WGU D344 PMHNP Objective Assessment (OA) |
Questions and Answers | 2026 Update | 100% Correct.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the WGU D344 PMHNP Objective Assessment (OA) study guide
— your complete, 2026-updated resource for passing the D344 exam on
the first attempt. This guide contains 300 verified questions and answers,
each paired with a bolded correct answer and a detailed rationale to
reinforce clinical reasoning. Topics are organized into six high-yield
sections: Diagnostic Recognition (DSM-5-TR), Psychopharmacology,
Psychotherapy & Assessment, Legal/Ethical/Safety, Special Populations,
and Therapeutic Modalities. Whether you are preparing for the OA,
reviewing in clinical rotations, or using this as a rapid-reference for
PMHNP practice, this guide mirrors the style, difficulty, and scenario-
based format of the actual exam. Every question is unique — no repetition
— so you cover the widest possible range of testable content in the
shortest amount of time. Trusted by PMHNP students this is the most
comprehensive and current D344 study resource available for the 2026
academic year.
,SECTION 1: DIAGNOSTIC RECOGNITION (DSM-5-TR)
Q1.
A client reports persistent depressed mood, anhedonia, insomnia, guilt,
and impaired concentration for 3 weeks. No history of mania or
hypomania. Best diagnosis?
A. Persistent depressive disorder
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Adjustment disorder
D. Bipolar II disorder
Answer: B) Major depressive disorder
Rationale: ≥2 weeks with core symptoms and functional impairment
= MDD.
Q2.
A client has elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech,
and grandiosity lasting 9 days with hospitalization. Diagnosis?
A. Hypomanic episode
B. Cyclothymic disorder
C. Manic episode
D. Bipolar II disorder
Answer: C) Manic episode
Rationale: ≥7 days or hospitalization = mania.
Q3.
A patient experiences intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance,
and avoidance for 2 months after a violent assault. Diagnosis?
,A. Acute stress disorder
B. PTSD
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Panic disorder
Answer: B) PTSD
Rationale: Symptoms lasting >1 month after trauma = PTSD; <1 month
= acute stress disorder.
Q4.
A client has excessive anxiety and worry about multiple events for 8
months, with restlessness and muscle tension. Diagnosis?
A. Panic disorder
B. Social anxiety disorder
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. OCD
Answer: C) Generalized anxiety disorder
Rationale: GAD requires ≥6 months of excessive worry with ≥3
associated symptoms.
Q5.
A client has recurrent unexpected panic attacks followed by 1 month of
fear of another attack. Diagnosis?
A. Panic disorder
B. Agoraphobia
C. Social anxiety disorder
D. Specific phobia
, Answer: A) Panic disorder
Rationale: Panic disorder = recurrent unexpected attacks + ≥1
month of anticipatory fear.
Q6.
A client fears scrutiny in social situations and avoids them for 8 months.
Diagnosis?
A. Social anxiety disorder
B. Agoraphobia
C. GAD
D. Avoidant personality disorder
Answer: A) Social anxiety disorder
Rationale: Social anxiety disorder = ≥6 months fear of negative
evaluation in social settings.
Q7.
A client has obsessions about contamination and performs handwashing
50 times daily. Diagnosis?
A. OCD
B. OCPD
C. GAD
D. Specific phobia
Answer: A) OCD
Rationale: Obsessions + compulsions causing distress = OCD.
Q8.
A client has excessive concern with orderliness, perfectionism, and
Questions and Answers | 2026 Update | 100% Correct.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the WGU D344 PMHNP Objective Assessment (OA) study guide
— your complete, 2026-updated resource for passing the D344 exam on
the first attempt. This guide contains 300 verified questions and answers,
each paired with a bolded correct answer and a detailed rationale to
reinforce clinical reasoning. Topics are organized into six high-yield
sections: Diagnostic Recognition (DSM-5-TR), Psychopharmacology,
Psychotherapy & Assessment, Legal/Ethical/Safety, Special Populations,
and Therapeutic Modalities. Whether you are preparing for the OA,
reviewing in clinical rotations, or using this as a rapid-reference for
PMHNP practice, this guide mirrors the style, difficulty, and scenario-
based format of the actual exam. Every question is unique — no repetition
— so you cover the widest possible range of testable content in the
shortest amount of time. Trusted by PMHNP students this is the most
comprehensive and current D344 study resource available for the 2026
academic year.
,SECTION 1: DIAGNOSTIC RECOGNITION (DSM-5-TR)
Q1.
A client reports persistent depressed mood, anhedonia, insomnia, guilt,
and impaired concentration for 3 weeks. No history of mania or
hypomania. Best diagnosis?
A. Persistent depressive disorder
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Adjustment disorder
D. Bipolar II disorder
Answer: B) Major depressive disorder
Rationale: ≥2 weeks with core symptoms and functional impairment
= MDD.
Q2.
A client has elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech,
and grandiosity lasting 9 days with hospitalization. Diagnosis?
A. Hypomanic episode
B. Cyclothymic disorder
C. Manic episode
D. Bipolar II disorder
Answer: C) Manic episode
Rationale: ≥7 days or hospitalization = mania.
Q3.
A patient experiences intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance,
and avoidance for 2 months after a violent assault. Diagnosis?
,A. Acute stress disorder
B. PTSD
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Panic disorder
Answer: B) PTSD
Rationale: Symptoms lasting >1 month after trauma = PTSD; <1 month
= acute stress disorder.
Q4.
A client has excessive anxiety and worry about multiple events for 8
months, with restlessness and muscle tension. Diagnosis?
A. Panic disorder
B. Social anxiety disorder
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. OCD
Answer: C) Generalized anxiety disorder
Rationale: GAD requires ≥6 months of excessive worry with ≥3
associated symptoms.
Q5.
A client has recurrent unexpected panic attacks followed by 1 month of
fear of another attack. Diagnosis?
A. Panic disorder
B. Agoraphobia
C. Social anxiety disorder
D. Specific phobia
, Answer: A) Panic disorder
Rationale: Panic disorder = recurrent unexpected attacks + ≥1
month of anticipatory fear.
Q6.
A client fears scrutiny in social situations and avoids them for 8 months.
Diagnosis?
A. Social anxiety disorder
B. Agoraphobia
C. GAD
D. Avoidant personality disorder
Answer: A) Social anxiety disorder
Rationale: Social anxiety disorder = ≥6 months fear of negative
evaluation in social settings.
Q7.
A client has obsessions about contamination and performs handwashing
50 times daily. Diagnosis?
A. OCD
B. OCPD
C. GAD
D. Specific phobia
Answer: A) OCD
Rationale: Obsessions + compulsions causing distress = OCD.
Q8.
A client has excessive concern with orderliness, perfectionism, and
