Chamberlain University-Illinois NR 668
ANCC PMHNP Certification Exam
Questions Verified and Provided with A+
Graded Answers Latest Updated 2026
Who developed Dialectical Behavior Marsha Linehan
Therapy (DBT)?
Which neurotransmitters are involved in ADHD? Dopamine, Norepinephrine, & Serotonin
Pharmacological Management of Tics/Tourette's Atypical antipsychotic: Haloperidol, pimozide, & aripiprazole = FDA-
Syndrome approved
Clonidine & guanfacine --> can help control behavioral symptoms such
as impulsivity & rage attacks
Hallmark Symptoms (3) of PTSD 1. Intrusive re-experiencing of an extremely traumatic event
2.Increased arousal (hyperarousal)
3.Avoidance of stimuli associated w/ the trauma
Pharmacological Management of PTSD - SSRIs: Sertraline, paroxetine
- Prazosin (for nightmares)
Which neurotransmitters are involved in OCD? Serotonin & Norepinephrine
Pharmacological Management of OCD Antidepressants:
- Fluoxetine (FDA-approved for adults & children age 7+)
- Fluvoxamine (FDA-approved for adults & children age 8+)
- Paroxetine (FDA-approved for ADULTS ONLY)
- Sertraline (FDA-approved for adults & children age 6+)
- Clomipramine (FDA-approved for adults & children age 10+)
Treatment for Dissociative Disorders Therapies: CBT, DBT, EMDR, Trauma-focused therapy, hypnotherapy
Pharmacological Management of GAD - SSRIs (escitalopram [Lexapro], paroxetine [Paxil])
- Buspirone (BuSpar)
- Benzodiazepines (alprazolam [Xanax], clonazepam [Klonopin])
Pharmacological Management: Panic Attacks - Beta blockers (propranolol): [Note: Can cause bronchospasm & are
therefore contraindicated in patients taking bronchodilators (e.g.,
Albuterol)]
- Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam)
What are the symptoms of bronchospasm? Chest pain/tightness, SOB, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, dizziness
Pharmacological Management: Panic Disorder - SSRIs: fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), & sertraline
(Zoloft)
- SNRI: venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
, Anorexia Nervosa: Criteria for Inpatient Admission - BMI < 15
- Weight loss that has exceeded 25% of a person's total body
weight within 3 months
- Severe dehydration, infection of any kind, low HR, low body temp.,
low K+, anemia, or vomiting up blood
What are the neurotransmitters involved in Autism Glutamate, GABA, & Serotonin
Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Pharmacological Management: ASD Stimulants: Increase levels of dopamine, thereby controlling impulsivity,
hyperactivity, & inattention
Antipsychotics: Effective for symptoms such as tantrums, aggressive
behavior, self-injurious behavior, hyperactivity, & repetitive/stereotyped
behaviors
Symptoms Associated w/ Subcortical Dementias Motor symptoms (lack of coordination [ataxia], tremors, dystonia)
Depression, irritability, & apathy
Symptoms Associated w/ Cortical Dementias Language (aphasia) & memory impairments
Subcortical Dementias - HIV-associated dementia
- Huntington's disease
- Parkinson's disease dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy Body dementia
Cortical Dementias - Alzheimer's disease
- Pick's disease/Frontotemporal dementia
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
What is the most effective & accurate method of The Direct Genetic Test
testing for Huntington's disease?
Pharmacological Management: Parkinson's Disease Donepezil, Rivastigmine, or Galantamine --> can help improve cognition
Dementia & behavioral symptoms
Management of Psychosis & Agitation in Dementia - Try nonpharmacological therapies first
- Atypical antipsychotics should be used as first-line agents in patients
w/ psychotic symptoms
Functions of the Amygdala Aggression, fear, anxiety, emotions
Functions of the Hypothalamus Appetite, sensations of hunger/thirst (satiety), water balance, circadian
rhythms, body temperature, libido, & hormonal regulation
Functions of the Hippocampus Emotions, stress, learning, memory
Functions of the Anterior Cingulate Cognitive functions, decision-making, empathy, impulse control,
emotions
Where is norepinephrine produced? Locus coeruleus & medullary reticular formation (MRF)
ANCC PMHNP Certification Exam
Questions Verified and Provided with A+
Graded Answers Latest Updated 2026
Who developed Dialectical Behavior Marsha Linehan
Therapy (DBT)?
Which neurotransmitters are involved in ADHD? Dopamine, Norepinephrine, & Serotonin
Pharmacological Management of Tics/Tourette's Atypical antipsychotic: Haloperidol, pimozide, & aripiprazole = FDA-
Syndrome approved
Clonidine & guanfacine --> can help control behavioral symptoms such
as impulsivity & rage attacks
Hallmark Symptoms (3) of PTSD 1. Intrusive re-experiencing of an extremely traumatic event
2.Increased arousal (hyperarousal)
3.Avoidance of stimuli associated w/ the trauma
Pharmacological Management of PTSD - SSRIs: Sertraline, paroxetine
- Prazosin (for nightmares)
Which neurotransmitters are involved in OCD? Serotonin & Norepinephrine
Pharmacological Management of OCD Antidepressants:
- Fluoxetine (FDA-approved for adults & children age 7+)
- Fluvoxamine (FDA-approved for adults & children age 8+)
- Paroxetine (FDA-approved for ADULTS ONLY)
- Sertraline (FDA-approved for adults & children age 6+)
- Clomipramine (FDA-approved for adults & children age 10+)
Treatment for Dissociative Disorders Therapies: CBT, DBT, EMDR, Trauma-focused therapy, hypnotherapy
Pharmacological Management of GAD - SSRIs (escitalopram [Lexapro], paroxetine [Paxil])
- Buspirone (BuSpar)
- Benzodiazepines (alprazolam [Xanax], clonazepam [Klonopin])
Pharmacological Management: Panic Attacks - Beta blockers (propranolol): [Note: Can cause bronchospasm & are
therefore contraindicated in patients taking bronchodilators (e.g.,
Albuterol)]
- Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam)
What are the symptoms of bronchospasm? Chest pain/tightness, SOB, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, dizziness
Pharmacological Management: Panic Disorder - SSRIs: fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), & sertraline
(Zoloft)
- SNRI: venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
, Anorexia Nervosa: Criteria for Inpatient Admission - BMI < 15
- Weight loss that has exceeded 25% of a person's total body
weight within 3 months
- Severe dehydration, infection of any kind, low HR, low body temp.,
low K+, anemia, or vomiting up blood
What are the neurotransmitters involved in Autism Glutamate, GABA, & Serotonin
Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Pharmacological Management: ASD Stimulants: Increase levels of dopamine, thereby controlling impulsivity,
hyperactivity, & inattention
Antipsychotics: Effective for symptoms such as tantrums, aggressive
behavior, self-injurious behavior, hyperactivity, & repetitive/stereotyped
behaviors
Symptoms Associated w/ Subcortical Dementias Motor symptoms (lack of coordination [ataxia], tremors, dystonia)
Depression, irritability, & apathy
Symptoms Associated w/ Cortical Dementias Language (aphasia) & memory impairments
Subcortical Dementias - HIV-associated dementia
- Huntington's disease
- Parkinson's disease dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy Body dementia
Cortical Dementias - Alzheimer's disease
- Pick's disease/Frontotemporal dementia
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
What is the most effective & accurate method of The Direct Genetic Test
testing for Huntington's disease?
Pharmacological Management: Parkinson's Disease Donepezil, Rivastigmine, or Galantamine --> can help improve cognition
Dementia & behavioral symptoms
Management of Psychosis & Agitation in Dementia - Try nonpharmacological therapies first
- Atypical antipsychotics should be used as first-line agents in patients
w/ psychotic symptoms
Functions of the Amygdala Aggression, fear, anxiety, emotions
Functions of the Hypothalamus Appetite, sensations of hunger/thirst (satiety), water balance, circadian
rhythms, body temperature, libido, & hormonal regulation
Functions of the Hippocampus Emotions, stress, learning, memory
Functions of the Anterior Cingulate Cognitive functions, decision-making, empathy, impulse control,
emotions
Where is norepinephrine produced? Locus coeruleus & medullary reticular formation (MRF)
