PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN STATE
BOARD REVIEW | 150 QUESTIONS | WITH
ANSWERS RATED 100% CORRECT!!
SECTION 1: MENTAL HEALTH & MENTAL ILLNESS (Q1–Q25)
Q1: A patient tells the psychiatric technician, "I'm worthless. There's no point in
going on." What is the technician's priority response?
A. "You have so much to live for. Think about your family."
B. "Let's focus on your strengths instead of these negative thoughts."
C. "Are you having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life?" [CORRECT]
D. "Everyone feels down sometimes. This will pass."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because direct assessment of suicidal ideation is the priority
safety intervention when a patient expresses hopelessness or worthlessness,
matching state board suicide protocol standards.
Q2: A patient experiencing acute mania is pacing rapidly, talking constantly, and not
eating. Which intervention should the technician implement first?
A. Offer high-calorie finger foods the patient can eat while moving
B. Place the patient in seclusion until manic episode subsides
C. Reduce environmental stimulation by decreasing noise and activity [CORRECT]
D. Assign the patient to lead a unit discussion group
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because reducing environmental stimulation is the priority
intervention for acute mania to prevent escalation and decrease sensory overload,
matching board standard de-escalation hierarchy.
Q3: Which extrapyramidal symptom (EPS) is characterized by acute, involuntary
muscle contractions including oculogyric crisis and torticollis?
A. Akathisia
B. Tardive dyskinesia
,C. Dystonia [CORRECT]
D. Pseudoparkinsonism
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because acute dystonia presents with sustained muscle spasms of
the eyes (oculogyric crisis), neck (torticollis), and tongue, typically occurring within
hours to days of starting antipsychotic medication.
Q4: A patient with schizophrenia tells the technician, "The FBI planted listening
devices in my teeth." This statement is an example of which type of delusion?
A. Somatic delusion
B. Grandiose delusion
C. Persecutory delusion [CORRECT]
D. Referential delusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because persecutory delusions involve beliefs of being targeted,
spied on, or conspired against, which matches the patient's statement about
government surveillance.
Q5: A patient is ordered haloperidol 5 mg IM for agitation. The available vial contains
10 mg per 2 mL. How many mL should the technician draw up?
A. 0.5 mL
B. 1 mL [CORRECT]
C. 1.5 mL
D. 2 mL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because using ratio proportion: 10 mg/2 mL = 5 mg/x mL → cross
multiply → 10x = 10 → x = 1 mL.
Q6: Which benzodiazepine has the longest half-life and highest risk for accumulation
in elderly patients?
A. Lorazepam (Ativan)
B. Alprazolam (Xanax)
,C. Diazepam (Valium) [CORRECT]
D. Oxazepam (Serax)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because diazepam has active metabolites and a half-life up to 100
hours, significantly longer than other benzodiazepines listed, increasing fall risk and
sedation in elderly.
Q7: A patient with bipolar disorder taking lithium carbonate has a serum level of 1.9
mEq/L. The patient reports nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and blurred vision. The
technician should anticipate which action?
A. Administer next scheduled lithium dose as ordered
B. Hold lithium and notify the RN of possible toxicity [CORRECT]
C. Encourage oral fluids to dilute lithium level
D. Give antiemetic and continue current dose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because lithium toxicity occurs at levels above 1.5 mEq/L with
symptoms including GI distress and neurological effects; treatment requires holding
the medication and medical evaluation.
Q8: A patient with borderline personality disorder tells the technician, "You're the
only one who understands me" and an hour later screams, "You're just like everyone
else who abandons me." This pattern best describes which defense mechanism?
A. Projection
B. Splitting [CORRECT]
C. Dissociation
D. Reaction formation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because splitting is the inability to integrate positive and negative
aspects of self or others, resulting in alternating idealization and devaluation,
characteristic of borderline personality disorder.
Q9: Which statement by a patient with alcohol use disorder indicates a genuine
commitment to recovery?
, A. "I'm only here because my wife said she'd leave me."
B. "I'll stop drinking once I get my job back."
C. "I know I can't control my drinking, so I'm going to AA every day." [CORRECT]
D. "My doctor says my liver enzymes are too high."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because accepting loss of control and committing to a structured
recovery program demonstrates insight and behavior change, key indicators of
genuine motivation.
Q10: A patient on clozapine (Clozaril) reports sore throat, fever, and lethargy. The
technician should recognize these as potential signs of which life-threatening
condition?
A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Agranulocytosis [CORRECT]
D. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because clozapine carries a black box warning for
agranulocytosis; fever, sore throat, and malaise are early signs of neutropenia
requiring immediate blood draw.
Q11: During a one-to-one observation, a patient with severe depression suddenly
becomes cheerful, energetic, and states, "Everything is finally perfect." The
technician's priority action is to:
A. Allow the patient increased privileges for improved mood
B. Document the therapeutic breakthrough in the chart
C. Increase observation due to possible suicide risk [CORRECT]
D. Discontinue suicide precautions as patient is improving
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because sudden mood improvement in severely depressed
patients may indicate the patient has made a suicide decision and feels relief,
requiring continued observation.
BOARD REVIEW | 150 QUESTIONS | WITH
ANSWERS RATED 100% CORRECT!!
SECTION 1: MENTAL HEALTH & MENTAL ILLNESS (Q1–Q25)
Q1: A patient tells the psychiatric technician, "I'm worthless. There's no point in
going on." What is the technician's priority response?
A. "You have so much to live for. Think about your family."
B. "Let's focus on your strengths instead of these negative thoughts."
C. "Are you having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life?" [CORRECT]
D. "Everyone feels down sometimes. This will pass."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because direct assessment of suicidal ideation is the priority
safety intervention when a patient expresses hopelessness or worthlessness,
matching state board suicide protocol standards.
Q2: A patient experiencing acute mania is pacing rapidly, talking constantly, and not
eating. Which intervention should the technician implement first?
A. Offer high-calorie finger foods the patient can eat while moving
B. Place the patient in seclusion until manic episode subsides
C. Reduce environmental stimulation by decreasing noise and activity [CORRECT]
D. Assign the patient to lead a unit discussion group
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because reducing environmental stimulation is the priority
intervention for acute mania to prevent escalation and decrease sensory overload,
matching board standard de-escalation hierarchy.
Q3: Which extrapyramidal symptom (EPS) is characterized by acute, involuntary
muscle contractions including oculogyric crisis and torticollis?
A. Akathisia
B. Tardive dyskinesia
,C. Dystonia [CORRECT]
D. Pseudoparkinsonism
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because acute dystonia presents with sustained muscle spasms of
the eyes (oculogyric crisis), neck (torticollis), and tongue, typically occurring within
hours to days of starting antipsychotic medication.
Q4: A patient with schizophrenia tells the technician, "The FBI planted listening
devices in my teeth." This statement is an example of which type of delusion?
A. Somatic delusion
B. Grandiose delusion
C. Persecutory delusion [CORRECT]
D. Referential delusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because persecutory delusions involve beliefs of being targeted,
spied on, or conspired against, which matches the patient's statement about
government surveillance.
Q5: A patient is ordered haloperidol 5 mg IM for agitation. The available vial contains
10 mg per 2 mL. How many mL should the technician draw up?
A. 0.5 mL
B. 1 mL [CORRECT]
C. 1.5 mL
D. 2 mL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because using ratio proportion: 10 mg/2 mL = 5 mg/x mL → cross
multiply → 10x = 10 → x = 1 mL.
Q6: Which benzodiazepine has the longest half-life and highest risk for accumulation
in elderly patients?
A. Lorazepam (Ativan)
B. Alprazolam (Xanax)
,C. Diazepam (Valium) [CORRECT]
D. Oxazepam (Serax)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because diazepam has active metabolites and a half-life up to 100
hours, significantly longer than other benzodiazepines listed, increasing fall risk and
sedation in elderly.
Q7: A patient with bipolar disorder taking lithium carbonate has a serum level of 1.9
mEq/L. The patient reports nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and blurred vision. The
technician should anticipate which action?
A. Administer next scheduled lithium dose as ordered
B. Hold lithium and notify the RN of possible toxicity [CORRECT]
C. Encourage oral fluids to dilute lithium level
D. Give antiemetic and continue current dose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because lithium toxicity occurs at levels above 1.5 mEq/L with
symptoms including GI distress and neurological effects; treatment requires holding
the medication and medical evaluation.
Q8: A patient with borderline personality disorder tells the technician, "You're the
only one who understands me" and an hour later screams, "You're just like everyone
else who abandons me." This pattern best describes which defense mechanism?
A. Projection
B. Splitting [CORRECT]
C. Dissociation
D. Reaction formation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because splitting is the inability to integrate positive and negative
aspects of self or others, resulting in alternating idealization and devaluation,
characteristic of borderline personality disorder.
Q9: Which statement by a patient with alcohol use disorder indicates a genuine
commitment to recovery?
, A. "I'm only here because my wife said she'd leave me."
B. "I'll stop drinking once I get my job back."
C. "I know I can't control my drinking, so I'm going to AA every day." [CORRECT]
D. "My doctor says my liver enzymes are too high."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because accepting loss of control and committing to a structured
recovery program demonstrates insight and behavior change, key indicators of
genuine motivation.
Q10: A patient on clozapine (Clozaril) reports sore throat, fever, and lethargy. The
technician should recognize these as potential signs of which life-threatening
condition?
A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Agranulocytosis [CORRECT]
D. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because clozapine carries a black box warning for
agranulocytosis; fever, sore throat, and malaise are early signs of neutropenia
requiring immediate blood draw.
Q11: During a one-to-one observation, a patient with severe depression suddenly
becomes cheerful, energetic, and states, "Everything is finally perfect." The
technician's priority action is to:
A. Allow the patient increased privileges for improved mood
B. Document the therapeutic breakthrough in the chart
C. Increase observation due to possible suicide risk [CORRECT]
D. Discontinue suicide precautions as patient is improving
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because sudden mood improvement in severely depressed
patients may indicate the patient has made a suicide decision and feels relief,
requiring continued observation.
