NR548 PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT FOR
THE PMHNP FINAL EXAM REVIEW
QUESTIONSS AND ANSWERS
1. During a mental status examination, a patient provides unnecessary and tedious details
but eventually answers the original question. Which thought process is being described?
A. Flight of ideas
B. Tangentiality
C. Loose associations
D. Circumstantiality
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Circumstantiality is characterized by the inclusion of excessive,
unnecessary detail before reaching the point. Tangentiality never reaches the point, while
flight of ideas involves rapid shifting between topics.
2. Which of the following screening tools is specifically designed to assess for the presence of
manic or hypomanic symptoms in a patient presenting with depression?
A. PHQ-9
,B. GAD-7
C. MDQ
D. HAM-D
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is the standard
screening tool used to identify symptoms of Bipolar Disorder/mania. PHQ-9 and HAM-D
focus on depression, and GAD-7 focuses on anxiety.
3. When assessing a patient for suicide risk, which of the following is considered a ‘static’ risk
factor?
A. Current suicidal ideation
B. Previous suicide attempt
C. Access to firearms
D. Hopelessness
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Static risk factors are historical factors that cannot change (e.g.,
age, race, past attempts). Dynamic risk factors are those that can change, such as current
symptoms, access to means, or current stressors.
, 4. A 68-year-old patient presents with sudden onset confusion and fluctuating levels of
consciousness. Which assessment tool is most appropriate for this specific presentation?
A. Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
B. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
C. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
D. Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The CAM is specifically used to assess for delirium, which is
characterized by acute onset and fluctuating consciousness. MMSE and MoCA are better
suited for dementia screening.
5. In a psychiatric interview, the PMHNP observes the patient remaining in a fixed posture for
an extended period and resisting any movement. This is documented as:
A. Catalepsy
B. Akathisia
C. Echopraxia
D. Dystonia
Answer: A
THE PMHNP FINAL EXAM REVIEW
QUESTIONSS AND ANSWERS
1. During a mental status examination, a patient provides unnecessary and tedious details
but eventually answers the original question. Which thought process is being described?
A. Flight of ideas
B. Tangentiality
C. Loose associations
D. Circumstantiality
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Circumstantiality is characterized by the inclusion of excessive,
unnecessary detail before reaching the point. Tangentiality never reaches the point, while
flight of ideas involves rapid shifting between topics.
2. Which of the following screening tools is specifically designed to assess for the presence of
manic or hypomanic symptoms in a patient presenting with depression?
A. PHQ-9
,B. GAD-7
C. MDQ
D. HAM-D
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is the standard
screening tool used to identify symptoms of Bipolar Disorder/mania. PHQ-9 and HAM-D
focus on depression, and GAD-7 focuses on anxiety.
3. When assessing a patient for suicide risk, which of the following is considered a ‘static’ risk
factor?
A. Current suicidal ideation
B. Previous suicide attempt
C. Access to firearms
D. Hopelessness
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Static risk factors are historical factors that cannot change (e.g.,
age, race, past attempts). Dynamic risk factors are those that can change, such as current
symptoms, access to means, or current stressors.
, 4. A 68-year-old patient presents with sudden onset confusion and fluctuating levels of
consciousness. Which assessment tool is most appropriate for this specific presentation?
A. Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
B. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
C. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
D. Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The CAM is specifically used to assess for delirium, which is
characterized by acute onset and fluctuating consciousness. MMSE and MoCA are better
suited for dementia screening.
5. In a psychiatric interview, the PMHNP observes the patient remaining in a fixed posture for
an extended period and resisting any movement. This is documented as:
A. Catalepsy
B. Akathisia
C. Echopraxia
D. Dystonia
Answer: A
