January 2026 | ATI Mental Health Nursing Exam Prep | Comprehensive Test Bank
with Verified Questions & Answers, Detailed Rationales, Psychiatric Disorders,
Therapeutic Communication, Crisis Intervention, Medications, Nursing
Interventions & NCLEX-Style Practice for First-Attempt Success
1. Which of the following is a characteristic of Major Depressive Disorder?
• A) Heightened energy levels
• B) Reduced interest in daily activities
• C) Increased appetite
• D) Excessive optimism
Correct Option: B) Reduced interest in daily activities
Rationale: Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by a persistent low mood and
loss of interest in preferred activities, which is also known as anhedonia.
2. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What is the
best initial nursing response?
• A) “You’re just imagining things.”
• B) “Tell me more about what you’re hearing.”
• C) “Those voices cannot hurt you.”
• D) “Focus on reality and ignore the voices.”
Correct Option: B) “Tell me more about what you’re hearing.”
Rationale: Engaging the patient in talking about their experiences can help build
rapport and provide beneficial insights for treatment.
3. Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed for Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
• A) Haloperidol
• B) Fluoxetine
• C) Diazepam
• D) Lithium
Correct Option: B) Fluoxetine
Rationale: Fluoxetine, an SSRI, is often used to treat anxiety disorders, including GAD,
due to its effectiveness and favorable side effect profile.
,January 2026 | ATI Mental Health Nursing Exam Prep | Comprehensive Test Bank
with Verified Questions & Answers, Detailed Rationales, Psychiatric Disorders,
Therapeutic Communication, Crisis Intervention, Medications, Nursing
Interventions & NCLEX-Style Practice for First-Attempt Success
4. When assessing a patient for suicidal ideation, which question is most
appropriate for the nurse to ask?
• A) “Do you feel sad?”
• B) “Have you ever thought about wanting to die?”
• C) “What do you do when you feel upset?”
• D) “Are you happy with your life?”
Correct Option: B) “Have you ever thought about wanting to die?”
Rationale: Directly asking about thoughts of death or suicide allows for a clearer
understanding of the patient’s mental state and risk level.
5. What is the primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?
• A) Exploring unconscious conflicts
• B) Changing negative thought patterns
• C) Analyzing childhood experiences
• D) Promoting group dynamics
Correct Option: B) Changing negative thought patterns
Rationale: CBT aims to identify and restructure negative thought patterns that
contribute to mental health issues.
6. Which of the following is a common side effect of SSRIs?
• A) Weight gain
• B) Insomnia
• C) Bradycardia
• D) Hypotension
Correct Option: A) Weight gain
Rationale: While SSRIs can lead to various side effects, weight gain is a noted concern
for many patients on these medications.
7. In which phase of interpersonal relationships does transference most likely
occur?
, January 2026 | ATI Mental Health Nursing Exam Prep | Comprehensive Test Bank
with Verified Questions & Answers, Detailed Rationales, Psychiatric Disorders,
Therapeutic Communication, Crisis Intervention, Medications, Nursing
Interventions & NCLEX-Style Practice for First-Attempt Success
• A) Orientation phase
• B) Working phase
• C) Resolution phase
• D) Termination phase
Correct Option: A) Orientation phase
Rationale: Transference often occurs when patients project feelings about important
figures in their lives onto the therapist during the initial interactions.
8. A nurse is conducting a mental status examination. Which area is NOT assessed?
• A) Appearance
• B) Dexterity
• C) Mood and affect
• D) Thought process
Correct Option: B) Dexterity
Rationale: While appearance, mood, and thought process are critical components,
dexterity is not part of the mental status examination.
9. Which of the following is a sign of mania?
• A) Increased need for sleep
• B) Excessive talking
• C) Decreased activity
• D) Emotional flatness
Correct Option: B) Excessive talking
Rationale: A hallmark of mania is increased energy, often expressed through rapid or
pressured speech.
10. The primary focus of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is to assist patients with
which disorder?
• A) Depression
with Verified Questions & Answers, Detailed Rationales, Psychiatric Disorders,
Therapeutic Communication, Crisis Intervention, Medications, Nursing
Interventions & NCLEX-Style Practice for First-Attempt Success
1. Which of the following is a characteristic of Major Depressive Disorder?
• A) Heightened energy levels
• B) Reduced interest in daily activities
• C) Increased appetite
• D) Excessive optimism
Correct Option: B) Reduced interest in daily activities
Rationale: Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by a persistent low mood and
loss of interest in preferred activities, which is also known as anhedonia.
2. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What is the
best initial nursing response?
• A) “You’re just imagining things.”
• B) “Tell me more about what you’re hearing.”
• C) “Those voices cannot hurt you.”
• D) “Focus on reality and ignore the voices.”
Correct Option: B) “Tell me more about what you’re hearing.”
Rationale: Engaging the patient in talking about their experiences can help build
rapport and provide beneficial insights for treatment.
3. Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed for Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
• A) Haloperidol
• B) Fluoxetine
• C) Diazepam
• D) Lithium
Correct Option: B) Fluoxetine
Rationale: Fluoxetine, an SSRI, is often used to treat anxiety disorders, including GAD,
due to its effectiveness and favorable side effect profile.
,January 2026 | ATI Mental Health Nursing Exam Prep | Comprehensive Test Bank
with Verified Questions & Answers, Detailed Rationales, Psychiatric Disorders,
Therapeutic Communication, Crisis Intervention, Medications, Nursing
Interventions & NCLEX-Style Practice for First-Attempt Success
4. When assessing a patient for suicidal ideation, which question is most
appropriate for the nurse to ask?
• A) “Do you feel sad?”
• B) “Have you ever thought about wanting to die?”
• C) “What do you do when you feel upset?”
• D) “Are you happy with your life?”
Correct Option: B) “Have you ever thought about wanting to die?”
Rationale: Directly asking about thoughts of death or suicide allows for a clearer
understanding of the patient’s mental state and risk level.
5. What is the primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?
• A) Exploring unconscious conflicts
• B) Changing negative thought patterns
• C) Analyzing childhood experiences
• D) Promoting group dynamics
Correct Option: B) Changing negative thought patterns
Rationale: CBT aims to identify and restructure negative thought patterns that
contribute to mental health issues.
6. Which of the following is a common side effect of SSRIs?
• A) Weight gain
• B) Insomnia
• C) Bradycardia
• D) Hypotension
Correct Option: A) Weight gain
Rationale: While SSRIs can lead to various side effects, weight gain is a noted concern
for many patients on these medications.
7. In which phase of interpersonal relationships does transference most likely
occur?
, January 2026 | ATI Mental Health Nursing Exam Prep | Comprehensive Test Bank
with Verified Questions & Answers, Detailed Rationales, Psychiatric Disorders,
Therapeutic Communication, Crisis Intervention, Medications, Nursing
Interventions & NCLEX-Style Practice for First-Attempt Success
• A) Orientation phase
• B) Working phase
• C) Resolution phase
• D) Termination phase
Correct Option: A) Orientation phase
Rationale: Transference often occurs when patients project feelings about important
figures in their lives onto the therapist during the initial interactions.
8. A nurse is conducting a mental status examination. Which area is NOT assessed?
• A) Appearance
• B) Dexterity
• C) Mood and affect
• D) Thought process
Correct Option: B) Dexterity
Rationale: While appearance, mood, and thought process are critical components,
dexterity is not part of the mental status examination.
9. Which of the following is a sign of mania?
• A) Increased need for sleep
• B) Excessive talking
• C) Decreased activity
• D) Emotional flatness
Correct Option: B) Excessive talking
Rationale: A hallmark of mania is increased energy, often expressed through rapid or
pressured speech.
10. The primary focus of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is to assist patients with
which disorder?
• A) Depression
