2026/2027 Edition | PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan II | 76 Questions Exam Bank
Instructions
This comprehensive practice exam contains 100+ questions with
verified answers and detailed Expert Rationales to help you
prepare for the NRNP 6675 Final Exam at Walden University.
Questions cover psychiatric disorders, psychopharmacology,
personality disorders, ethics, legal issues, patient assessment, and
clinical decision-making.
SECTION 1: Psychopharmacology and Medication
Management
Question 1
Concerns when treating geriatric patients with psychotherapeutic
drugs include all of the following EXCEPT:
A) Elderly persons may be more susceptible to adverse effects of
psychotherapeutic drugs
B) Elderly persons may metabolize psychotherapeutic drugs
more slowly
C) Elderly persons may metabolize psychotherapeutic drugs more
rapidly
,D) Elderly persons may excrete psychotherapeutic drugs more
slowly
Correct Answer: C
Expert Rationale: Elderly patients typically metabolize
psychotherapeutic drugs more slowly, not more rapidly, due to
age-related changes in hepatic function and reduced renal
clearance. Options A, B, and D are all valid concerns when treating
geriatric patients. The Correct Answer is the exception.
Question 2
The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that:
A) Schizophrenia results from too much dopaminergic activity
B) Schizophrenia results from a deprivation of dopamine
C) Schizophrenia is unrelated to dopamine
D) Dopamine levels are normal in schizophrenia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Rationale: The dopamine hypothesis proposes that
schizophrenia results from excess dopaminergic activity,
particularly in the mesolimbic pathway. This is supported by the
efficacy of antipsychotic medications that block D2 dopamine
receptors.
Question 3
, A patient on lithium develops tremors, confusion, and diarrhea.
What is the priority action?
A) Continue lithium and monitor
B) Add propranolol for tremor control
C) Check lithium level and hold medication
D) Increase lithium dose
Correct Answer: C
Expert Rationale: Tremors, confusion, and diarrhea are signs of
lithium toxicity. The priority is to check the serum lithium level
and hold the medication pending results. Lithium has a narrow
therapeutic index, and toxicity can be life-threatening.
Question 4
Which antidepressant carries the highest risk of serotonin
syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs?
A) Fluoxetine
B) Sertraline
C) MAOIs
D) Bupropion
Correct Answer: C
Expert Rationale: MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) carry
the highest risk of serotonin syndrome because they inhibit the
breakdown of monoamines, leading to dangerously high
serotonin levels. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline have lower
risk, and bupropion has minimal serotonergic activity.