ATI Mental Health 2026–2027 Practice Exam (RN)
Questions and Answers [Verified] + Rationales
Question 1
A client with major depressive disorder says, “Nothing will ever get better.”
What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
B. “Why do you think that?”
C. “It sounds like you’re feeling hopeless right now.”
D. “Things will improve soon.”
Answer: C. “It sounds like you’re feeling hopeless right now.”
Rationale: Therapeutic communication reflects feelings without judgment or
false reassurance.
Question 2
Which symptom is most consistent with mania?
A. Decreased energy and flat affect
B. Pressured speech and impulsivity
C. Excessive guilt and sadness
D. Social withdrawal and anhedonia
Answer: B. Pressured speech and impulsivity
,Rationale: Mania includes increased energy, rapid speech, and poor
judgment.
Question 3
A client taking lithium should be instructed to:
A. Restrict sodium intake
B. Maintain normal fluid intake
C. Avoid all carbohydrates
D. Increase potassium only
Answer: B. Maintain normal fluid intake
Rationale: Dehydration increases lithium toxicity risk.
Question 4
Which finding indicates lithium toxicity?
A. Hand tremors and diarrhea
B. Mild thirst
C. Increased appetite
D. Weight gain only
Answer: A. Hand tremors and diarrhea
Rationale: Early toxicity includes tremors, GI upset, and confusion.
,Question 5
A client with schizophrenia is hearing voices. The nurse should say:
A. “Ignore the voices.”
B. “Tell me what the voices are saying.”
C. “The voices are not real.”
D. “Why are you hearing that?”
Answer: B. “Tell me what the voices are saying.”
Rationale: Assess content of hallucinations to determine risk.
Question 6
Which medication is a typical antipsychotic?
A. Olanzapine
B. Risperidone
C. Haloperidol
D. Clozapine
Answer: C. Haloperidol
Rationale: Haloperidol is a first-generation antipsychotic.
Question 7
A client taking clozapine must be monitored for:
, A. Hypoglycemia
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Renal failure
D. Hypertension
Answer: B. Agranulocytosis
Rationale: Clozapine can severely lower white blood cells.
Question 8
Which action is priority for a suicidal client?
A. Room assignment near nurse station
B. Allow client privacy
C. Encourage journaling
D. Group therapy participation
Answer: A. Room assignment near nurse station
Rationale: Safety and constant observation are highest priority.
Question 9
A nurse suspects abuse. What is the first action?
A. Confront the family
B. Document findings objectively
C. Report to social media
D. Discharge the client
Questions and Answers [Verified] + Rationales
Question 1
A client with major depressive disorder says, “Nothing will ever get better.”
What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
B. “Why do you think that?”
C. “It sounds like you’re feeling hopeless right now.”
D. “Things will improve soon.”
Answer: C. “It sounds like you’re feeling hopeless right now.”
Rationale: Therapeutic communication reflects feelings without judgment or
false reassurance.
Question 2
Which symptom is most consistent with mania?
A. Decreased energy and flat affect
B. Pressured speech and impulsivity
C. Excessive guilt and sadness
D. Social withdrawal and anhedonia
Answer: B. Pressured speech and impulsivity
,Rationale: Mania includes increased energy, rapid speech, and poor
judgment.
Question 3
A client taking lithium should be instructed to:
A. Restrict sodium intake
B. Maintain normal fluid intake
C. Avoid all carbohydrates
D. Increase potassium only
Answer: B. Maintain normal fluid intake
Rationale: Dehydration increases lithium toxicity risk.
Question 4
Which finding indicates lithium toxicity?
A. Hand tremors and diarrhea
B. Mild thirst
C. Increased appetite
D. Weight gain only
Answer: A. Hand tremors and diarrhea
Rationale: Early toxicity includes tremors, GI upset, and confusion.
,Question 5
A client with schizophrenia is hearing voices. The nurse should say:
A. “Ignore the voices.”
B. “Tell me what the voices are saying.”
C. “The voices are not real.”
D. “Why are you hearing that?”
Answer: B. “Tell me what the voices are saying.”
Rationale: Assess content of hallucinations to determine risk.
Question 6
Which medication is a typical antipsychotic?
A. Olanzapine
B. Risperidone
C. Haloperidol
D. Clozapine
Answer: C. Haloperidol
Rationale: Haloperidol is a first-generation antipsychotic.
Question 7
A client taking clozapine must be monitored for:
, A. Hypoglycemia
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Renal failure
D. Hypertension
Answer: B. Agranulocytosis
Rationale: Clozapine can severely lower white blood cells.
Question 8
Which action is priority for a suicidal client?
A. Room assignment near nurse station
B. Allow client privacy
C. Encourage journaling
D. Group therapy participation
Answer: A. Room assignment near nurse station
Rationale: Safety and constant observation are highest priority.
Question 9
A nurse suspects abuse. What is the first action?
A. Confront the family
B. Document findings objectively
C. Report to social media
D. Discharge the client
