❖ ATI Mental Health Proctored Examination Preparation (2026
Edition) — Psychiatric Nursing, Mental Health Assessment,
Therapeutic Communication, Psychopharmacology, Crisis
Intervention & Evidence-Based Nursing Practice with Verified
Practice Questions
❖
Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a patient who is experiencing a severe panic attack. Which of
the following findings is the nurse most likely to observe?
A) Euphoria
B) Hyperventilation
C) Contentment
D) Lethargy
Correct Option: B) Hyperventilation
Rationale: During a panic attack, patients often experience intense fear accompanied
by physiological symptoms, including hyperventilation. This occurs due to increased
sympathetic nervous system activity, which can lead to anxiety and physical symptoms
like shortness of breath.
Question 2:
A client is diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which of the following
nursing interventions is the most appropriate?
A) Encourage the client to socialize more.
B) Establish a nonjudgmental atmosphere.
C) Discourage the client from expressing negative feelings.
D) Monitor the client for suicidal thoughts.
Correct Option: D) Monitor the client for suicidal thoughts.
Rationale: Clients with major depressive disorder are at an increased risk for suicidal
ideation. It is crucial for nurses to monitor for any suicidal thoughts or behaviors,
ensuring the client's safety as a priority in their care plan.
Question 3:
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient with schizophrenia who has
been prescribed an antipsychotic medication. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching?
,A) "I should avoid alcohol while on this medication."
B) "I can stop taking this medication if I feel better."
C) "I need to report any unusual movements I experience."
D) "I should take this medication at the same time every day."
Correct Option: B) "I can stop taking this medication if I feel better."
Rationale: It is important for patients taking antipsychotic medications to understand
that they should not discontinue the medication abruptly, even if they feel better.
Stopping medication can lead to relapse and withdrawal symptoms. Consistent use is
key to managing symptoms effectively.
Question 4:
A nurse is caring for a client during a manic episode. Which priority intervention
should the nurse implement?
A) Establish a fixed schedule for meals.
B) Provide a safe environment.
C) Encourage group activities.
D) Discuss the need for medication adherence.
Correct Option: B) Provide a safe environment.
Rationale: Clients experiencing a manic episode may exhibit impulsive or dangerous
behaviors. Establishing a safe environment is the priority nursing intervention to prevent
harm to the client or others.
Question 5:
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) reports excessive worry about
multiple aspects of life. Which medication would the nurse anticipate being
prescribed?
A) Buspirone
B) Fluoxetine
C) Haloperidol
D) Lithium
Correct Option: A) Buspirone
Rationale: Buspirone is commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, particularly GAD,
as it helps reduce anxiety without the sedative effects associated with some other
medications.
Question 6:
,A nurse is developing a care plan for a patient with borderline personality disorder.
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Encourage self-sufficiency.
B) Set realistic goals for behavior.
C) Maintain consistent, clear boundaries.
D) Allow independence in decision-making.
Correct Option: C) Maintain consistent, clear boundaries.
Rationale: Individuals with borderline personality disorder often struggle with boundary
issues. Maintaining clear and consistent boundaries helps provide structure and can
reduce anxiety in interactions.
Question 7:
A client experiencing psychosis is placed on a new antipsychotic medication.
Which symptom should the nurse monitor for as a potential side effect?
A) Hypertension
B) Weight loss
C) Insomnia
D) Extrapyramidal symptoms
Correct Option: D) Extrapyramidal symptoms
Rationale: Antipsychotic medications can lead to extrapyramidal symptoms, which
include tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Monitoring for these symptoms is essential
for early intervention.
Question 8:
Which assessment finding would the nurse recognize as a potential sign of alcohol
withdrawal?
A) Hyperactivity
B) Hypotension
C) Bradycardia
D) Tremors
Correct Option: D) Tremors
Rationale: Tremors are a common physical symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Other
symptoms may include anxiety, sweating, and seizures, all of which necessitate careful
monitoring.
, Question 9:
A client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is receiving
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Which statement indicates that the client is
beginning to understand the therapy's purpose?
A) "I will never have these thoughts again."
B) "I can control my compulsions at all times."
C) "I should avoid situations that trigger my OCD."
D) "I am learning to challenge my irrational thoughts."
Correct Option: D) "I am learning to challenge my irrational thoughts."
Rationale: One of the goals of CBT is to help clients identify and challenge distorted
thoughts, thereby managing their symptoms more effectively.
Question 10:
A client presents with depressive symptoms and has not responded well to
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Which medication might the nurse
expect to be prescribed next?
A) Sertraline
B) Fluoxetine
C) Venlafaxine
D) Mirtazapine
Correct Option: D) Mirtazapine
Rationale: Mirtazapine is an atypical antidepressant that may be considered when a
client does not respond to SSRIs. It can also enhance appetite and improve sleep.
Question 11:
A patient in a psychiatric unit becomes verbally aggressive towards staff. Which
approach should the nurse take first?
A) Offer to speak to the patient privately.
B) Involve security personnel.
C) Set clear limits on behavior.
D) Ignore the behavior to avoid escalation.
Correct Option: C) Set clear limits on behavior.
Rationale: Setting clear limits is essential in managing aggressive behavior. It helps the
patient know that aggressive actions will not be tolerated while ensuring the safety of
staff and other patients.
Edition) — Psychiatric Nursing, Mental Health Assessment,
Therapeutic Communication, Psychopharmacology, Crisis
Intervention & Evidence-Based Nursing Practice with Verified
Practice Questions
❖
Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a patient who is experiencing a severe panic attack. Which of
the following findings is the nurse most likely to observe?
A) Euphoria
B) Hyperventilation
C) Contentment
D) Lethargy
Correct Option: B) Hyperventilation
Rationale: During a panic attack, patients often experience intense fear accompanied
by physiological symptoms, including hyperventilation. This occurs due to increased
sympathetic nervous system activity, which can lead to anxiety and physical symptoms
like shortness of breath.
Question 2:
A client is diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which of the following
nursing interventions is the most appropriate?
A) Encourage the client to socialize more.
B) Establish a nonjudgmental atmosphere.
C) Discourage the client from expressing negative feelings.
D) Monitor the client for suicidal thoughts.
Correct Option: D) Monitor the client for suicidal thoughts.
Rationale: Clients with major depressive disorder are at an increased risk for suicidal
ideation. It is crucial for nurses to monitor for any suicidal thoughts or behaviors,
ensuring the client's safety as a priority in their care plan.
Question 3:
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient with schizophrenia who has
been prescribed an antipsychotic medication. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching?
,A) "I should avoid alcohol while on this medication."
B) "I can stop taking this medication if I feel better."
C) "I need to report any unusual movements I experience."
D) "I should take this medication at the same time every day."
Correct Option: B) "I can stop taking this medication if I feel better."
Rationale: It is important for patients taking antipsychotic medications to understand
that they should not discontinue the medication abruptly, even if they feel better.
Stopping medication can lead to relapse and withdrawal symptoms. Consistent use is
key to managing symptoms effectively.
Question 4:
A nurse is caring for a client during a manic episode. Which priority intervention
should the nurse implement?
A) Establish a fixed schedule for meals.
B) Provide a safe environment.
C) Encourage group activities.
D) Discuss the need for medication adherence.
Correct Option: B) Provide a safe environment.
Rationale: Clients experiencing a manic episode may exhibit impulsive or dangerous
behaviors. Establishing a safe environment is the priority nursing intervention to prevent
harm to the client or others.
Question 5:
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) reports excessive worry about
multiple aspects of life. Which medication would the nurse anticipate being
prescribed?
A) Buspirone
B) Fluoxetine
C) Haloperidol
D) Lithium
Correct Option: A) Buspirone
Rationale: Buspirone is commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, particularly GAD,
as it helps reduce anxiety without the sedative effects associated with some other
medications.
Question 6:
,A nurse is developing a care plan for a patient with borderline personality disorder.
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Encourage self-sufficiency.
B) Set realistic goals for behavior.
C) Maintain consistent, clear boundaries.
D) Allow independence in decision-making.
Correct Option: C) Maintain consistent, clear boundaries.
Rationale: Individuals with borderline personality disorder often struggle with boundary
issues. Maintaining clear and consistent boundaries helps provide structure and can
reduce anxiety in interactions.
Question 7:
A client experiencing psychosis is placed on a new antipsychotic medication.
Which symptom should the nurse monitor for as a potential side effect?
A) Hypertension
B) Weight loss
C) Insomnia
D) Extrapyramidal symptoms
Correct Option: D) Extrapyramidal symptoms
Rationale: Antipsychotic medications can lead to extrapyramidal symptoms, which
include tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Monitoring for these symptoms is essential
for early intervention.
Question 8:
Which assessment finding would the nurse recognize as a potential sign of alcohol
withdrawal?
A) Hyperactivity
B) Hypotension
C) Bradycardia
D) Tremors
Correct Option: D) Tremors
Rationale: Tremors are a common physical symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Other
symptoms may include anxiety, sweating, and seizures, all of which necessitate careful
monitoring.
, Question 9:
A client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is receiving
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Which statement indicates that the client is
beginning to understand the therapy's purpose?
A) "I will never have these thoughts again."
B) "I can control my compulsions at all times."
C) "I should avoid situations that trigger my OCD."
D) "I am learning to challenge my irrational thoughts."
Correct Option: D) "I am learning to challenge my irrational thoughts."
Rationale: One of the goals of CBT is to help clients identify and challenge distorted
thoughts, thereby managing their symptoms more effectively.
Question 10:
A client presents with depressive symptoms and has not responded well to
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Which medication might the nurse
expect to be prescribed next?
A) Sertraline
B) Fluoxetine
C) Venlafaxine
D) Mirtazapine
Correct Option: D) Mirtazapine
Rationale: Mirtazapine is an atypical antidepressant that may be considered when a
client does not respond to SSRIs. It can also enhance appetite and improve sleep.
Question 11:
A patient in a psychiatric unit becomes verbally aggressive towards staff. Which
approach should the nurse take first?
A) Offer to speak to the patient privately.
B) Involve security personnel.
C) Set clear limits on behavior.
D) Ignore the behavior to avoid escalation.
Correct Option: C) Set clear limits on behavior.
Rationale: Setting clear limits is essential in managing aggressive behavior. It helps the
patient know that aggressive actions will not be tolerated while ensuring the safety of
staff and other patients.
