NR548 EXAM 3: COMPREHENSIVE
PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a mental status examination, the PMHNP asks a patient to explain the meaning of
the proverb ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss.’ This is primarily assessing which cognitive
function?
A. Judgment
B. Abstract reasoning
C. Insight
D. Registration
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Abstract reasoning involves the ability to interpret proverbs and
identify similarities between objects. Concrete responses suggest a limitation in this area.
,2. A patient reports feeling ‘watched’ by the government but acknowledges that these
thoughts might be a symptom of their illness. How should the PMHNP document the
patient’s insight?
A. Absent insight
B. Intellectual insight
C. Emotional insight
D. Poor judgment
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Intellectual insight occurs when a patient admits they are ill and
that their experiences are symptoms, but cannot apply that knowledge to future
management or change behavior.
3. Which of the following physical findings is most commonly associated with a long-term
diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Restricting Type?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Parotid gland swelling
C. Tachycardia
D. Lanugo
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Lanugo, a fine downy hair growth, is a physiological adaptation
to starvation and loss of body heat. Parotid swelling is more common in the binge-purge
type.
4. When conducting a psychiatric assessment on a child, which component of the HEADSS
assessment tool specifically addresses ‘S’ for Safety?
A. Social media use
B. Sexual activity
C. Sleep hygiene
D. Suicidality and self-harm
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In the HEADSS tool (Home, Education/Employment, Activities,
Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide/Safety), the last ‘S’ covers suicide risk, violence, and general
safety.
5. A patient scoring a 14 on the PHQ-9 would be classified as having which level of depression
severity?
A. Moderate
B. Mild
C. Moderately severe
D. Severe
PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a mental status examination, the PMHNP asks a patient to explain the meaning of
the proverb ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss.’ This is primarily assessing which cognitive
function?
A. Judgment
B. Abstract reasoning
C. Insight
D. Registration
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Abstract reasoning involves the ability to interpret proverbs and
identify similarities between objects. Concrete responses suggest a limitation in this area.
,2. A patient reports feeling ‘watched’ by the government but acknowledges that these
thoughts might be a symptom of their illness. How should the PMHNP document the
patient’s insight?
A. Absent insight
B. Intellectual insight
C. Emotional insight
D. Poor judgment
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Intellectual insight occurs when a patient admits they are ill and
that their experiences are symptoms, but cannot apply that knowledge to future
management or change behavior.
3. Which of the following physical findings is most commonly associated with a long-term
diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Restricting Type?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Parotid gland swelling
C. Tachycardia
D. Lanugo
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Lanugo, a fine downy hair growth, is a physiological adaptation
to starvation and loss of body heat. Parotid swelling is more common in the binge-purge
type.
4. When conducting a psychiatric assessment on a child, which component of the HEADSS
assessment tool specifically addresses ‘S’ for Safety?
A. Social media use
B. Sexual activity
C. Sleep hygiene
D. Suicidality and self-harm
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In the HEADSS tool (Home, Education/Employment, Activities,
Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide/Safety), the last ‘S’ covers suicide risk, violence, and general
safety.
5. A patient scoring a 14 on the PHQ-9 would be classified as having which level of depression
severity?
A. Moderate
B. Mild
C. Moderately severe
D. Severe
