ATI RN Mental Health 2023-2026 Proctored
with NGN RN ATI Mental Health 2026
Proctored Exam 70 Screenshot Questions
and 100% Verified Answers Actual Exam
Study Guide
EXAM
1. A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I don't want to take this medication.
You can't make me." Which of the following responses by the nurse is an example
of therapeutic communication?
A. "If you don't take it, I will have to report that to the doctor."
B. "Why don't you want to take the medication?"
C. "Tell me more about your concerns regarding the medication."
D. "You have to take it; it's for your own good."
Answer: C
Rationale: Option C uses the therapeutic technique of "offering self" and exploring. It
invites the client to express their feelings and concerns without judgment. Option A is a
threat and nontherapeutic. Option B is nontherapeutic because "why" questions can
imply accusation and make the client defensive. Option D is dismissive and blocks
communication.
2. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "Nothing ever
goes right for me. My whole family would be better off without me." Which of the
following is the nurse's priority response?
A. "You have so much to live for."
B. "Tell me if you are thinking of harming yourself right now."
C. "Let's focus on something positive."
D. "Everyone feels down sometimes."
,Answer: B
Rationale: The client's statement is an indirect statement of suicidal ideation ("better off
without me"). The priority nursing action is to assess for safety by directly asking about
suicidal thoughts or plans. Options A and C minimize the client's feelings and are
nontherapeutic. Option D offers false reassurance.
3. A client on an inpatient unit has a prescription for "suicide precautions." Which
of the following observations by the nurse requires immediate intervention?
A. The client is eating lunch alone in the corner of the dining room.
B. The client is using a plastic spoon to eat their pudding.
C. The client's visitors left a large bouquet of flowers in a glass vase.
D. The client is crying in their room with the door closed.
Answer: C
Rationale: Suicide precautions require the removal of any potentially harmful objects. A
glass vase can be broken and used as a weapon for self-harm. Plastic utensils (B) are
typically allowed on suicide precautions as they are not easily broken into sharp
weapons. While eating alone (A) or crying (D) might warrant assessment, they are not
immediate safety violations like a glass object is.
4. A nurse is planning care for a client who is admitted voluntarily for treatment of
anxiety. Which of the following actions by the nurse is correct regarding the
client's status?
A. Tell the client they may leave the unit at any time regardless of the medical
recommendation.
B. Place the client in restraints if they attempt to leave against medical advice.
C. Explain that if they attempt to leave, the provider may request a court order for
commitment.
D. Inform the client they are now considered an involuntary client due to their diagnosis.
Answer: C
Rationale: A voluntarily admitted client has the right to request discharge. However, if
the provider believes the client poses a danger to self or others, they can detain the
client while pursuing a court order for involuntary commitment. Option A is incorrect
because the provider can intervene if the client is a danger. Restraints (B) cannot be
,used punitively or simply for wanting to leave. Option D is false; admission status does
not automatically change based on diagnosis.
5. A nurse working on a psychiatric unit admits a client who is yelling and using
profanities. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client displaying?
A. Projection
B. Displacement
C. Regression
D. Suppression
Answer: B
Rationale: Displacement involves transferring feelings about one person or situation
onto another, less threatening person or object. The client may be angry about their
admission or situation and is displacing that anger onto the staff by yelling. Projection
(A) is attributing one's own unacceptable feelings to others. Regression (C) is returning
to an earlier stage of development. Suppression (D) is the voluntary withholding of an
idea or feeling from conscious awareness.
Topic: Anxiety, Trauma, and Stressor-Related Disorders
6. A client is having a panic attack. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A. Offer the client a glass of water.
B. Remain with the client and speak in short, simple statements.
C. Teach the client deep breathing exercises.
D. Take the client to a quiet room away from others.
Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, the client is unable to process complex information
and may fear being alone. The priority is to ensure safety and provide a calming
presence. The nurse should stay with the client and use simple, clear statements.
Teaching (C) is ineffective during a panic attack as the client cannot learn new skills.
, Moving the client (D) might be helpful, but leaving them alone to move them is unsafe.
Offering water (A) is not the priority.
7. A nurse is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of
the following symptoms should the nurse expect to find?
A. The client reports a specific phobia of elevators.
B. The client experiences sudden, intense episodes of fear lasting 10 minutes.
C. The client describes excessive worry about multiple life circumstances for the past 8
months.
D. The client has a history of a traumatic event and recurrent nightmares.
Answer: C
Rationale: GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about a number of
events or activities, occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. Option A
describes a specific phobia. Option B describes a panic attack. Option D describes
symptoms of PTSD.
8. A nurse is providing education to a client who has a new prescription for
buspirone for anxiety. Which of the following information should the nurse
include?
A. "This medication may cause physical dependence, so do not stop it abruptly."
B. "You may notice an immediate relief of your anxiety symptoms."
C. "Take this medication on an empty stomach for better absorption."
D. "It may take several weeks for you to feel the full therapeutic effect."
Answer: D
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic. Unlike benzodiazepines, it
does not cause immediate relief or physical dependence. It typically takes 2-4 weeks to
achieve full therapeutic effect. It can be taken with food to reduce GI upset.
9. A client who is a survivor of domestic violence is being seen in the clinic. The
client states, "I finally left him last week." Which of the following responses by the
with NGN RN ATI Mental Health 2026
Proctored Exam 70 Screenshot Questions
and 100% Verified Answers Actual Exam
Study Guide
EXAM
1. A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I don't want to take this medication.
You can't make me." Which of the following responses by the nurse is an example
of therapeutic communication?
A. "If you don't take it, I will have to report that to the doctor."
B. "Why don't you want to take the medication?"
C. "Tell me more about your concerns regarding the medication."
D. "You have to take it; it's for your own good."
Answer: C
Rationale: Option C uses the therapeutic technique of "offering self" and exploring. It
invites the client to express their feelings and concerns without judgment. Option A is a
threat and nontherapeutic. Option B is nontherapeutic because "why" questions can
imply accusation and make the client defensive. Option D is dismissive and blocks
communication.
2. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "Nothing ever
goes right for me. My whole family would be better off without me." Which of the
following is the nurse's priority response?
A. "You have so much to live for."
B. "Tell me if you are thinking of harming yourself right now."
C. "Let's focus on something positive."
D. "Everyone feels down sometimes."
,Answer: B
Rationale: The client's statement is an indirect statement of suicidal ideation ("better off
without me"). The priority nursing action is to assess for safety by directly asking about
suicidal thoughts or plans. Options A and C minimize the client's feelings and are
nontherapeutic. Option D offers false reassurance.
3. A client on an inpatient unit has a prescription for "suicide precautions." Which
of the following observations by the nurse requires immediate intervention?
A. The client is eating lunch alone in the corner of the dining room.
B. The client is using a plastic spoon to eat their pudding.
C. The client's visitors left a large bouquet of flowers in a glass vase.
D. The client is crying in their room with the door closed.
Answer: C
Rationale: Suicide precautions require the removal of any potentially harmful objects. A
glass vase can be broken and used as a weapon for self-harm. Plastic utensils (B) are
typically allowed on suicide precautions as they are not easily broken into sharp
weapons. While eating alone (A) or crying (D) might warrant assessment, they are not
immediate safety violations like a glass object is.
4. A nurse is planning care for a client who is admitted voluntarily for treatment of
anxiety. Which of the following actions by the nurse is correct regarding the
client's status?
A. Tell the client they may leave the unit at any time regardless of the medical
recommendation.
B. Place the client in restraints if they attempt to leave against medical advice.
C. Explain that if they attempt to leave, the provider may request a court order for
commitment.
D. Inform the client they are now considered an involuntary client due to their diagnosis.
Answer: C
Rationale: A voluntarily admitted client has the right to request discharge. However, if
the provider believes the client poses a danger to self or others, they can detain the
client while pursuing a court order for involuntary commitment. Option A is incorrect
because the provider can intervene if the client is a danger. Restraints (B) cannot be
,used punitively or simply for wanting to leave. Option D is false; admission status does
not automatically change based on diagnosis.
5. A nurse working on a psychiatric unit admits a client who is yelling and using
profanities. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client displaying?
A. Projection
B. Displacement
C. Regression
D. Suppression
Answer: B
Rationale: Displacement involves transferring feelings about one person or situation
onto another, less threatening person or object. The client may be angry about their
admission or situation and is displacing that anger onto the staff by yelling. Projection
(A) is attributing one's own unacceptable feelings to others. Regression (C) is returning
to an earlier stage of development. Suppression (D) is the voluntary withholding of an
idea or feeling from conscious awareness.
Topic: Anxiety, Trauma, and Stressor-Related Disorders
6. A client is having a panic attack. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A. Offer the client a glass of water.
B. Remain with the client and speak in short, simple statements.
C. Teach the client deep breathing exercises.
D. Take the client to a quiet room away from others.
Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, the client is unable to process complex information
and may fear being alone. The priority is to ensure safety and provide a calming
presence. The nurse should stay with the client and use simple, clear statements.
Teaching (C) is ineffective during a panic attack as the client cannot learn new skills.
, Moving the client (D) might be helpful, but leaving them alone to move them is unsafe.
Offering water (A) is not the priority.
7. A nurse is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of
the following symptoms should the nurse expect to find?
A. The client reports a specific phobia of elevators.
B. The client experiences sudden, intense episodes of fear lasting 10 minutes.
C. The client describes excessive worry about multiple life circumstances for the past 8
months.
D. The client has a history of a traumatic event and recurrent nightmares.
Answer: C
Rationale: GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about a number of
events or activities, occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. Option A
describes a specific phobia. Option B describes a panic attack. Option D describes
symptoms of PTSD.
8. A nurse is providing education to a client who has a new prescription for
buspirone for anxiety. Which of the following information should the nurse
include?
A. "This medication may cause physical dependence, so do not stop it abruptly."
B. "You may notice an immediate relief of your anxiety symptoms."
C. "Take this medication on an empty stomach for better absorption."
D. "It may take several weeks for you to feel the full therapeutic effect."
Answer: D
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic. Unlike benzodiazepines, it
does not cause immediate relief or physical dependence. It typically takes 2-4 weeks to
achieve full therapeutic effect. It can be taken with food to reduce GI upset.
9. A client who is a survivor of domestic violence is being seen in the clinic. The
client states, "I finally left him last week." Which of the following responses by the
