CALIFORNIA PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN STATE BOARD EXAM QUESTIONS & AN… EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
California Psychiatric
Technician State Board
Exam Questions & Answers
2026-2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
150 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 150 verified questions with correct answers for California Psychiatric Technician
certification preparation. It covers a broad spectrum of psychiatric technician knowledge, serving as an
invaluable resource for study and comprehensive review. This resource directly aligns with the exam's
scope, offering a clear path to mastering the required material.
CONTENTS
01 • Psychopharmacology 02 • Mental Health Disorders 03 • Cultural Competence
04 05 06 • Nutrition & Metabolism
• Laboratory & Diagnostics • Genetics & Development
Page 1
, 07 • Patient Care & Safety 08 09 • Legal & Ethical Issues
• Therapeutic Communication
10 • Disease Specifics 11 • Physiology & Anatomy
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 150
What is the purpose of the AIMS test?
CORRECT ANSWER
It identifies the severity of a seizure or tardive dyskinesia.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 150
The Psychiatric technician is aware that antipsychotic agents can cause side effects. Early recognition would
be critical for which of the following side effects?
CORRECT ANSWER
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 150
An administration of Haldol Decanoate should not exceed how many milliliters per injection site?
CORRECT ANSWER
3
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 150
Page 2
,Long-term therapy of phenobarbital may result in deficiencies of which of the following vitamins?
CORRECT ANSWER
Vitamins B9, B12, D
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 150
Some clients being maintained on Thorazine (chlorpromazine) may be administered a dosage as high as how
many milligrams a day in order to achieve a therapeutic effect?
CORRECT ANSWER
800-1,000mg
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 150
A psychiatric technician would seek clarification from the physician if he/she read which two of the following
medication on a client's medication administration record:
CORRECT ANSWER
A tricyclic antidepressant and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 150
A client with severe mania may initially be given Thorazine (chlorpromazine) or Haldol (haloperidol) along
with lithium until the lithium becomes effective. The psychiatric technician would be aware that:
CORRECT ANSWER
High doses of these major tranquilizers will mask nausea and vomiting of lithium toxicity.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 150
Page 3
, Tests involving which organs should be conducted before lithium therapy is initiated?
CORRECT ANSWER
Kidneys and thyroid
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 150
An antianxiety medication that will initially not be effective would be:
CORRECT ANSWER
Buspirone (BuSpar)
Q10 QUESTION 10 OF 150
Which medication would be prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and duodenal ulcers?
CORRECT ANSWER
Prilosec (omeprazole)
Q11 QUESTION 11 OF 150
The side effect of hypotension might be caused by which psychotropic medication?
CORRECT ANSWER
Thorazine (chlorpromazine)
Q12 QUESTION 12 OF 150
Antidepressant medication that elevate mood by increasing the availability of serotonin in the body are:
CORRECT ANSWER
Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
California Psychiatric
Technician State Board
Exam Questions & Answers
2026-2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
150 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 150 verified questions with correct answers for California Psychiatric Technician
certification preparation. It covers a broad spectrum of psychiatric technician knowledge, serving as an
invaluable resource for study and comprehensive review. This resource directly aligns with the exam's
scope, offering a clear path to mastering the required material.
CONTENTS
01 • Psychopharmacology 02 • Mental Health Disorders 03 • Cultural Competence
04 05 06 • Nutrition & Metabolism
• Laboratory & Diagnostics • Genetics & Development
Page 1
, 07 • Patient Care & Safety 08 09 • Legal & Ethical Issues
• Therapeutic Communication
10 • Disease Specifics 11 • Physiology & Anatomy
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 150
What is the purpose of the AIMS test?
CORRECT ANSWER
It identifies the severity of a seizure or tardive dyskinesia.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 150
The Psychiatric technician is aware that antipsychotic agents can cause side effects. Early recognition would
be critical for which of the following side effects?
CORRECT ANSWER
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 150
An administration of Haldol Decanoate should not exceed how many milliliters per injection site?
CORRECT ANSWER
3
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 150
Page 2
,Long-term therapy of phenobarbital may result in deficiencies of which of the following vitamins?
CORRECT ANSWER
Vitamins B9, B12, D
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 150
Some clients being maintained on Thorazine (chlorpromazine) may be administered a dosage as high as how
many milligrams a day in order to achieve a therapeutic effect?
CORRECT ANSWER
800-1,000mg
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 150
A psychiatric technician would seek clarification from the physician if he/she read which two of the following
medication on a client's medication administration record:
CORRECT ANSWER
A tricyclic antidepressant and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 150
A client with severe mania may initially be given Thorazine (chlorpromazine) or Haldol (haloperidol) along
with lithium until the lithium becomes effective. The psychiatric technician would be aware that:
CORRECT ANSWER
High doses of these major tranquilizers will mask nausea and vomiting of lithium toxicity.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 150
Page 3
, Tests involving which organs should be conducted before lithium therapy is initiated?
CORRECT ANSWER
Kidneys and thyroid
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 150
An antianxiety medication that will initially not be effective would be:
CORRECT ANSWER
Buspirone (BuSpar)
Q10 QUESTION 10 OF 150
Which medication would be prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and duodenal ulcers?
CORRECT ANSWER
Prilosec (omeprazole)
Q11 QUESTION 11 OF 150
The side effect of hypotension might be caused by which psychotropic medication?
CORRECT ANSWER
Thorazine (chlorpromazine)
Q12 QUESTION 12 OF 150
Antidepressant medication that elevate mood by increasing the availability of serotonin in the body are:
CORRECT ANSWER
Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft
Page 4
