NU 664C Final Exam Family Psychiatric
Mental Health Regis College 2026/2027
– Verified Questions, Answers &
Rationales Guaranteed Pass (GRADED
A+)
Question 1
A patient with major depressive disorder reports persistent
sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and impaired concentration for
the past 6 weeks. Which symptom is considered a core feature of
depression?
A. Increased energy
B. Elevated mood
C. Anhedonia
D. Grandiosity
Answer: C. Anhedonia
Rationale: Anhedonia, or loss of interest or pleasure in
activities, is one of the hallmark symptoms required for the
diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
Question 2
Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with
anxiety disorders?
,A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
D. Histamine
Answer: C. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Rationale: GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in
the central nervous system. Reduced GABA activity is associated
with increased anxiety symptoms.
Question 3
A patient taking lithium reports severe diarrhea, tremors, and
confusion. What should the PMHNP suspect?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Lithium toxicity
C. Panic attack
D. Serotonin syndrome
Answer: B. Lithium toxicity
Rationale: Gastrointestinal distress, coarse tremors, confusion,
and neurological changes are classic signs of lithium toxicity
and require immediate evaluation.
Question 4
,Which medication is considered a first-line pharmacologic
treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?
A. Haloperidol
B. Buspirone
C. Benztropine
D. Carbamazepine
Answer: B. Buspirone
Rationale: Buspirone is commonly used as a first-line treatment
for generalized anxiety disorder and does not carry the
dependence risks associated with benzodiazepines.
Question 5
A patient presents with elevated mood, decreased need for sleep,
and excessive goal-directed activity lasting 10 days. Which
diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Cyclothymic disorder
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Bipolar I disorder
D. Persistent depressive disorder
Answer: C. Bipolar I disorder
Rationale: A manic episode lasting at least one week or
requiring hospitalization is diagnostic of Bipolar I disorder.
, Question 6
Which assessment tool is commonly used to evaluate depression
severity?
A. CIWA-Ar
B. PHQ-9
C. MMSE
D. AIMS
Answer: B. PHQ-9
Rationale: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a
validated screening and monitoring tool for depressive
symptoms.
Question 7
What is the primary purpose of the AIMS examination?
A. Assess suicide risk
B. Evaluate memory loss
C. Detect tardive dyskinesia
D. Measure anxiety severity
Answer: C. Detect tardive dyskinesia
Rationale: The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)
is used to monitor patients for tardive dyskinesia associated with
antipsychotic therapy.
Mental Health Regis College 2026/2027
– Verified Questions, Answers &
Rationales Guaranteed Pass (GRADED
A+)
Question 1
A patient with major depressive disorder reports persistent
sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and impaired concentration for
the past 6 weeks. Which symptom is considered a core feature of
depression?
A. Increased energy
B. Elevated mood
C. Anhedonia
D. Grandiosity
Answer: C. Anhedonia
Rationale: Anhedonia, or loss of interest or pleasure in
activities, is one of the hallmark symptoms required for the
diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
Question 2
Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with
anxiety disorders?
,A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
D. Histamine
Answer: C. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Rationale: GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in
the central nervous system. Reduced GABA activity is associated
with increased anxiety symptoms.
Question 3
A patient taking lithium reports severe diarrhea, tremors, and
confusion. What should the PMHNP suspect?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Lithium toxicity
C. Panic attack
D. Serotonin syndrome
Answer: B. Lithium toxicity
Rationale: Gastrointestinal distress, coarse tremors, confusion,
and neurological changes are classic signs of lithium toxicity
and require immediate evaluation.
Question 4
,Which medication is considered a first-line pharmacologic
treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?
A. Haloperidol
B. Buspirone
C. Benztropine
D. Carbamazepine
Answer: B. Buspirone
Rationale: Buspirone is commonly used as a first-line treatment
for generalized anxiety disorder and does not carry the
dependence risks associated with benzodiazepines.
Question 5
A patient presents with elevated mood, decreased need for sleep,
and excessive goal-directed activity lasting 10 days. Which
diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Cyclothymic disorder
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Bipolar I disorder
D. Persistent depressive disorder
Answer: C. Bipolar I disorder
Rationale: A manic episode lasting at least one week or
requiring hospitalization is diagnostic of Bipolar I disorder.
, Question 6
Which assessment tool is commonly used to evaluate depression
severity?
A. CIWA-Ar
B. PHQ-9
C. MMSE
D. AIMS
Answer: B. PHQ-9
Rationale: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a
validated screening and monitoring tool for depressive
symptoms.
Question 7
What is the primary purpose of the AIMS examination?
A. Assess suicide risk
B. Evaluate memory loss
C. Detect tardive dyskinesia
D. Measure anxiety severity
Answer: C. Detect tardive dyskinesia
Rationale: The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)
is used to monitor patients for tardive dyskinesia associated with
antipsychotic therapy.
