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ATI RN Mental Health Proctored Exam 2025–2026 |
100+ NGN-Style Questions with Detailed Rationales | A+
NCLEX Prep Guide
Question 1:
A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder (MDD) who has been
hospitalized following a suicide attempt. The client states, “It was a mistake. I’m not
even worth saving.” Which nursing intervention is most appropriate at this time?
A. Encourage the client to focus on positive affirmations and future plans
B. Sit silently with the client and offer presence without forcing conversation
C. Provide the client with reading materials on depression and recovery
D. Challenge the client’s statements by pointing out their progress
E. Avoid emotional topics to prevent further agitation
, 2
Correct Answer: B. Sit silently with the client and offer presence without forcing
conversation
Rationale: In early stages of depression or post-suicidal ideation, clients often need
therapeutic presence rather than verbal encouragement. Offering silent presence shows
empathy and establishes trust without overwhelming the client. Forcing positive thinking
or challenging beliefs too early can backfire. (ATI Mental Health Review Module, 10.0)
Question 2:
A client diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, “The voices are telling me to harm
the doctor.” What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Administer the prescribed PRN antipsychotic immediately
B. Ask the client what the voices are saying and assess for intent
C. Inform the client the voices are not real
D. Distract the client with an activity like drawing
E. Leave the room to report to the provider immediately
Correct Answer: B. Ask the client what the voices are saying and assess for intent
Rationale: The nurse must first assess the content, intent, and immediacy of command
hallucinations to determine risk of harm to self or others. This is essential to determine
safety and appropriate response. Administering medication or distraction may be
appropriate later but not before assessing danger. (ATI Mental Health, Chapter 15)
, 3
Question 3:
A nurse is planning care for a client with bipolar I disorder who is in the manic phase.
Which of the following interventions is most effective?
A. Encourage group therapy participation to reduce isolation
B. Assign tasks that require concentration to improve focus
C. Offer high-calorie finger foods throughout the day
D. Allow the client to sleep during the day to preserve energy
E. Encourage verbal expression of feelings in long conversations
Correct Answer: C. Offer high-calorie finger foods throughout the day
Rationale: Clients in manic episodes often have increased physical activity and
decreased ability to sit for meals. High-calorie, portable finger foods meet nutritional
needs without requiring extended sitting. Long conversations, group activities, or focus-
based tasks may be overstimulating or impractical. (ATI Mental Health, Chapter 14)
Question 4:
A nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder
(GAD). Which statement by the client indicates effective use of cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) techniques?
A. “I try to avoid anything that makes me anxious.”
B. “I remind myself that my thoughts aren’t always facts.”
C. “I take deep breaths only when I start to panic.”
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D. “I depend on medication to calm me down.”
E. “I just distract myself with work until the feeling passes.”
Correct Answer: B. “I remind myself that my thoughts aren’t always facts.”
Rationale: CBT helps clients identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns.
Recognizing that thoughts may not reflect reality is a key therapeutic insight. Avoidance,
over-reliance on medication, or distraction without cognitive reappraisal are not core
CBT strategies. (ATI Mental Health, Chapter 11)
Question 5:
A client with borderline personality disorder becomes agitated and demands to see a
specific nurse, refusing care from others. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Assign the client’s preferred nurse to reduce agitation
B. Set consistent boundaries and explain staff rotation
C. Encourage the client to write down their feelings
D. Allow the client to wait for their preferred nurse
E. Redirect the conversation to non-threatening topics
Correct Answer: B. Set consistent boundaries and explain staff rotation
Rationale: Clients with borderline personality disorder may exhibit splitting and
manipulative behavior. Setting firm, consistent boundaries with clear explanations helps
reduce manipulation and promote therapeutic structure. Avoiding confrontation or giving
in can reinforce maladaptive patterns. (ATI Mental Health, Chapter 16)
ATI RN Mental Health Proctored Exam 2025–2026 |
100+ NGN-Style Questions with Detailed Rationales | A+
NCLEX Prep Guide
Question 1:
A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder (MDD) who has been
hospitalized following a suicide attempt. The client states, “It was a mistake. I’m not
even worth saving.” Which nursing intervention is most appropriate at this time?
A. Encourage the client to focus on positive affirmations and future plans
B. Sit silently with the client and offer presence without forcing conversation
C. Provide the client with reading materials on depression and recovery
D. Challenge the client’s statements by pointing out their progress
E. Avoid emotional topics to prevent further agitation
, 2
Correct Answer: B. Sit silently with the client and offer presence without forcing
conversation
Rationale: In early stages of depression or post-suicidal ideation, clients often need
therapeutic presence rather than verbal encouragement. Offering silent presence shows
empathy and establishes trust without overwhelming the client. Forcing positive thinking
or challenging beliefs too early can backfire. (ATI Mental Health Review Module, 10.0)
Question 2:
A client diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, “The voices are telling me to harm
the doctor.” What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Administer the prescribed PRN antipsychotic immediately
B. Ask the client what the voices are saying and assess for intent
C. Inform the client the voices are not real
D. Distract the client with an activity like drawing
E. Leave the room to report to the provider immediately
Correct Answer: B. Ask the client what the voices are saying and assess for intent
Rationale: The nurse must first assess the content, intent, and immediacy of command
hallucinations to determine risk of harm to self or others. This is essential to determine
safety and appropriate response. Administering medication or distraction may be
appropriate later but not before assessing danger. (ATI Mental Health, Chapter 15)
, 3
Question 3:
A nurse is planning care for a client with bipolar I disorder who is in the manic phase.
Which of the following interventions is most effective?
A. Encourage group therapy participation to reduce isolation
B. Assign tasks that require concentration to improve focus
C. Offer high-calorie finger foods throughout the day
D. Allow the client to sleep during the day to preserve energy
E. Encourage verbal expression of feelings in long conversations
Correct Answer: C. Offer high-calorie finger foods throughout the day
Rationale: Clients in manic episodes often have increased physical activity and
decreased ability to sit for meals. High-calorie, portable finger foods meet nutritional
needs without requiring extended sitting. Long conversations, group activities, or focus-
based tasks may be overstimulating or impractical. (ATI Mental Health, Chapter 14)
Question 4:
A nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder
(GAD). Which statement by the client indicates effective use of cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) techniques?
A. “I try to avoid anything that makes me anxious.”
B. “I remind myself that my thoughts aren’t always facts.”
C. “I take deep breaths only when I start to panic.”
, 4
D. “I depend on medication to calm me down.”
E. “I just distract myself with work until the feeling passes.”
Correct Answer: B. “I remind myself that my thoughts aren’t always facts.”
Rationale: CBT helps clients identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns.
Recognizing that thoughts may not reflect reality is a key therapeutic insight. Avoidance,
over-reliance on medication, or distraction without cognitive reappraisal are not core
CBT strategies. (ATI Mental Health, Chapter 11)
Question 5:
A client with borderline personality disorder becomes agitated and demands to see a
specific nurse, refusing care from others. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Assign the client’s preferred nurse to reduce agitation
B. Set consistent boundaries and explain staff rotation
C. Encourage the client to write down their feelings
D. Allow the client to wait for their preferred nurse
E. Redirect the conversation to non-threatening topics
Correct Answer: B. Set consistent boundaries and explain staff rotation
Rationale: Clients with borderline personality disorder may exhibit splitting and
manipulative behavior. Setting firm, consistent boundaries with clear explanations helps
reduce manipulation and promote therapeutic structure. Avoiding confrontation or giving
in can reinforce maladaptive patterns. (ATI Mental Health, Chapter 16)
