ATI Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions

When it comes to preparing for the ATI Mental Health Nursing exam, practice is key. The exam covers a range of topics from therapeutic communication to mental status exams. It’s important to approach each question thoughtfully and stay prepared.

One way to ensure you’re on track is by using Ulosca’s study materials, which offer helpful practice questions and explanations designed to boost your confidence and mental health nursing knowledge.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the material, don’t worry—Ulosca has your back. With tailored practice questions and feedback, you can focus on the areas you need most. Regularly working through these practice questions will help you reinforce what you’ve learned and make sure you’re ready for the exam.

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ATI Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions & Answers

Here are some practice questions to help you get ready for your ATI Mental Health Nursing exam. Remember, these practice questions are designed to help you understand key concepts and build your confidence. Take your time and read through each question carefully!

Question 1:
A charge nurse is discussing mental status examinations with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching? (select all that apply.)

A. “To assess cognitive ability, I should ask the client to count backward by seven.”
B. “To assess the effect, I should observe the client’s facial expression.”
C. “To assess language ability, I should instruct the client to write a sentence.”
D. “To assess remote memory, I should have the client repeat a list of objects.”
E. “To assess the client’s abstract thinking, I should ask the client to identify our most recent presidents.”

Answer:
A. “To assess cognitive ability, I should ask the client to count backward by seven.”
B. “To assess the effect, I should observe the client’s facial expression.”
Explanation:
Cognitive ability is assessed through tasks like counting backward, while affect is observed through the client’s facial expression. The other options do not appropriately assess the cognitive or abstract thinking of the client.

Question 2:
A nurse is told during a change-of-shift report that a client is stuporous. When assessing the client, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. The client arouses briefly in response to a sternal rub.
B. The client has a Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 7.
C. The client exhibits decorticate rigidity.
D. The client is alert but disoriented to time and place.

Answer:
A. The client arouses briefly in response to a sternal rub.
Explanation:
A stuporous client is in a state of altered consciousness and will respond to a stimulus like a sternal rub, but only briefly. Other options describe different levels of consciousness or posturing.

Question 3:
A nurse is planning a peer group discussion about the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Which of the following information is appropriate to include in the discussion? (select all that apply.)

A. The DSM-5 includes client education handouts for mental health disorders.
B. The DSM-5 establishes diagnostic criteria for individual mental health disorders.
C. The DSM-5 indicates recommended pharmacological treatment for mental health disorders.
D. The DSM-5 assists nurses in planning care for clients who have mental health disorders.
E. The DSM-5 indicates expected assessment findings of mental health disorders.

Answer:
B. The DSM-5 establishes diagnostic criteria for individual mental health disorders.
D. The DSM-5 assists nurses in planning care for clients who have mental health disorders.
Explanation:
The DSM-5 is primarily used for diagnosing mental health disorders and guiding care planning. It doesn’t provide client education handouts or specific treatment recommendations.

Question 4:
A nurse in an emergency mental health facility is caring for a group of clients. The nurse should identify which of the following clients requires a temporary emergency admission?

A. A client who has schizophrenia with delusions of grandeur
B. A client who has manifestations of depression and attempted suicide a year ago
C. A client who has borderline personality disorder and assaulted a homeless man with a metal rod
D. A client who has bipolar disorder and paces quickly around the room while talking to himself

Answer:
C. A client who has borderline personality disorder and assaulted a homeless man with a metal rod
Explanation:
This client poses an immediate threat to themselves and others, requiring a temporary emergency admission to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Question 5:
A client tells a nurse, “Don’t tell anyone, but I hid a sharp knife under my mattress in order to protect myself from my roommate, who is always yelling at me and threatening me.” Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Keep the client’s communication confidential, but talk to the client daily, using therapeutic communication to convince him to admit to hiding the knife.
B. Keep the client’s communication confidential, but watch the client and his roommate closely.
C. Tell the client that this must be reported to the health care team because it concerns the health and safety of the client and others.
D. Report the incident to the health care team, but do not inform the client of the intention to do so.

Answer:
C. Tell the client that this must be reported to the health care team because it concerns the health and safety of the client and others.
Explanation:
The nurse must prioritize the safety of the client and others by reporting the issue. Confidentiality must be breached when safety is at risk.

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ATI Mental Health Nursing Practice Sample Questions and Answers

Below are more practice questions designed to help you prepare for your ATI Mental Health Nursing exam. These questions cover various aspects of mental health nursing and will help you get a better idea of what to expect.

Sample Question 1

A nurse is communicating with a client who was just admitted for treatment of a substance use disorder. Which of the following communication techniques should the nurse identify as a barrier to therapeutic communication?

A. Offering advice
B. Reflecting
C. Listening attentively
D. Giving information

Answer:
A. Offering advice
Explanation:
Offering advice can block open communication and create a power imbalance. Listening attentively and reflecting on the client’s words fosters therapeutic communication.

Sample Question 2

A charge nurse is conducting a class on therapeutic communication to a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following aspects of communication should the nurse identify as a component of verbal communication?

A. Personal space
B. Posture
C. Eye contact
D. Intonation

Answer:
D. Intonation
Explanation:
Intonation refers to the tone or pitch of voice and is a key part of verbal communication. Personal space, posture, and eye contact are non-verbal communication techniques.

Sample Question 3

A nurse is planning care for a client who has a history of aggression. Which of the following is the most appropriate intervention?

A. Place the client in a private room with a locked door.
B. Administer medication as prescribed.
C. Use therapeutic communication to establish trust.
D. Allow the client to have unrestricted access to their personal items.

Answer:
C. Use therapeutic communication to establish trust.
Explanation:
Building trust through communication is crucial in de-escalating aggression. Restricting personal items or using medication may be appropriate in certain situations, but communication is the most effective first step.

Sample Question 4

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia. The client states, “The voices in my head are telling me to harm myself.” Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

A. “You don’t have any voices in your head.”
B. “Tell me more about what the voices are saying.”
C. “You need to stop listening to the voices.”
D. “I understand you’re hearing voices, but harming yourself is not the answer.”

Answer:
B. “Tell me more about what the voices are saying.”
Explanation:
The nurse should encourage the client to talk about the voices, as this can provide more insight into the client’s condition. Acknowledge the experience and ensure the client feels heard, while also addressing the potential for self-harm.

Sample Question 5

A nurse is assessing a client who is exhibiting manic behavior. Which of the following would be an appropriate nursing intervention for this client?

A. Encourage the client to engage in physical activities to release excess energy.
B. Provide a quiet, non-stimulating environment to help the client focus.
C. Encourage the client to make decisions independently without guidance.
D. Allow the client to engage in stimulating activities to prevent boredom.

Answer:
B. Provide a quiet, non-stimulating environment to help the client focus.
Explanation:
Clients experiencing mania often need a calm environment to help manage overstimulation. Reducing external stimuli and offering a quiet space can help with focus and emotional regulation.

Sample Question 6

A nurse is caring for a client with depression who has recently started taking an antidepressant. Which of the following is a priority for the nurse to monitor during the first few weeks of treatment?

A. The client’s appetite and weight gain
B. The client’s suicidal thoughts and behaviors
C. The client’s energy levels and sleep patterns
D. The client’s ability to concentrate and engage in therapy

Answer:
B. The client’s suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Explanation:
During the initial weeks of antidepressant therapy, there is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Monitoring for these changes is a priority to ensure the client’s safety.

Sample Question 7

A nurse is talking to a client who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The client states, “I can’t stop reliving the traumatic event.” Which of the following strategies should the nurse use to help the client cope with these flashbacks?

A. Encourage the client to avoid thinking about the traumatic event.
B. Teach the client relaxation techniques and grounding exercises.
C. Suggest the client talk about the traumatic event as much as possible.
D. Tell the client to ignore the flashbacks and focus on something else.

Answer:
B. Teach the client relaxation techniques and grounding exercises.
Explanation:
Grounding exercises and relaxation techniques can help the client stay present in the moment and reduce the intensity of flashbacks, which are common in PTSD.

Sample Question 8

A nurse is caring for a client with a substance use disorder who is undergoing detoxification. The nurse observes the client is experiencing tremors, sweating, and agitation. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

A. Administer medication as prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms.
B. Encourage the client to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
C. Allow the client to sleep to avoid exacerbating withdrawal symptoms.
D. Reassure the client that detoxification is a natural process and will pass soon.

Answer:
A. Administer medication as prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Explanation:
Medications, such as benzodiazepines or other prescribed medications, are commonly used to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications during detoxification.

Sample Question 9

A nurse is working with a client who has a history of self-harm and is currently in crisis. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

A. Encourage the client to talk about their feelings of guilt.
B. Create a safe environment by removing harmful objects.
C. Help the client explore their past trauma in-depth.
D. Focus on building a long-term therapeutic relationship.

Answer:
B. Create a safe environment by removing harmful objects.
Explanation:
The priority intervention in a crisis situation is ensuring the client’s immediate safety. Removing harmful objects reduces the risk of self-harm while the nurse assesses the client’s emotional needs.

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ATI Mental Health Nursing Practice – Conclusion

Preparing for the ATI Mental Health Nursing exam can feel daunting, but with the right tools and consistent practice, you’ll be well on your way to success. Remember, mental health nursing requires not only understanding theory but also the application of therapeutic techniques in real-world scenarios.

Ulosca provides practice questions, quizzes, and study tools designed to help you feel confident and prepared for the exam.

By utilizing Ulosca’s resources, you can focus on the areas where you need the most improvement and reinforce your knowledge where it matters most.

Start practicing today, and soon you’ll be walking into your ATI exam with the confidence and skills you need to pass with flying colors.