Mental Health ATI

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Sample questions from Mental Health ATI

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

1. 1.A client whose partner recently died says, "I do not know how I can go on." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

   • A."You will feel better with time."
   • B."What has been the hardest part of this for you?"
   • C."You should try to stay busy."
   • D."At least your partner is no longer suffering."

   Rationale: The open-ended question encourages the client to describe feelings and identifies concerns without imposing an interpretation. Reassurance, advice to stay busy, and focusing on the partner's suffering can minimize the client's grief. The exam takeaway is to use presence and open-ended exploration rather than premature reassurance or advice.

2. 2.A client says, "The voices say I am evil and deserve to die." Which response should the nurse make first?

   • A."The voices are not real, so try to ignore them."
   • B."Why do you think the voices are saying that?"
   • C."Are the voices telling you to hurt yourself or anyone else?"
   • D."I do not hear voices, but I understand that you do."

   Rationale: The nurse first assesses whether hallucinations include commands to harm the client or others, because this determines immediate safety needs. Telling the client the voices are not real may be dismissive, and asking why can increase focus on the delusion. The last response is reality based and nonconfrontational, but it does not assess immediate danger.

3. 3.A client with major depressive disorder says, "My family would be better off without me." What is the nurse's priority response?

   • A."You have a lot to live for."
   • B."Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
   • C."Your family needs you."
   • D."Let's talk about some positive things in your life."

   Rationale: Directly asking about suicide does not cause suicidal behavior and is necessary to assess immediate risk. Reassurance, appeals to family, and redirecting to positive topics can shut down disclosure and do not establish the client's intent or plan. The exam takeaway is to ask plainly about suicide when a client makes a concerning statement.

4. 4.A client tells the nurse, "I have a plan to take all my pills tonight, and I already saved them." Which intervention is the priority?

   • A.Ask the client to sign a no-harm contract.
   • B.Place the client on continuous observation and notify the treatment team.
   • C.Encourage the client to attend group therapy.
   • D.Ask the family to take the pills home after visiting.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A client in a manic episode is pacing, speaking rapidly, and interrupting others. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

   • A.Offer a quiet environment with simple, brief directions.
   • B.Encourage competitive group activities to use excess energy.
   • C.Ask the client to discuss childhood conflicts in detail.
   • D.Set several long-term goals with the client during this interaction.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.