NR548 Exam 4 Actual Exam Style V2 | NR
548 Psychiatric Assessment for
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner Chamberlain
1. In the HEADSS assessment for adolescents, which category evaluates the patient’s living
situation and safety?
A. Activities
B. Sexual Activity
C. Education
D. Home
Answer: D
Rationale: The ‘H’ in the HEADSS mnemonic specifically stands for Home environment.
This section allows the PMHNP to assess who lives with the adolescent and the stability of
the family structure. It is crucial for identifying potential sources of stress or abuse within
the primary living environment.
2. Which screening tool is most appropriate for assessing the severity of depressive
symptoms in a 75-year-old male?
A. PHQ-9
B. Beck Depression Inventory
,C. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
D. Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale
Answer: C
Rationale: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is specifically designed for use with older
adults to avoid confusion with somatic symptoms of physical illness. It focuses more on
mood-related items rather than physical complaints like fatigue or pain. Utilizing this tool
helps the clinician differentiate between clinical depression and normal aging or medical
comorbidities.
3. During a Mental Status Examination (MSE), ‘loose associations’ would be categorized under
which assessment heading?
A. Thought Content
B. Perception
C. Thought Process
D. Cognition
Answer: C
Rationale: Thought process refers to the organization and flow of thoughts rather than
what the person is actually thinking about. Loose associations indicate a lack of logical
connection between ideas, which is a formal thought disorder. Assessing the thought
process is essential for diagnosing conditions like schizophrenia or mania.
, 4. According to the CAGE questionnaire, what is the minimum number of ‘yes’ answers that
suggests a potential problem with alcohol?
A. One
B. Four
C. Three
D. Two
Answer: D
Rationale: The CAGE questionnaire is a four-item screening tool used to detect alcohol use
disorder. A score of two or more ‘yes’ responses is clinically significant and warrants
further evaluation. This tool is highly efficient in primary care and psychiatric settings for
identifying high-risk drinking patterns.
5. Which of the following is considered a ‘protective factor’ when performing a suicide risk
assessment?
A. Previous suicide attempt
B. Strong religious beliefs against suicide
C. Family history of suicide
D. Living alone
Answer: B
548 Psychiatric Assessment for
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner Chamberlain
1. In the HEADSS assessment for adolescents, which category evaluates the patient’s living
situation and safety?
A. Activities
B. Sexual Activity
C. Education
D. Home
Answer: D
Rationale: The ‘H’ in the HEADSS mnemonic specifically stands for Home environment.
This section allows the PMHNP to assess who lives with the adolescent and the stability of
the family structure. It is crucial for identifying potential sources of stress or abuse within
the primary living environment.
2. Which screening tool is most appropriate for assessing the severity of depressive
symptoms in a 75-year-old male?
A. PHQ-9
B. Beck Depression Inventory
,C. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
D. Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale
Answer: C
Rationale: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is specifically designed for use with older
adults to avoid confusion with somatic symptoms of physical illness. It focuses more on
mood-related items rather than physical complaints like fatigue or pain. Utilizing this tool
helps the clinician differentiate between clinical depression and normal aging or medical
comorbidities.
3. During a Mental Status Examination (MSE), ‘loose associations’ would be categorized under
which assessment heading?
A. Thought Content
B. Perception
C. Thought Process
D. Cognition
Answer: C
Rationale: Thought process refers to the organization and flow of thoughts rather than
what the person is actually thinking about. Loose associations indicate a lack of logical
connection between ideas, which is a formal thought disorder. Assessing the thought
process is essential for diagnosing conditions like schizophrenia or mania.
, 4. According to the CAGE questionnaire, what is the minimum number of ‘yes’ answers that
suggests a potential problem with alcohol?
A. One
B. Four
C. Three
D. Two
Answer: D
Rationale: The CAGE questionnaire is a four-item screening tool used to detect alcohol use
disorder. A score of two or more ‘yes’ responses is clinically significant and warrants
further evaluation. This tool is highly efficient in primary care and psychiatric settings for
identifying high-risk drinking patterns.
5. Which of the following is considered a ‘protective factor’ when performing a suicide risk
assessment?
A. Previous suicide attempt
B. Strong religious beliefs against suicide
C. Family history of suicide
D. Living alone
Answer: B
