ATI RN Mental Health Test Bank – A++
Graded Questions with Correct
Answers.
ATI RN Mental Health Practice Test
Bank
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Teach deep-breathing exercises
B. Ask the client to discuss feelings
C. Stay with the client and speak calmly
D. Administer PRN antidepressants
Correct Answer: C. Stay with the client and speak calmly
Explanation:
During a panic attack, the priority is safety and anxiety reduction.
Remaining with the client and using calm, simple communication helps
decrease fear and provides reassurance.
Question 2
A client with major depressive disorder states, “Life is not worth living
anymore.” What is the nurse’s priority response?
A. “Why do you feel that way?”
B. “Do you have a plan to harm yourself?”
,C. “Things will get better soon.”
D. “You should focus on positive thoughts.”
Correct Answer: B. “Do you have a plan to harm yourself?”
Explanation:
Any statement suggesting self-harm requires immediate suicide
assessment, including intent, plan, and means.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy for bipolar disorder.
Which finding should the nurse report immediately?
A. Mild thirst
B. Fine hand tremors
C. Weight gain of 1 lb
D. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
Correct Answer: D. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
Explanation:
These are signs of lithium toxicity. Toxicity can progress rapidly and may
become life-threatening.
Question 4
Which defense mechanism is demonstrated when a client blames
others for personal problems?
A. Regression
B. Projection
C. Sublimation
D. Compensation
, Correct Answer: B. Projection
Explanation:
Projection occurs when individuals attribute their own unacceptable
feelings or behaviors to someone else.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who is hearing voices.
Which response is therapeutic?
A. “The voices are not real.”
B. “What are the voices saying to you?”
C. “You should ignore the voices.”
D. “Why do you think this is happening?”
Correct Answer: B. “What are the voices saying to you?”
Explanation:
This response assesses hallucination content and potential danger
while acknowledging the client’s experience without validating the
hallucination.
Question 6
A client taking phenelzine should avoid which food?
A. Apples
B. Yogurt
C. Aged cheese
D. Carrots
Correct Answer: C. Aged cheese
Graded Questions with Correct
Answers.
ATI RN Mental Health Practice Test
Bank
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Teach deep-breathing exercises
B. Ask the client to discuss feelings
C. Stay with the client and speak calmly
D. Administer PRN antidepressants
Correct Answer: C. Stay with the client and speak calmly
Explanation:
During a panic attack, the priority is safety and anxiety reduction.
Remaining with the client and using calm, simple communication helps
decrease fear and provides reassurance.
Question 2
A client with major depressive disorder states, “Life is not worth living
anymore.” What is the nurse’s priority response?
A. “Why do you feel that way?”
B. “Do you have a plan to harm yourself?”
,C. “Things will get better soon.”
D. “You should focus on positive thoughts.”
Correct Answer: B. “Do you have a plan to harm yourself?”
Explanation:
Any statement suggesting self-harm requires immediate suicide
assessment, including intent, plan, and means.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy for bipolar disorder.
Which finding should the nurse report immediately?
A. Mild thirst
B. Fine hand tremors
C. Weight gain of 1 lb
D. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
Correct Answer: D. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
Explanation:
These are signs of lithium toxicity. Toxicity can progress rapidly and may
become life-threatening.
Question 4
Which defense mechanism is demonstrated when a client blames
others for personal problems?
A. Regression
B. Projection
C. Sublimation
D. Compensation
, Correct Answer: B. Projection
Explanation:
Projection occurs when individuals attribute their own unacceptable
feelings or behaviors to someone else.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who is hearing voices.
Which response is therapeutic?
A. “The voices are not real.”
B. “What are the voices saying to you?”
C. “You should ignore the voices.”
D. “Why do you think this is happening?”
Correct Answer: B. “What are the voices saying to you?”
Explanation:
This response assesses hallucination content and potential danger
while acknowledging the client’s experience without validating the
hallucination.
Question 6
A client taking phenelzine should avoid which food?
A. Apples
B. Yogurt
C. Aged cheese
D. Carrots
Correct Answer: C. Aged cheese
