ATI PN Mental Health Proctored 2026 Retake

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Sample questions from ATI PN Mental Health Proctored 2026 Retake

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.During a home visit, a client whose partner recently died says, "I should be over this by now." Which response by the practical nurse is therapeutic?

   • A."Many people feel better after they start a new activity."
   • B."It sounds like you are concerned about how long your grief is lasting."
   • C."You need to give yourself more time to grieve."
   • D."What makes you think you should be over it?"

   Rationale: Reflecting the client's concern acknowledges the feeling and invites the client to continue talking without imposing an expectation. Advising the client to give grief more time, questioning the client's wording, and suggesting an activity shift attention away from the client's experience or offer unsolicited advice. A therapeutic response uses reflection and open exploration rather than reassurance or problem solving.

2. 2.In an outpatient clinic, a client with anxiety is speaking rapidly and wringing their hands. Which initial response should the practical nurse make?

   • A."There is nothing to worry about while you are here."
   • B."Take a deep breath and tell me everything that happened."
   • C."You seem tense. Let's sit in a quiet area, and you can tell me what is troubling you."
   • D."Why are you so anxious today?"

   Rationale: Noticing the client's behavior and offering a quieter setting uses observation and reduces stimulation while inviting the client to share at their own pace. Asking why can sound accusatory, and demanding a full account may overwhelm a highly anxious client. Telling the client there is nothing to worry about provides false reassurance and does not explore the concern.

3. 3.At change of shift, a client says, "The television is sending me warnings through the news." Which response should the practical nurse make?

   • A."The news is probably referring to someone else, not you."
   • B."That is impossible; the television cannot send you messages."
   • C."You should turn off the television and stop thinking about it."
   • D."What do you mean by warnings? I do not hear messages, but I can see that this is frightening for you."

   Rationale: The response presents reality without arguing and acknowledges the client's fear, which maintains rapport while avoiding reinforcement of the delusion. Flatly denying or debating the belief can increase defensiveness, and directing the client to stop thinking about it is dismissive. Suggesting that the news refers to someone else still engages with and may reinforce the delusional interpretation.

4. 4.A parent of a 6-year-old receiving inpatient treatment for anxiety asks, "Should I tell my child there is nothing to be afraid of?" Which response is best?

   • A."Try saying, 'I can see that you are scared. Tell me what feels frightening.'"
   • B."Yes, reassurance will help your child stop worrying."
   • C."Tell your child that being afraid is not appropriate in the hospital."
   • D."Do not discuss the fear because that may make it worse."

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.Refer to the client's chart. Which actions should the practical nurse take while communicating with the client? Select all that apply.

   • A.Touch the client unexpectedly to gain attention.
   • B.Use short, concrete statements and allow time for the client to respond.
   • C.Acknowledge the client's fear without agreeing that the perceived threat is real.
   • D.Ask several questions in quick succession to obtain a complete history.
   • E.Remain at a respectful distance and keep the exit route unobstructed.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.