Which of the following theorists emphasized the interpersonal relationship as the founda-
tion for psychiatric nursing practice?
A. Erik Erikson
B. Jean Piaget
C. Harry Stack Sullivan
D. Abraham Maslow - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Harry Stack Sullivan's Interpersonal Theory focuses on the importance of relation-
ships in mental health.
Which of the following best demonstrates evidence-based practice in psychiatric nursing?
· A. Using treatments based on tradition only
· B. Applying interventions supported by research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences
· C. Relying solely on anecdotal experience
· D. Implementing care without patient consent - ANSWER Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Evidence-based practice integrates research evidence, clinical expertise, and pa-
tient preferences.
A patient on clozapine reports flu-like symptoms and sore throat. What should the PMHNP
do first?
A. Reassure the patient that this is normal
B. Discontinue clozapine immediately and check WBC count
C. Decrease the dose by half
D. Advise increased fluid intake only - ANSWER Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis; sudden flu-like symptoms require im-
mediate evaluation of WBC.
1
,Which principle is reflected when a PMHNP respects a competent client's right to refuse
treatment?
A. Nonmaleficence
B. Beneficence
C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy - ANSWER Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autonomy means respecting the client's right to make their own informed
healthcare decisions
A PMHNP working with a patient with PTSD chooses cognitive processing therapy. This ap-
proach is best described as:
A. A behavioral exposure therapy
B. An insight-oriented psychodynamic therapy
C. A cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach
D. A pharmacologic-only intervention - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cognitive processing therapy is a form of CBT that addresses trauma-related be-
liefs and thoughts.
Which client would benefit most from a motivational interviewing approach?
A. A patient ready to start treatment with no ambivalence
B. A patient firmly opposed to any change
C. A patient ambivalent about quitting alcohol use
D. A patient with severe cognitive impairment - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Motivational interviewing helps clients resolve ambivalence and supports readi-
ness for change.
Which statement reflects the best application of Peplau's working phase?
A. Establishing trust and defining the nurse-client relationship
2
,B. Terminating the relationship after goals are met
C. Identifying client problems and implementing interventions
D. Reviewing discharge planning only - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In Peplau's model, the working phase focuses on active problem-solving and im-
plementing the plan of care.
Which medication is most likely to cause metabolic syndrome in a patient with schizophre-
nia?
A. Haloperidol
B. Aripiprazole
C. Clozapine
D. Buspirone - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clozapine (and olanzapine) have higher risks of metabolic side effects like weight
gain and dyslipidemia.
What is the primary ethical obligation when using telehealth services?
A. The PMHNP can relax privacy standards
B. Ensure informed consent and HIPAA compliance
C. Record all sessions without client permission
D. Provide treatment to clients in any state regardless of licensure - ANSWER Correct An-
swer: B
Rationale: Telehealth must follow the same standards for confidentiality, privacy, and in-
formed consent.
A PMHNP uses the DSM-5 to diagnose a patient. Why is this classification system important?
A. It provides treatment plans for all conditions
B. It offers reimbursement coding for insurance only
C. It standardizes diagnostic criteria for mental disorders
D. It replaces the need for clinical judgment - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
3
, Rationale: The DSM-5 provides clear, standardized diagnostic criteria to promote accurate,
consistent diagnoses.
A PMHNP sees a child with repeated angry outbursts and defiance towards authority at
home and school. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Conduct Disorder
B. Autism Spectrum Disorder
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
D. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ODD is characterized by defiance, hostility, and disobedience toward authority fig-
ures without serious violation of social norms.
A client with major depressive disorder is started on an SSRI. Which patient education point
is most important?
A. Effects will be immediate within 24 hours
B. Alcohol use is encouraged to help with sleep
C. Full therapeutic effects may take 4-6 weeks
D. Discontinue the medication abruptly if feeling better - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients need to know SSRIs may take several weeks for full effect and should not
be stopped suddenly.
Which of the following is the primary action of benzodiazepines?
A. Dopamine receptor antagonist
B. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
C. GABA receptor agonist
D. Acetylcholine inhibitor - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, re-
sulting in anxiolytic effects.
4
tion for psychiatric nursing practice?
A. Erik Erikson
B. Jean Piaget
C. Harry Stack Sullivan
D. Abraham Maslow - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Harry Stack Sullivan's Interpersonal Theory focuses on the importance of relation-
ships in mental health.
Which of the following best demonstrates evidence-based practice in psychiatric nursing?
· A. Using treatments based on tradition only
· B. Applying interventions supported by research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences
· C. Relying solely on anecdotal experience
· D. Implementing care without patient consent - ANSWER Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Evidence-based practice integrates research evidence, clinical expertise, and pa-
tient preferences.
A patient on clozapine reports flu-like symptoms and sore throat. What should the PMHNP
do first?
A. Reassure the patient that this is normal
B. Discontinue clozapine immediately and check WBC count
C. Decrease the dose by half
D. Advise increased fluid intake only - ANSWER Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis; sudden flu-like symptoms require im-
mediate evaluation of WBC.
1
,Which principle is reflected when a PMHNP respects a competent client's right to refuse
treatment?
A. Nonmaleficence
B. Beneficence
C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy - ANSWER Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autonomy means respecting the client's right to make their own informed
healthcare decisions
A PMHNP working with a patient with PTSD chooses cognitive processing therapy. This ap-
proach is best described as:
A. A behavioral exposure therapy
B. An insight-oriented psychodynamic therapy
C. A cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach
D. A pharmacologic-only intervention - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cognitive processing therapy is a form of CBT that addresses trauma-related be-
liefs and thoughts.
Which client would benefit most from a motivational interviewing approach?
A. A patient ready to start treatment with no ambivalence
B. A patient firmly opposed to any change
C. A patient ambivalent about quitting alcohol use
D. A patient with severe cognitive impairment - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Motivational interviewing helps clients resolve ambivalence and supports readi-
ness for change.
Which statement reflects the best application of Peplau's working phase?
A. Establishing trust and defining the nurse-client relationship
2
,B. Terminating the relationship after goals are met
C. Identifying client problems and implementing interventions
D. Reviewing discharge planning only - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In Peplau's model, the working phase focuses on active problem-solving and im-
plementing the plan of care.
Which medication is most likely to cause metabolic syndrome in a patient with schizophre-
nia?
A. Haloperidol
B. Aripiprazole
C. Clozapine
D. Buspirone - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clozapine (and olanzapine) have higher risks of metabolic side effects like weight
gain and dyslipidemia.
What is the primary ethical obligation when using telehealth services?
A. The PMHNP can relax privacy standards
B. Ensure informed consent and HIPAA compliance
C. Record all sessions without client permission
D. Provide treatment to clients in any state regardless of licensure - ANSWER Correct An-
swer: B
Rationale: Telehealth must follow the same standards for confidentiality, privacy, and in-
formed consent.
A PMHNP uses the DSM-5 to diagnose a patient. Why is this classification system important?
A. It provides treatment plans for all conditions
B. It offers reimbursement coding for insurance only
C. It standardizes diagnostic criteria for mental disorders
D. It replaces the need for clinical judgment - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
3
, Rationale: The DSM-5 provides clear, standardized diagnostic criteria to promote accurate,
consistent diagnoses.
A PMHNP sees a child with repeated angry outbursts and defiance towards authority at
home and school. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Conduct Disorder
B. Autism Spectrum Disorder
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
D. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ODD is characterized by defiance, hostility, and disobedience toward authority fig-
ures without serious violation of social norms.
A client with major depressive disorder is started on an SSRI. Which patient education point
is most important?
A. Effects will be immediate within 24 hours
B. Alcohol use is encouraged to help with sleep
C. Full therapeutic effects may take 4-6 weeks
D. Discontinue the medication abruptly if feeling better - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients need to know SSRIs may take several weeks for full effect and should not
be stopped suddenly.
Which of the following is the primary action of benzodiazepines?
A. Dopamine receptor antagonist
B. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
C. GABA receptor agonist
D. Acetylcholine inhibitor - ANSWER Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, re-
sulting in anxiolytic effects.
4
