NRNP 547 WEEKS 5–8 MENTAL HEALTH EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
. Mood disorders
. Anxiety disorders
. Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
. Psychopharmacology
. Suicide risk assessment
. Therapeutic communication
. Legal and ethical standards
. Differential diagnosis
. Crisis intervention
. Evidence-based treatment planning
, Introduction
This exam review is designed to strengthen clinical judgment in psychiatric-mental health care through
multiple-choice and scenario-based questions. It assesses foundational theory, diagnostic reasoning,
medication selection, safety priorities, therapeutic communication, and real-world treatment decisions. The
questions emphasize application of knowledge in patient encounters, not just memorization, so learners can
practice choosing the safest and most appropriate intervention. The format reflects the kinds of decisions
expected in advanced nursing and psychiatric practice settings, where accurate assessment and evidence-based
intervention are essential.
Section One: Questions 1–100
. A patient reports depressed mood, loss of interest, insomnia, and fatigue for the past 3 weeks. Which diagnosis
best fits these findings?
A. Persistent depressive disorder
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Cyclothymic disorder
D. Bipolar I disorder
🟢 Correct answer: B. Major depressive disorder
🔴 RATIONALE: Major depressive disorder is characterized by at least 2 weeks of depressed mood or loss of
interest plus associated symptoms such as sleep disturbance and fatigue.
. Which symptom is most suggestive of a manic episode?
A. Increased need for sleep
B. Psychomotor retardation
C. Grandiosity
D. Excessive guilt
, 🟢 Correct answer: C. Grandiosity
🔴 RATIONALE: Grandiosity is a classic manic symptom and reflects inflated self-esteem or unrealistic
confidence.
. A patient with panic disorder asks what first-line long-term medication is commonly used. Which response is
best?
A. SSRI
B. Benzodiazepine only
C. Stimulant
D. Antipsychotic monotherapy
🟢 Correct answer: A. SSRI
🔴 RATIONALE: SSRIs are commonly first-line for panic disorder because they reduce panic frequency and are
suitable for maintenance treatment.
. Which finding is most concerning for suicide risk?
A. The patient says, “I feel sad.”
B. The patient has a detailed plan and access to lethal means.
C. The patient reports poor appetite.
D. The patient is tearful during the interview.
🟢 Correct answer: B. The patient has a detailed plan and access to lethal means.
🔴 RATIONALE: A specific plan plus access to means significantly increases immediate suicide risk and
requires urgent intervention.
. A patient taking lithium should be taught to do which of the following?
, A. Restrict fluid intake
B. Maintain consistent sodium intake
C. Double the dose if a dose is missed
D. Avoid all exercise
🟢 Correct answer: B. Maintain consistent sodium intake
🔴 RATIONALE: Stable sodium and fluid intake help prevent lithium toxicity and keep serum levels
predictable.
. Which medication class is commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder?
A. SSRIs
B. Loop diuretics
C. Antivirals
D. Beta-lactam antibiotics
🟢 Correct answer: A. SSRIs
🔴 RATIONALE: SSRIs are widely used for generalized anxiety disorder because they reduce baseline anxiety
over time and are evidence-based.
. A patient re-experiences a traumatic event through flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, and nightmares for 2
months after an assault. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Acute stress disorder
B. PTSD
C. Adjustment disorder
D. Somatic symptom disorder
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
. Mood disorders
. Anxiety disorders
. Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
. Psychopharmacology
. Suicide risk assessment
. Therapeutic communication
. Legal and ethical standards
. Differential diagnosis
. Crisis intervention
. Evidence-based treatment planning
, Introduction
This exam review is designed to strengthen clinical judgment in psychiatric-mental health care through
multiple-choice and scenario-based questions. It assesses foundational theory, diagnostic reasoning,
medication selection, safety priorities, therapeutic communication, and real-world treatment decisions. The
questions emphasize application of knowledge in patient encounters, not just memorization, so learners can
practice choosing the safest and most appropriate intervention. The format reflects the kinds of decisions
expected in advanced nursing and psychiatric practice settings, where accurate assessment and evidence-based
intervention are essential.
Section One: Questions 1–100
. A patient reports depressed mood, loss of interest, insomnia, and fatigue for the past 3 weeks. Which diagnosis
best fits these findings?
A. Persistent depressive disorder
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Cyclothymic disorder
D. Bipolar I disorder
🟢 Correct answer: B. Major depressive disorder
🔴 RATIONALE: Major depressive disorder is characterized by at least 2 weeks of depressed mood or loss of
interest plus associated symptoms such as sleep disturbance and fatigue.
. Which symptom is most suggestive of a manic episode?
A. Increased need for sleep
B. Psychomotor retardation
C. Grandiosity
D. Excessive guilt
, 🟢 Correct answer: C. Grandiosity
🔴 RATIONALE: Grandiosity is a classic manic symptom and reflects inflated self-esteem or unrealistic
confidence.
. A patient with panic disorder asks what first-line long-term medication is commonly used. Which response is
best?
A. SSRI
B. Benzodiazepine only
C. Stimulant
D. Antipsychotic monotherapy
🟢 Correct answer: A. SSRI
🔴 RATIONALE: SSRIs are commonly first-line for panic disorder because they reduce panic frequency and are
suitable for maintenance treatment.
. Which finding is most concerning for suicide risk?
A. The patient says, “I feel sad.”
B. The patient has a detailed plan and access to lethal means.
C. The patient reports poor appetite.
D. The patient is tearful during the interview.
🟢 Correct answer: B. The patient has a detailed plan and access to lethal means.
🔴 RATIONALE: A specific plan plus access to means significantly increases immediate suicide risk and
requires urgent intervention.
. A patient taking lithium should be taught to do which of the following?
, A. Restrict fluid intake
B. Maintain consistent sodium intake
C. Double the dose if a dose is missed
D. Avoid all exercise
🟢 Correct answer: B. Maintain consistent sodium intake
🔴 RATIONALE: Stable sodium and fluid intake help prevent lithium toxicity and keep serum levels
predictable.
. Which medication class is commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder?
A. SSRIs
B. Loop diuretics
C. Antivirals
D. Beta-lactam antibiotics
🟢 Correct answer: A. SSRIs
🔴 RATIONALE: SSRIs are widely used for generalized anxiety disorder because they reduce baseline anxiety
over time and are evidence-based.
. A patient re-experiences a traumatic event through flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, and nightmares for 2
months after an assault. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Acute stress disorder
B. PTSD
C. Adjustment disorder
D. Somatic symptom disorder
