Neurocognitive Disorders – PMHNP ANCC Chapter 12 | 2025/2026 | 90+ Verified Exam Questions & Answers | Delirium, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, TBI, Pharmacologic & Non-Pharmacologic Management

This comprehensive study document provides over 90 verified exam questions and correct answers for Chapter 12: Neurocognitive Disorders of the PMHNP ANCC board exam content, specifically for the 2025/2026 academic year. Tailored for Western Governors University PMHNP students, this material covers high-yield topics tested on the ANCC exam with clinical accuracy and clear, concise explanations following each answer. The document encompasses a wide spectrum of neurocognitive disorders, including: Delirium: Etiology, subtypes (hyperactive, hypoactive, mixed), risk factors, assessment tools (CAM, NEECHAM), and both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Dementia: Classifications (cortical, subcortical), major types (Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Lewy Body, Pick’s, HIV-related, CJD, Huntington’s), diagnostic approach, behavioral symptoms, and progression patterns. Alzheimer’s Disease: First signs, pathophysiology (amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles), pharmacologic treatments (cholinesterase inhibitors like Donepezil and Rivastigmine, and NMDA antagonists like Memantine), and management of comorbid symptoms such as depression and agitation. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Clinical presentation, incidence in combat veterans, diagnostic complexities, suicide risk, treatment options including cognitive enhancers (methylphenidate, amantadine), and psychotherapy strategies. Assessment & Diagnosis: Instruments such as MMSE, MoCA, SLUMS, as well as labs, imaging, and differential diagnoses including B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, and psychiatric comorbidities. This document is ideally suited for: PMHNP students preparing for the ANCC board exam Graduate-level nursing students specializing in mental health Medical and PA students studying neuropsychiatric conditions Clinicians reviewing for recertification or expanding their psychiatric diagnostic acumen With a focused, exam-relevant approach, this file supports a deep understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of neurocognitive disorders in both adult and pediatric populations. Keywords: PMHNP ANCC, neurocognitive disorders, delirium, dementia, Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia, Pick’s disease, CJD, TBI, traumatic brain injury, cognitive impairment, memory loss, cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA antagonists, Rivastigmine, Memantine, Donepezil, psychopharmacology, psychiatric nursing, suicide risk, MMSE, MoCA, SLUMS, CBT, behavior therapy, WGU nursing, board exam prep