ATI RN MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE QUESTIONS –
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | PROCTORED
EXAM | NGN EDITION 2026
1. A client with borderline personality disorder says, “You’re the only nurse who
actually cares. The others are all horrible.” What is the best response?
A. “I’m glad you feel that way about me.”
B. “You shouldn’t talk about the other nurses like that.”
C. “I will be here until 3 PM, just like the other nurses. Caring is part of our job.”
D. “Tell me more about why you feel that way.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: This response addresses splitting (idealizing one, devaluing others) without
reinforcing the distortion. It sets limits and promotes consistency.
2. A client with major depressive disorder has been taking fluoxetine for 2 weeks
and reports no improvement. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “Let’s increase your dose immediately.”
B. “It may take 4–6 weeks to feel the full effect.”
C. “Fluoxetine does not work for everyone; ask for a different medication.”
D. “You should stop taking it and try therapy instead.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: SSRIs typically take 4‑6 weeks for full therapeutic effect. Increasing dose or
changing medication prematurely is not indicated; stopping abruptly can cause
withdrawal.
, 3. A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, “The CIA is poisoning my food.”
What is the best response?
A. “That’s not true. No one is poisoning your food.”
B. “I understand you believe that. You are safe here.”
C. “Why do you think they would do that?”
D. “Let’s talk about something else.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Validate the client’s feelings without agreeing with the delusion. Arguing or
asking “why” increases anxiety; changing the subject dismisses the concern.
4. A client with bipolar disorder is in the manic phase. Which intervention should
the nurse implement?
A. Provide a stimulating environment
B. Encourage competitive activities
C. Offer high‑calorie finger foods
D. Allow the client to stay up late
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Manic clients often neglect eating and have high energy expenditure;
high‑calorie finger foods are easy to eat on the go. Stimulation, competition, and sleep
deprivation worsen mania.
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | PROCTORED
EXAM | NGN EDITION 2026
1. A client with borderline personality disorder says, “You’re the only nurse who
actually cares. The others are all horrible.” What is the best response?
A. “I’m glad you feel that way about me.”
B. “You shouldn’t talk about the other nurses like that.”
C. “I will be here until 3 PM, just like the other nurses. Caring is part of our job.”
D. “Tell me more about why you feel that way.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: This response addresses splitting (idealizing one, devaluing others) without
reinforcing the distortion. It sets limits and promotes consistency.
2. A client with major depressive disorder has been taking fluoxetine for 2 weeks
and reports no improvement. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “Let’s increase your dose immediately.”
B. “It may take 4–6 weeks to feel the full effect.”
C. “Fluoxetine does not work for everyone; ask for a different medication.”
D. “You should stop taking it and try therapy instead.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: SSRIs typically take 4‑6 weeks for full therapeutic effect. Increasing dose or
changing medication prematurely is not indicated; stopping abruptly can cause
withdrawal.
, 3. A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, “The CIA is poisoning my food.”
What is the best response?
A. “That’s not true. No one is poisoning your food.”
B. “I understand you believe that. You are safe here.”
C. “Why do you think they would do that?”
D. “Let’s talk about something else.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Validate the client’s feelings without agreeing with the delusion. Arguing or
asking “why” increases anxiety; changing the subject dismisses the concern.
4. A client with bipolar disorder is in the manic phase. Which intervention should
the nurse implement?
A. Provide a stimulating environment
B. Encourage competitive activities
C. Offer high‑calorie finger foods
D. Allow the client to stay up late
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Manic clients often neglect eating and have high energy expenditure;
high‑calorie finger foods are easy to eat on the go. Stimulation, competition, and sleep
deprivation worsen mania.
