ATI RN MENTAL HEALTH ONLINE PRACTICE B
EXAM PREPARATION PACK 2026 KEY
CONCEPTS AND REVISION NOTES
◉ A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is
experiencing psychosis. The nurse should identify that which of the
following findings indicates a potential psychiatric emergency?
The client is exhibiting echolalia.
The client reports command hallucinations.
The client reports loss of motivation.
The client is exhibiting blunted affect.
Answer: The client reports command hallucinations.
The nurse should identify that command hallucinations can indicate
a potential psychiatric emergency for a client who has
schizophrenia. Command hallucinations can direct the client to harm
themselves or others.
◉ A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol
withdrawal. Which of the following medications should the nurse
administer first?
Exhibit 1: HR 110/min; BP 170/96; Temp 38.9 (102)
,Exhibit 2: Client states drank alcohol 12 hr prior; Client has 2
pack/day smoking history
Exhibit 3: Tremors of hands and fingers; emesis of 30 mL bile; Client
is restless and unable to sit still; client is diaphoretic and has flushed
skin
Diazepam 5 mg IV bolus
Clonidine 0.1 mg transdermal patch
Naltrexone 380 mg IM
Bupropion 150 mg PO.
Answer: Diazepam 5 mg IV bolus
The greatest risk to the client who is experiencing alcohol
withdrawal is seizures, an elevated heart rate, and elevated blood
pressure. IV diazepam acts rapidly to prevent seizures, stabilize vital
signs, and decrease the intensity of withdrawal manifestations.
◉ A nurse is reviewing the electronic medical record of a client who
has schizophrenia and is taking clozapine. Which of the following
findings is the priority for the nurse to notify the provider?
The client's chart indicates a 1.36-kg (3-lb) weight gain in 1 month.
The client reports an inability to breathe easily.
,The client's laboratory results indicate a fasting blood glucose level
of 130 mg/dL.
The client reports having recently started smoking cigarettes..
Answer: The client reports an inability to breathe easily.
Serious adverse effects, such as heart failure, myocarditis, and
pulmonary embolism are associated with clozapine. When using the
greatest risk framework, the nurse should identify that the greatest
risk to the client is dyspnea, which is a manifestation of respiratory
or cardiac alterations, and should be reported to the provider.
◉ A nurse in a community health center is counseling a family of
two parents and two children. Which of the following statements by
a family member indicates manipulative behavior?
"If you do my homework for me, I won't bother you for the rest of
the day."
"Mom is always upset."
"It's not the children's fault. It's mine."
"It's your fault that we're having problems as a family.".
Answer: "If you do my homework for me, I won't bother you for the
rest of the day."
, This is an example of manipulative behavior. It is an example of
manipulation when the family member uses a behavior to get what
they desire rather than directly asking for what they want.
◉ A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and began
taking a conventional antipsychotic medication yesterday. Which of
the following findings indicates the nurse should administer
benztropine 2 mg IM?
Shuffling gait
Hypotension
Decreased WBC count
Blurred vision.
Answer: Shuffling gait
Benztropine is used to treat parkinsonism manifestations, such as
shuffling gait.
◉ A nurse is delegating client care tasks to a licensed practical nurse
(LPN) and an assistive personnel. Which of the following tasks
should the nurse assign to the LPN?
Obtain the weight of a client who has bipolar disorder and is
experiencing mania.
EXAM PREPARATION PACK 2026 KEY
CONCEPTS AND REVISION NOTES
◉ A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is
experiencing psychosis. The nurse should identify that which of the
following findings indicates a potential psychiatric emergency?
The client is exhibiting echolalia.
The client reports command hallucinations.
The client reports loss of motivation.
The client is exhibiting blunted affect.
Answer: The client reports command hallucinations.
The nurse should identify that command hallucinations can indicate
a potential psychiatric emergency for a client who has
schizophrenia. Command hallucinations can direct the client to harm
themselves or others.
◉ A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol
withdrawal. Which of the following medications should the nurse
administer first?
Exhibit 1: HR 110/min; BP 170/96; Temp 38.9 (102)
,Exhibit 2: Client states drank alcohol 12 hr prior; Client has 2
pack/day smoking history
Exhibit 3: Tremors of hands and fingers; emesis of 30 mL bile; Client
is restless and unable to sit still; client is diaphoretic and has flushed
skin
Diazepam 5 mg IV bolus
Clonidine 0.1 mg transdermal patch
Naltrexone 380 mg IM
Bupropion 150 mg PO.
Answer: Diazepam 5 mg IV bolus
The greatest risk to the client who is experiencing alcohol
withdrawal is seizures, an elevated heart rate, and elevated blood
pressure. IV diazepam acts rapidly to prevent seizures, stabilize vital
signs, and decrease the intensity of withdrawal manifestations.
◉ A nurse is reviewing the electronic medical record of a client who
has schizophrenia and is taking clozapine. Which of the following
findings is the priority for the nurse to notify the provider?
The client's chart indicates a 1.36-kg (3-lb) weight gain in 1 month.
The client reports an inability to breathe easily.
,The client's laboratory results indicate a fasting blood glucose level
of 130 mg/dL.
The client reports having recently started smoking cigarettes..
Answer: The client reports an inability to breathe easily.
Serious adverse effects, such as heart failure, myocarditis, and
pulmonary embolism are associated with clozapine. When using the
greatest risk framework, the nurse should identify that the greatest
risk to the client is dyspnea, which is a manifestation of respiratory
or cardiac alterations, and should be reported to the provider.
◉ A nurse in a community health center is counseling a family of
two parents and two children. Which of the following statements by
a family member indicates manipulative behavior?
"If you do my homework for me, I won't bother you for the rest of
the day."
"Mom is always upset."
"It's not the children's fault. It's mine."
"It's your fault that we're having problems as a family.".
Answer: "If you do my homework for me, I won't bother you for the
rest of the day."
, This is an example of manipulative behavior. It is an example of
manipulation when the family member uses a behavior to get what
they desire rather than directly asking for what they want.
◉ A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and began
taking a conventional antipsychotic medication yesterday. Which of
the following findings indicates the nurse should administer
benztropine 2 mg IM?
Shuffling gait
Hypotension
Decreased WBC count
Blurred vision.
Answer: Shuffling gait
Benztropine is used to treat parkinsonism manifestations, such as
shuffling gait.
◉ A nurse is delegating client care tasks to a licensed practical nurse
(LPN) and an assistive personnel. Which of the following tasks
should the nurse assign to the LPN?
Obtain the weight of a client who has bipolar disorder and is
experiencing mania.
