks for full effect
B. Immediate improvement expected
C. Should be stopped abruptly if side effects occur
D. Take with grapefruit juice
Answer: A
11. Patient with bipolar disorder on lithium reports diarrhea, vomiting, and confusion. Likely
cause:
A. Lithium toxicity
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Dehydration only
Answer: A
12. Therapeutic goal for depressive disorders:
A. Promote safety, self-care, and coping strategies
B. Encourage isolation
C. Increase alcohol use
D. Restrict sleep
Answer: A
13. Patient expresses guilt and worthlessness. Nursing diagnosis:
A. Risk for suicide
B. Chronic pain
C. Fluid volume deficit
2026/2027 Edition |with A++ Graded
Questions and 100% Verified Correct
Answers
🧠 ATI RN MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE EXAM
Questions 1–25: Foundations & Mood Disorders
1. A patient states, “I feel hopeless and don’t want to get out of bed.” Priority nursing
intervention:
A. Assess for suicidal ideation
B. Encourage exercise
C. Teach relaxation techniques
D. Offer snack
Answer: A
2. Which statement indicates effective therapeutic communication?
A. “I understand that must be hard for you.”
B. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
C. “Cheer up, it’s not that bad.”
D. “Why do you feel that way?”
Answer: A
3. A patient with major depressive disorder begins talking about wanting to die. The nurse
should:
A. Stay with the patient and initiate suicide precautions
B. Encourage patient to rest
C. Provide antipsychotic immediately
,D. Refer to nutritionist
Answer: A
4. First-line pharmacologic treatment for major depression:
A. SSRI
B. MAOI
C. Tricyclic antidepressant
D. Benzodiazepine
Answer: A
5. Patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing mania. Priority nursing intervention:
A. Maintain safety and set limits
B. Encourage long group therapy sessions
C. Restrict fluids
D. Increase stimuli
Answer: A
6. Lithium therapy requires monitoring:
A. Serum lithium levels, renal, and thyroid function
B. Liver enzymes only
C. CBC only
D. Blood glucose only
Answer: A
7. A patient taking MAOI should avoid:
A. Tyramine-containing foods (aged cheese, cured meats)
B. High-fiber foods
C. Fluids
D. Exercise
Answer: A
8. Priority assessment for a patient starting SSRI:
A. Suicidal ideation, especially in adolescents
B. Weight only
C. Blood pressure only
, D. Lung sounds only
Answer: A
9. ECT is indicated for:
A. Severe depression not responding to medications
B. Mild anxiety
C. Personality disorders
D. Schizophrenia without mood symptoms
Answer: A
10. Patient teaching for SSRI:
A. May take 4–6 weeks for full effect
B. Immediate improvement expected
C. Should be stopped abruptly if side effects occur
D. Take with grapefruit juice
Answer: A
11. Patient with bipolar disorder on lithium reports diarrhea, vomiting, and confusion. Likely
cause:
A. Lithium toxicity
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Dehydration only
Answer: A
12. Therapeutic goal for depressive disorders:
A. Promote safety, self-care, and coping strategies
B. Encourage isolation
C. Increase alcohol use
D. Restrict sleep
Answer: A
13. Patient expresses guilt and worthlessness. Nursing diagnosis:
A. Risk for suicide
B. Chronic pain
C. Fluid volume deficit
