ATI RN Mental Health Exam Prep
Here are 20 ATI-style RN Mental Health practice questions with correct
answers and concise rationales.
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. Discuss triggers for the panic attack
C. Stay with the client and speak calmly
D. Administer PRN medication immediately
Correct Answer: C. Stay with the client and speak calmly
Rationale: During a panic attack, the priority is safety and anxiety
reduction through calm presence and reassurance. Teaching and
discussion are ineffective until anxiety decreases.
2. A client with schizophrenia states, “The FBI is watching me through
the television.” Which response should the nurse make?
A. “That is not true.”
B. “Why do you think the FBI is watching you?”
C. “I understand you believe that, but I do not see evidence of it.”
D. “The television cannot watch people.”
Correct Answer: C. “I understand you believe that, but I do not see
evidence of it.”
Rationale: This response acknowledges the client’s feelings without
reinforcing the delusion.
, 3. A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which finding
should the nurse identify as a sign of lithium toxicity?
A. Mild thirst
B. Fine hand tremors
C. Weight gain
D. Severe diarrhea and confusion
Correct Answer: D. Severe diarrhea and confusion
Rationale: Toxic lithium levels can cause severe GI symptoms,
confusion, coarse tremors, and ataxia.
4. A client taking phenelzine should avoid which food?
A. Bananas
B. Aged cheese
C. Milk
D. Chicken
Correct Answer: B. Aged cheese
Rationale: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods and can cause
hypertensive crisis.
5. A nurse is assessing a client for alcohol withdrawal. Which finding
requires immediate attention?
A. Tremors
B. Anxiety
C. Seizures
D. Insomnia
Correct Answer: C. Seizures
Here are 20 ATI-style RN Mental Health practice questions with correct
answers and concise rationales.
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. Discuss triggers for the panic attack
C. Stay with the client and speak calmly
D. Administer PRN medication immediately
Correct Answer: C. Stay with the client and speak calmly
Rationale: During a panic attack, the priority is safety and anxiety
reduction through calm presence and reassurance. Teaching and
discussion are ineffective until anxiety decreases.
2. A client with schizophrenia states, “The FBI is watching me through
the television.” Which response should the nurse make?
A. “That is not true.”
B. “Why do you think the FBI is watching you?”
C. “I understand you believe that, but I do not see evidence of it.”
D. “The television cannot watch people.”
Correct Answer: C. “I understand you believe that, but I do not see
evidence of it.”
Rationale: This response acknowledges the client’s feelings without
reinforcing the delusion.
, 3. A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which finding
should the nurse identify as a sign of lithium toxicity?
A. Mild thirst
B. Fine hand tremors
C. Weight gain
D. Severe diarrhea and confusion
Correct Answer: D. Severe diarrhea and confusion
Rationale: Toxic lithium levels can cause severe GI symptoms,
confusion, coarse tremors, and ataxia.
4. A client taking phenelzine should avoid which food?
A. Bananas
B. Aged cheese
C. Milk
D. Chicken
Correct Answer: B. Aged cheese
Rationale: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods and can cause
hypertensive crisis.
5. A nurse is assessing a client for alcohol withdrawal. Which finding
requires immediate attention?
A. Tremors
B. Anxiety
C. Seizures
D. Insomnia
Correct Answer: C. Seizures
