548 Psychiatric Assessment for
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner Chamberlain
1. When assessing a 7-year-old child for ADHD, which screening tool is considered the gold
standard for gathering information from both parents and teachers?
A. Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
B. PHQ-9
C. Gaining Autonomy & Independence Scale
D. SCARED Tool
Answer: A
Rationale: The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale is a widely used instrument designed to
screen for ADHD and common comorbidities in children aged 6 to 12. It requires input
from both parents and teachers to provide a comprehensive view of the child’s behavior
across different environments. Utilizing this tool helps the PMHNP confirm the presence of
symptoms in more than one setting as required by the DSM-5.
2. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, a child aged 8 is typically
navigating which crisis?
A. Industry vs. Inferiority
,B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: A
Rationale: Children in the school-age range of approximately 6 to 12 years are in the stage
of Industry vs. Inferiority. During this time, they focus on mastering new skills and
comparing themselves to their peers. Successful navigation leads to a sense of competence,
while failure can result in feelings of inadequacy.
3. The M-CHAT-R/F is a screening tool specifically designed to identify which of the following
disorders in toddlers?
A. Autism Spectrum Disorder
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Answer: A
Rationale: The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-
CHAT-R/F) is a validated screening tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is specifically
intended for children between 16 and 30 months of age to identify potential developmental
, delays. Early identification through this tool allows for timely referral to specialized
diagnostic services.
4. Which clinical feature is more commonly seen in pediatric depression compared to adult
depression?
A. Irritability
B. Anhedonia
C. Psychomotor retardation
D. Suicidal ideation
Answer: A
Rationale: While adults often present with low mood or sadness, children and adolescents
with depression frequently manifest irritability as their primary mood state. This can often
lead to the child being misidentified as having a behavioral problem rather than a mood
disorder. The PMHNP must carefully differentiate between behavioral outbursts and
underlying depressive symptoms.
5. A 15-year-old patient reports feeling anxious in social situations and fearing scrutiny by
others. Which tool is most appropriate for assessing pediatric anxiety?
A. SCARED
B. CRAFFT
C. PHQ-A