ATI-Style Mental
Health Practice
Questions and
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A. Teach relaxation techniques
B. Encourage group participation
C. Stay with the client in a calm manner
D. Ask the client to identify triggers
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
During a panic attack, the priority is reducing anxiety and maintaining safety. Remaining with
the client and using a calm, simple approach helps decrease fear and provides reassurance.
2. A client taking Lithium reports diarrhea, tremors, and confusion. Which
action should the nurse take?
A. Administer the next dose with food
B. Hold the medication and notify the provider
C. Encourage increased caffeine intake
D. Reassure the client the effects are temporary
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
These findings suggest lithium toxicity. The medication should be withheld and the provider
notified immediately. Toxicity can progress to seizures and cardiac complications.
,3. A nurse is interviewing a client with schizophrenia who says, “The TV is
sending me secret messages.” Which response is therapeutic?
A. “That is not happening.”
B. “Why do you think the TV is targeting you?”
C. “I do not see evidence of that, but I know it feels real to you.”
D. “You should ignore the television.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The nurse should present reality without arguing or reinforcing the delusion. Acknowledging the
client’s feelings supports therapeutic communication.
4. Which finding places a client at the highest risk for suicide?
A. Recent divorce
B. History of depression
C. Previous suicide attempt
D. Loss of employment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
A previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors of future suicide risk.
5. A client taking Phenelzine should avoid which food?
A. Apples
B. Yogurt
C. Aged cheese
D. Carrots
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheese, cured meats, and red wine,
increasing the risk for hypertensive crisis.
,6. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Tremors
B. Anxiety
C. Hallucinations
D. Mild insomnia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Hallucinations may indicate severe withdrawal or delirium tremens, which can become life-
threatening.
7. A client says, “I hear voices telling me to hurt myself.” What is the nurse’s
priority response?
A. “What are the voices saying?”
B. “Do you think you will act on the voices?”
C. “Ignore the voices.”
D. “You should rest.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The priority is assessing immediate safety and risk for self-harm.
8. Which behavior is expected in a client experiencing mania?
A. Flat affect
B. Slow speech
C. Flight of ideas
D. Social withdrawal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Flight of ideas is characterized by rapid shifting between topics and is commonly seen in mania.
, 9. A nurse is teaching a client about Sertraline. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “I should stop taking it once I feel better.”
B. “It may take several weeks to feel the full effect.”
C. “I can drink alcohol while taking this medication.”
D. “I should double my dose if I miss one.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
SSRIs commonly require several weeks before therapeutic effects are fully experienced.
10. A client with borderline personality disorder threatens self-harm when
discharge is discussed. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Ignore the statement
B. Set clear, consistent limits
C. Offer special privileges
D. Encourage dependency on staff
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Clients with borderline personality disorder benefit from structured, consistent boundaries.
11. Which statement by a client indicates complicated grieving?
A. “I miss my spouse every day.”
B. “I still set a place for my spouse after 2 years because I know they are coming home.”
C. “I feel lonely since the funeral.”
D. “Some days are harder than others.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Persistent denial and inability to accept the loss suggest complicated grief.
Health Practice
Questions and
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A. Teach relaxation techniques
B. Encourage group participation
C. Stay with the client in a calm manner
D. Ask the client to identify triggers
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
During a panic attack, the priority is reducing anxiety and maintaining safety. Remaining with
the client and using a calm, simple approach helps decrease fear and provides reassurance.
2. A client taking Lithium reports diarrhea, tremors, and confusion. Which
action should the nurse take?
A. Administer the next dose with food
B. Hold the medication and notify the provider
C. Encourage increased caffeine intake
D. Reassure the client the effects are temporary
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
These findings suggest lithium toxicity. The medication should be withheld and the provider
notified immediately. Toxicity can progress to seizures and cardiac complications.
,3. A nurse is interviewing a client with schizophrenia who says, “The TV is
sending me secret messages.” Which response is therapeutic?
A. “That is not happening.”
B. “Why do you think the TV is targeting you?”
C. “I do not see evidence of that, but I know it feels real to you.”
D. “You should ignore the television.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The nurse should present reality without arguing or reinforcing the delusion. Acknowledging the
client’s feelings supports therapeutic communication.
4. Which finding places a client at the highest risk for suicide?
A. Recent divorce
B. History of depression
C. Previous suicide attempt
D. Loss of employment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
A previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors of future suicide risk.
5. A client taking Phenelzine should avoid which food?
A. Apples
B. Yogurt
C. Aged cheese
D. Carrots
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheese, cured meats, and red wine,
increasing the risk for hypertensive crisis.
,6. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Tremors
B. Anxiety
C. Hallucinations
D. Mild insomnia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Hallucinations may indicate severe withdrawal or delirium tremens, which can become life-
threatening.
7. A client says, “I hear voices telling me to hurt myself.” What is the nurse’s
priority response?
A. “What are the voices saying?”
B. “Do you think you will act on the voices?”
C. “Ignore the voices.”
D. “You should rest.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The priority is assessing immediate safety and risk for self-harm.
8. Which behavior is expected in a client experiencing mania?
A. Flat affect
B. Slow speech
C. Flight of ideas
D. Social withdrawal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Flight of ideas is characterized by rapid shifting between topics and is commonly seen in mania.
, 9. A nurse is teaching a client about Sertraline. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “I should stop taking it once I feel better.”
B. “It may take several weeks to feel the full effect.”
C. “I can drink alcohol while taking this medication.”
D. “I should double my dose if I miss one.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
SSRIs commonly require several weeks before therapeutic effects are fully experienced.
10. A client with borderline personality disorder threatens self-harm when
discharge is discussed. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Ignore the statement
B. Set clear, consistent limits
C. Offer special privileges
D. Encourage dependency on staff
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Clients with borderline personality disorder benefit from structured, consistent boundaries.
11. Which statement by a client indicates complicated grieving?
A. “I miss my spouse every day.”
B. “I still set a place for my spouse after 2 years because I know they are coming home.”
C. “I feel lonely since the funeral.”
D. “Some days are harder than others.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Persistent denial and inability to accept the loss suggest complicated grief.
