CMN 552 Advanced Psychiatric Nursing –
Module 2 Study Guide | PMHNP Exam
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Question 1
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is conducting a Mental
Status Exam. Which component assesses abstract thinking?
A. Asking the patient to recall 3 objects
B. Asking the patient to interpret a proverb
C. Asking about mood
D. Assessing orientation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Interpreting proverbs evaluates abstract reasoning. Recall
tests memory, mood assesses affective state, and
orientation assesses awareness of person, place, time, and
situation.
Question 2
Which neurotransmitter imbalance is most associated with
major depressive disorder?
A. Increased dopamine
B. Decreased serotonin
,C. Increased acetylcholine
D. Decreased GABA
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Major depressive disorder is strongly linked to decreased
serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine activity, with
serotonin being the primary target of SSRIs.
Question 3
A patient prescribed sertraline reports agitation,
hyperreflexia, and fever. The nurse suspects:
A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Lithium toxicity
D. Anticholinergic toxicity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Serotonin syndrome presents with hyperthermia, agitation,
tremors, clonus, and hyperreflexia. It is a medical
emergency often caused by SSRI or serotonergic drug
interactions.
Question 4
Which defense mechanism is demonstrated when a patient
blames others for their own unacceptable thoughts?
A. Projection
B. Sublimation
C. Regression
D. Displacement
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable
feelings or thoughts to others.
Question 5
The first-line pharmacologic treatment for generalized
anxiety disorder is:
A. Benzodiazepines
B. SSRIs
C. Antipsychotics
D. Beta blockers
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
SSRIs are first-line for GAD due to safety and efficacy.
Benzodiazepines are used short-term due to dependence
risk.
Question 6
A patient with panic disorder is hyperventilating. The
priority intervention is:
A. Administer alprazolam immediately
B. Encourage slow, deep breathing
C. Leave patient alone
D. Begin psychotherapy session
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Guided breathing reduces respiratory alkalosis and panic
Module 2 Study Guide | PMHNP Exam
Prep|100% Verified|Newest version|Brand
New!!!
Question 1
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is conducting a Mental
Status Exam. Which component assesses abstract thinking?
A. Asking the patient to recall 3 objects
B. Asking the patient to interpret a proverb
C. Asking about mood
D. Assessing orientation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Interpreting proverbs evaluates abstract reasoning. Recall
tests memory, mood assesses affective state, and
orientation assesses awareness of person, place, time, and
situation.
Question 2
Which neurotransmitter imbalance is most associated with
major depressive disorder?
A. Increased dopamine
B. Decreased serotonin
,C. Increased acetylcholine
D. Decreased GABA
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Major depressive disorder is strongly linked to decreased
serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine activity, with
serotonin being the primary target of SSRIs.
Question 3
A patient prescribed sertraline reports agitation,
hyperreflexia, and fever. The nurse suspects:
A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Lithium toxicity
D. Anticholinergic toxicity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Serotonin syndrome presents with hyperthermia, agitation,
tremors, clonus, and hyperreflexia. It is a medical
emergency often caused by SSRI or serotonergic drug
interactions.
Question 4
Which defense mechanism is demonstrated when a patient
blames others for their own unacceptable thoughts?
A. Projection
B. Sublimation
C. Regression
D. Displacement
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable
feelings or thoughts to others.
Question 5
The first-line pharmacologic treatment for generalized
anxiety disorder is:
A. Benzodiazepines
B. SSRIs
C. Antipsychotics
D. Beta blockers
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
SSRIs are first-line for GAD due to safety and efficacy.
Benzodiazepines are used short-term due to dependence
risk.
Question 6
A patient with panic disorder is hyperventilating. The
priority intervention is:
A. Administer alprazolam immediately
B. Encourage slow, deep breathing
C. Leave patient alone
D. Begin psychotherapy session
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Guided breathing reduces respiratory alkalosis and panic
