NRNP 6675 PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL
HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. A patient initiated on Clozapine (Clozaril) must have which laboratory parameter
monitored most closely due to the risk of agranulocytosis?
A. Platelet count
B. Serum creatinine
C. Liver function tests
D. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine is associated with a risk of life-threatening
agranulocytosis. The Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) must be monitored regularly to
ensure it remains within a safe range.
2. What is the therapeutic serum range for Lithium during the maintenance phase of Bipolar
Disorder treatment?
A. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
B. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
,C. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The standard therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is 0.6 to
1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are typically considered toxic.
3. Which antidepressant is most likely to cause a hypertensive crisis if taken with foods
containing high levels of tyramine?
A. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
B. Sertraline (Zoloft)
C. Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
D. Phenelzine (Nardil)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Phenelzine is a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). MAOIs
prevent the breakdown of tyramine, which can lead to excessive norepinephrine release
and a hypertensive crisis.
4. To diagnose a patient with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), symptoms must be present
for at least how many weeks?
A. 1 week
B. 4 weeks
, C. 6 weeks
D. 2 weeks
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to the DSM-5, symptoms of MDD must be present for
at least a 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning.
5. Which of the following is a core symptom of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
A. Muscle flaccidity
B. Hypothermia
C. Hypotension
D. Lead-pipe muscle rigidity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is characterized by ‘lead-pipe’ muscle rigidity,
hyperthermia, autonomic instability, and altered mental status.
6. A 10-year-old child exhibits persistent irritability and frequent episodes of extreme
behavioral dyscontrol. What is the most likely DSM-5 diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. A patient initiated on Clozapine (Clozaril) must have which laboratory parameter
monitored most closely due to the risk of agranulocytosis?
A. Platelet count
B. Serum creatinine
C. Liver function tests
D. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine is associated with a risk of life-threatening
agranulocytosis. The Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) must be monitored regularly to
ensure it remains within a safe range.
2. What is the therapeutic serum range for Lithium during the maintenance phase of Bipolar
Disorder treatment?
A. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
B. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
,C. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The standard therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is 0.6 to
1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are typically considered toxic.
3. Which antidepressant is most likely to cause a hypertensive crisis if taken with foods
containing high levels of tyramine?
A. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
B. Sertraline (Zoloft)
C. Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
D. Phenelzine (Nardil)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Phenelzine is a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). MAOIs
prevent the breakdown of tyramine, which can lead to excessive norepinephrine release
and a hypertensive crisis.
4. To diagnose a patient with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), symptoms must be present
for at least how many weeks?
A. 1 week
B. 4 weeks
, C. 6 weeks
D. 2 weeks
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to the DSM-5, symptoms of MDD must be present for
at least a 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning.
5. Which of the following is a core symptom of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
A. Muscle flaccidity
B. Hypothermia
C. Hypotension
D. Lead-pipe muscle rigidity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is characterized by ‘lead-pipe’ muscle rigidity,
hyperthermia, autonomic instability, and altered mental status.
6. A 10-year-old child exhibits persistent irritability and frequent episodes of extreme
behavioral dyscontrol. What is the most likely DSM-5 diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
