CHAMBERLAIN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
NR605 Diagnosis & Management in Psychiatric-Mental Health across the Lifespan
Academic Year: Midterm Exam – Complete Question Bank
Question 1
What is the role of the PMHNP in psychotherapy? (Select all that apply)
A. Prescribing medications only
B. Providing individual, couple, family, or group therapy in addition to medication management
C. Focusing solely on case management
D. Coordinating care and referrals as part of the treatment plan
Correct answer: B and D
RATIONALE:
PMHNPs have a full‑spectrum role that includes psychotherapy, prescribing, education, and
care coordination.
Question 2
According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which needs are considered deficiency needs
(D‑needs)?
A. Self‑actualization
B. Physiological, safety, love/belonging, and esteem
C. Creativity and spontaneity
D. Morality and acceptance of facts
Correct answer: B. Physiological, safety, love/belonging, and esteem
RATIONALE:
Deficiency needs are the first four levels; once met, motivation decreases. Self‑actualization is a
growth need (B‑need) that increases motivation.
,Question 3
What is foundational to the holistic paradigm of healing in psychotherapy?
Correct answer:
The relationship between the client and therapist, characterized by acceptance, empathy,
patience, and kindness, creates a space for healing.
RATIONALE:
Holistic therapy respects the mind‑body‑spirit connection; the therapeutic alliance is critical for
healing and client acceptance of dysregulation.
Question 4
Which of the following is a construct of the Health Belief Model?
A. Stages of change
B. Perceived seriousness and susceptibility
C. Self‑actualization
D. Cognitive development
Correct answer: B. Perceived seriousness and susceptibility
RATIONALE:
The Health Belief Model includes perceived seriousness, susceptibility, benefits, barriers, cues
to action, and self‑efficacy.
,Question 5
Nancy, a 64‑year‑old, is wondering if losing weight might benefit her self‑esteem. She is
in the contemplation stage of change. Which action by the PMHNP is appropriate?
A. Ask Nancy to create a list of reasons she wants to lose weight
B. Refer Nancy for medical clearance for an exercise program
C. Explore anxiety and emotional responses to being overweight
D. Address rewards for reinforcement of behaviors
Correct answer: A. Ask Nancy to create a list of reasons she wants to lose weight
RATIONALE:
In contemplation, individuals weigh pros and cons; listing reasons helps move to preparation.
Medical clearance belongs to preparation, exploring emotions to precontemplation, and rewards
to action.
Question 6
What must be addressed before a client can move to higher levels in the Treatment
Hierarchy Framework?
Correct answer: Foundational needs at the base of the model must be addressed first.
RATIONALE:
The framework emphasizes that stabilization and resource development are prerequisites for
processing and achieving higher therapeutic aims.
, Question 7
Which of the following is a category included in the Outline for Cultural Formulation?
A. Cultural identity of the individual
B. Biophysical model of illness
C. Cognitive development stage
D. Defense mechanisms
Correct answer: A. Cultural identity of the individual
RATIONALE:
The Outline for Cultural Formulation includes cultural identity, conceptualizations of distress,
psychosocial stressors, relationship with clinician, and overall assessment.
Question 8
The psychodynamic approach attributes mental illness to __________, while the
biophysiological model attributes it to __________.
Correct answer:
Environmental and psychosocial problems; chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters
RATIONALE:
Psychodynamic theory focuses on unconscious conflicts and life experiences; the biomedical
model sees mental illness as biological dysfunction.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
NR605 Diagnosis & Management in Psychiatric-Mental Health across the Lifespan
Academic Year: Midterm Exam – Complete Question Bank
Question 1
What is the role of the PMHNP in psychotherapy? (Select all that apply)
A. Prescribing medications only
B. Providing individual, couple, family, or group therapy in addition to medication management
C. Focusing solely on case management
D. Coordinating care and referrals as part of the treatment plan
Correct answer: B and D
RATIONALE:
PMHNPs have a full‑spectrum role that includes psychotherapy, prescribing, education, and
care coordination.
Question 2
According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which needs are considered deficiency needs
(D‑needs)?
A. Self‑actualization
B. Physiological, safety, love/belonging, and esteem
C. Creativity and spontaneity
D. Morality and acceptance of facts
Correct answer: B. Physiological, safety, love/belonging, and esteem
RATIONALE:
Deficiency needs are the first four levels; once met, motivation decreases. Self‑actualization is a
growth need (B‑need) that increases motivation.
,Question 3
What is foundational to the holistic paradigm of healing in psychotherapy?
Correct answer:
The relationship between the client and therapist, characterized by acceptance, empathy,
patience, and kindness, creates a space for healing.
RATIONALE:
Holistic therapy respects the mind‑body‑spirit connection; the therapeutic alliance is critical for
healing and client acceptance of dysregulation.
Question 4
Which of the following is a construct of the Health Belief Model?
A. Stages of change
B. Perceived seriousness and susceptibility
C. Self‑actualization
D. Cognitive development
Correct answer: B. Perceived seriousness and susceptibility
RATIONALE:
The Health Belief Model includes perceived seriousness, susceptibility, benefits, barriers, cues
to action, and self‑efficacy.
,Question 5
Nancy, a 64‑year‑old, is wondering if losing weight might benefit her self‑esteem. She is
in the contemplation stage of change. Which action by the PMHNP is appropriate?
A. Ask Nancy to create a list of reasons she wants to lose weight
B. Refer Nancy for medical clearance for an exercise program
C. Explore anxiety and emotional responses to being overweight
D. Address rewards for reinforcement of behaviors
Correct answer: A. Ask Nancy to create a list of reasons she wants to lose weight
RATIONALE:
In contemplation, individuals weigh pros and cons; listing reasons helps move to preparation.
Medical clearance belongs to preparation, exploring emotions to precontemplation, and rewards
to action.
Question 6
What must be addressed before a client can move to higher levels in the Treatment
Hierarchy Framework?
Correct answer: Foundational needs at the base of the model must be addressed first.
RATIONALE:
The framework emphasizes that stabilization and resource development are prerequisites for
processing and achieving higher therapeutic aims.
, Question 7
Which of the following is a category included in the Outline for Cultural Formulation?
A. Cultural identity of the individual
B. Biophysical model of illness
C. Cognitive development stage
D. Defense mechanisms
Correct answer: A. Cultural identity of the individual
RATIONALE:
The Outline for Cultural Formulation includes cultural identity, conceptualizations of distress,
psychosocial stressors, relationship with clinician, and overall assessment.
Question 8
The psychodynamic approach attributes mental illness to __________, while the
biophysiological model attributes it to __________.
Correct answer:
Environmental and psychosocial problems; chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters
RATIONALE:
Psychodynamic theory focuses on unconscious conflicts and life experiences; the biomedical
model sees mental illness as biological dysfunction.
