,PMHNP High-Yield Topics to Master
Before taking the board exam, be comfortable with:
DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for major psychiatric disorders
Psychopharmacology, including:
o Lithium
o Clozapine
o Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, mirtazapine)
o Mood stabilizers
o First- and second-generation antipsychotics
Medication adverse effects and monitoring
o Lithium toxicity
o Clozapine ANC monitoring
o Metabolic syndrome
o Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
o Serotonin syndrome
o Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Psychotherapies
o CBT
o DBT
o Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
o Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
o Motivational Interviewing
Suicide risk assessment and crisis management
Child, adolescent, geriatric, and substance use psychiatry
, Ethical and legal principles, including informed consent, confidentiality,
mandatory reporting, and decision-making capacity
Question 1
A 25-year-old woman presents with decreased need for sleep, grandiosity,
pressured speech, and excessive spending for the past 8 days. She has no history of
substance use. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Cyclothymic disorder
B. Bipolar I disorder, manic episode
C. Bipolar II disorder
D. ADHD
Answer: B
Rationale: A manic episode lasting at least 1 week (or requiring hospitalization) is
sufficient for Bipolar I disorder.
Question 2
Which neurotransmitter is most strongly associated with schizophrenia's positive
symptoms?
, A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: B
Rationale: Increased dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway is associated
with hallucinations and delusions.
Question 3
A patient taking lithium develops tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. The
priority action is:
A. Increase the lithium dose.
B. Hold lithium and obtain a serum lithium level.
C. Reassure the patient.
D. Prescribe diphenhydramine.
Answer: B
Rationale: These symptoms suggest lithium toxicity, requiring immediate
evaluation.
Question 4
Before taking the board exam, be comfortable with:
DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for major psychiatric disorders
Psychopharmacology, including:
o Lithium
o Clozapine
o Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, mirtazapine)
o Mood stabilizers
o First- and second-generation antipsychotics
Medication adverse effects and monitoring
o Lithium toxicity
o Clozapine ANC monitoring
o Metabolic syndrome
o Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
o Serotonin syndrome
o Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Psychotherapies
o CBT
o DBT
o Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
o Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
o Motivational Interviewing
Suicide risk assessment and crisis management
Child, adolescent, geriatric, and substance use psychiatry
, Ethical and legal principles, including informed consent, confidentiality,
mandatory reporting, and decision-making capacity
Question 1
A 25-year-old woman presents with decreased need for sleep, grandiosity,
pressured speech, and excessive spending for the past 8 days. She has no history of
substance use. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Cyclothymic disorder
B. Bipolar I disorder, manic episode
C. Bipolar II disorder
D. ADHD
Answer: B
Rationale: A manic episode lasting at least 1 week (or requiring hospitalization) is
sufficient for Bipolar I disorder.
Question 2
Which neurotransmitter is most strongly associated with schizophrenia's positive
symptoms?
, A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: B
Rationale: Increased dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway is associated
with hallucinations and delusions.
Question 3
A patient taking lithium develops tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. The
priority action is:
A. Increase the lithium dose.
B. Hold lithium and obtain a serum lithium level.
C. Reassure the patient.
D. Prescribe diphenhydramine.
Answer: B
Rationale: These symptoms suggest lithium toxicity, requiring immediate
evaluation.
Question 4
