BARKLEY DRT PMHNP PRACTICUM
1 2026/2027 ACTUAL QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
1. Psychiatric Assessment and Differential Diagnosis
2. Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology
3. Depressive Disorders and Treatment
4. Bipolar and Related Disorders
5. Anxiety Disorders and Trauma-Related Disorders
6. Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders
7. Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Medicine
8. Eating Disorders
9. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
10. Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurocognitive Disorders
11. Psychotherapy Modalities and Therapeutic Communication
12. Legal and Ethical Issues in Psychiatric Practice
13. Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
14. SPMI and Rehabilitation Models
Introduction
The Barkley DRT PMHNP Practicum 1 Examination is designed to
assess the clinical knowledge, diagnostic reasoning, and
psychopharmacologic decision-making required of psychiatric-
,mental health nurse practitioner students. The examination
evaluates foundational principles of psychiatric assessment,
differential diagnosis, neurobiology, and evidence-based
treatment across the lifespan. Candidates are assessed on their
ability to apply DSM-5-TR criteria, select appropriate
pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, recognize
adverse effects and drug interactions, and adhere to ethical and
legal standards. The exam utilizes multiple-choice and scenario-
based questions to emphasize real-world clinical application,
critical thinking, and safe prescribing practices.
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. During a suicide intervention with a 28-year-old male
patient, to which agreement should you ask for his
consent, verbally or in writing?
A. "No Harm" contract
B. "No Suicide" contract
C. "Prevention" contract
D. "Affirming Life" contract
Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: Healthcare professionals are obligated to ask
suicidal patients to agree to a "no harm" contract, verbally or in
writing, detailing specifically that the patient will refrain from
harming themselves. This establishes a therapeutic agreement
focused on safety.
2. Courtney, 35, is a rape victim. You note that she has an
expressed style of coping in her acute rape trauma
syndrome. Which finding would most lead you to this
conclusion?
,A. Patient's masked face
B. Patient's distractibility
C. Patient smiling
D. Patient having difficulty making decisions
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: Smiling is an expressed style of coping as it
masks the internal emotional turmoil. In the expressed style of
coping, patients may display their emotions openly, including
smiling, talking, and crying. The controlled style is characterized
by a calm, composed exterior with hidden emotions.
3. Which patient would not require hospitalization?
A. A 29-year-old self-admitted bulimic male with bradycardia
B. A 27-year-old female with repeated use of laxatives and
diuretics at least two times a week for 3 months
C. A 20-year-old male suffering from persistent hypothermia
D. An 18-year-old young woman who is 5'4" and weighs 92
pounds
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Hospitalization criteria for eating disorders
include bradycardia (<40 BPM), hypothermia (<96°F), electrolyte
imbalances, and significant weight loss (<85% of ideal body
weight). The patient in option B may not meet hospitalization
criteria based on the information provided.
4. Terry, 35, visits your office with the assumption that he
is experiencing depression. He has a history of substance
abuse and a family history of mood disorders. He reports
fatigue, insomnia, confusion, weight loss, and recurrent
suicidal thoughts. Which is the best medication to
prescribe?
, A. Sympathomimetics
B. Bupropion
C. Olanzapine
D. Risperidone
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Bupropion is a better choice for patients with a
history of substance abuse because it has a lower potential for
abuse and is not associated with sedation or weight gain.
Sympathomimetics have potential for abuse.
5. You are attending to a 30-year-old male after he was
shot at and almost killed. By showing empathy,
confrontation, and immediacy, you are exhibiting which of
the following?
A. Identifying the hazard and precipitating event
B. Counseling keystones relevant to assessment of a crisis
C. Identifying coping mechanisms
D. Situational support
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Empathy, confrontation, and immediacy are three
counseling keystones relevant to assessment of a crisis. These
techniques help establish therapeutic rapport and facilitate crisis
intervention.
6. A patient expresses ambivalence regarding suicidal
intent. How should this be interpreted?
A. It indicates severe risk requiring immediate hospitalization
B. It indicates moderate risk, not severe risk
C. It indicates no risk at all
D. It indicates the patient is not being truthful
1 2026/2027 ACTUAL QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
1. Psychiatric Assessment and Differential Diagnosis
2. Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology
3. Depressive Disorders and Treatment
4. Bipolar and Related Disorders
5. Anxiety Disorders and Trauma-Related Disorders
6. Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders
7. Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Medicine
8. Eating Disorders
9. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
10. Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurocognitive Disorders
11. Psychotherapy Modalities and Therapeutic Communication
12. Legal and Ethical Issues in Psychiatric Practice
13. Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
14. SPMI and Rehabilitation Models
Introduction
The Barkley DRT PMHNP Practicum 1 Examination is designed to
assess the clinical knowledge, diagnostic reasoning, and
psychopharmacologic decision-making required of psychiatric-
,mental health nurse practitioner students. The examination
evaluates foundational principles of psychiatric assessment,
differential diagnosis, neurobiology, and evidence-based
treatment across the lifespan. Candidates are assessed on their
ability to apply DSM-5-TR criteria, select appropriate
pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, recognize
adverse effects and drug interactions, and adhere to ethical and
legal standards. The exam utilizes multiple-choice and scenario-
based questions to emphasize real-world clinical application,
critical thinking, and safe prescribing practices.
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. During a suicide intervention with a 28-year-old male
patient, to which agreement should you ask for his
consent, verbally or in writing?
A. "No Harm" contract
B. "No Suicide" contract
C. "Prevention" contract
D. "Affirming Life" contract
Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: Healthcare professionals are obligated to ask
suicidal patients to agree to a "no harm" contract, verbally or in
writing, detailing specifically that the patient will refrain from
harming themselves. This establishes a therapeutic agreement
focused on safety.
2. Courtney, 35, is a rape victim. You note that she has an
expressed style of coping in her acute rape trauma
syndrome. Which finding would most lead you to this
conclusion?
,A. Patient's masked face
B. Patient's distractibility
C. Patient smiling
D. Patient having difficulty making decisions
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: Smiling is an expressed style of coping as it
masks the internal emotional turmoil. In the expressed style of
coping, patients may display their emotions openly, including
smiling, talking, and crying. The controlled style is characterized
by a calm, composed exterior with hidden emotions.
3. Which patient would not require hospitalization?
A. A 29-year-old self-admitted bulimic male with bradycardia
B. A 27-year-old female with repeated use of laxatives and
diuretics at least two times a week for 3 months
C. A 20-year-old male suffering from persistent hypothermia
D. An 18-year-old young woman who is 5'4" and weighs 92
pounds
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Hospitalization criteria for eating disorders
include bradycardia (<40 BPM), hypothermia (<96°F), electrolyte
imbalances, and significant weight loss (<85% of ideal body
weight). The patient in option B may not meet hospitalization
criteria based on the information provided.
4. Terry, 35, visits your office with the assumption that he
is experiencing depression. He has a history of substance
abuse and a family history of mood disorders. He reports
fatigue, insomnia, confusion, weight loss, and recurrent
suicidal thoughts. Which is the best medication to
prescribe?
, A. Sympathomimetics
B. Bupropion
C. Olanzapine
D. Risperidone
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Bupropion is a better choice for patients with a
history of substance abuse because it has a lower potential for
abuse and is not associated with sedation or weight gain.
Sympathomimetics have potential for abuse.
5. You are attending to a 30-year-old male after he was
shot at and almost killed. By showing empathy,
confrontation, and immediacy, you are exhibiting which of
the following?
A. Identifying the hazard and precipitating event
B. Counseling keystones relevant to assessment of a crisis
C. Identifying coping mechanisms
D. Situational support
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Empathy, confrontation, and immediacy are three
counseling keystones relevant to assessment of a crisis. These
techniques help establish therapeutic rapport and facilitate crisis
intervention.
6. A patient expresses ambivalence regarding suicidal
intent. How should this be interpreted?
A. It indicates severe risk requiring immediate hospitalization
B. It indicates moderate risk, not severe risk
C. It indicates no risk at all
D. It indicates the patient is not being truthful
