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ATI Mental Health NGN Practice Test 2025 | 200
Q&As | SATA, Case Scenarios, NGN Format
Question 1: Depression – Safety First
Case:
A 25-year-old female client is admitted with symptoms of major
depressive disorder. She reports fatigue, anhedonia, and insomnia. She
tells the nurse, “I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up.”
Question:
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Offer the client a sleeping aid
B. Encourage verbalization of feelings
C. Assess the client for suicide risk
D. Notify the client's family
, 2
Correct Answer:
C. Assess the client for suicide risk
Rationale:
When a client expresses suicidal ideation, the nurse must immediately
assess for the presence of a plan, intent, and means. This determines the
level of care and safety measures needed. Although therapeutic
communication and support are important, client safety comes first.
Question 2: Anxiety – Panic Disorder
Case:
A client with panic disorder is experiencing an acute panic attack. She is
hyperventilating, trembling, and repeatedly saying, “I’m dying!”
Question:
What should the nurse do first?
A. Ask her what triggered the panic
B. Provide detailed information about panic attacks
C. Stay with her and speak calmly
D. Offer a sedative immediately
, 3
Correct Answer:
C. Stay with her and speak calmly
Rationale:
Clients in acute panic attacks need grounding and a calm, supportive
presence. Staying with the client and using simple, reassuring language
helps reduce anxiety. Pharmacologic interventions may be necessary
later, but reassurance is the immediate priority.
Question 3: Bipolar – Medication Education (SATA)
Which instructions should the nurse give to a client beginning
lithium therapy? Select all that apply:
A. Maintain a consistent sodium intake
B. Drink 2–3 liters of fluids daily
C. Expect weight loss
D. Avoid NSAIDs
E. Report signs of tremor or confusion
Correct Answers:
A, B, D, E
, 4
Rationale:
Lithium requires stable sodium and hydration levels to prevent toxicity.
NSAIDs can increase lithium levels. Signs of toxicity include tremor,
confusion, and GI upset. Weight gain, not loss, is a common side effect.
Question 4: Schizophrenia – Delusions
Case:
A client with schizophrenia believes the staff is part of a government
conspiracy.
Question:
What is the most appropriate nursing response?
A. “That’s not true.”
B. “Tell me more about the voices.”
C. “I understand you believe that. You are safe here.”
D. “Why do you think that’s happening?”
Correct Answer:
C. “I understand you believe that. You are safe here.”
ATI Mental Health NGN Practice Test 2025 | 200
Q&As | SATA, Case Scenarios, NGN Format
Question 1: Depression – Safety First
Case:
A 25-year-old female client is admitted with symptoms of major
depressive disorder. She reports fatigue, anhedonia, and insomnia. She
tells the nurse, “I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up.”
Question:
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Offer the client a sleeping aid
B. Encourage verbalization of feelings
C. Assess the client for suicide risk
D. Notify the client's family
, 2
Correct Answer:
C. Assess the client for suicide risk
Rationale:
When a client expresses suicidal ideation, the nurse must immediately
assess for the presence of a plan, intent, and means. This determines the
level of care and safety measures needed. Although therapeutic
communication and support are important, client safety comes first.
Question 2: Anxiety – Panic Disorder
Case:
A client with panic disorder is experiencing an acute panic attack. She is
hyperventilating, trembling, and repeatedly saying, “I’m dying!”
Question:
What should the nurse do first?
A. Ask her what triggered the panic
B. Provide detailed information about panic attacks
C. Stay with her and speak calmly
D. Offer a sedative immediately
, 3
Correct Answer:
C. Stay with her and speak calmly
Rationale:
Clients in acute panic attacks need grounding and a calm, supportive
presence. Staying with the client and using simple, reassuring language
helps reduce anxiety. Pharmacologic interventions may be necessary
later, but reassurance is the immediate priority.
Question 3: Bipolar – Medication Education (SATA)
Which instructions should the nurse give to a client beginning
lithium therapy? Select all that apply:
A. Maintain a consistent sodium intake
B. Drink 2–3 liters of fluids daily
C. Expect weight loss
D. Avoid NSAIDs
E. Report signs of tremor or confusion
Correct Answers:
A, B, D, E
, 4
Rationale:
Lithium requires stable sodium and hydration levels to prevent toxicity.
NSAIDs can increase lithium levels. Signs of toxicity include tremor,
confusion, and GI upset. Weight gain, not loss, is a common side effect.
Question 4: Schizophrenia – Delusions
Case:
A client with schizophrenia believes the staff is part of a government
conspiracy.
Question:
What is the most appropriate nursing response?
A. “That’s not true.”
B. “Tell me more about the voices.”
C. “I understand you believe that. You are safe here.”
D. “Why do you think that’s happening?”
Correct Answer:
C. “I understand you believe that. You are safe here.”
