P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NR 548 Exam 2 Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 |
Chamberlain University
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
82 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 82 questions with their correct answers and detailed rationales, covering
psychiatric assessment and interviewing techniques. It serves as a comprehensive study guide for students
preparing for exams and certification in this subject area. The provided content directly aligns with the
need for thorough understanding and review of key concepts.
CONTENTS
01 Psychiatric Interview Fundamentals Q1–Q16
02 Therapeutic Alliance & Communication Q17–Q45
03 Psychiatric History Components Q46–Q60
Page 1
, 04 Symptom Assessment & Patient Recall Q61–Q69
05 Medical Comorbidities & Syndromes Q70–Q82
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 82
Psychiatric interview
CORRECT ANSWER
the process by which psychiatric assessment is conducted
-primary tasks
• building a therapeutic alliance between the PMHNP & client
• obtaining a database of psychiatric info about the client
• establishing a dx
• negotiating a tx plan
RATIONALE
A psychiatric interview is the structured process for a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) to
establish rapport, gather essential client data, formulate a diagnosis, and collaboratively develop a treatment plan.
This foundational interaction guides all subsequent psychiatric assessment and care.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 82
Establishing the Relationship
CORRECT ANSWER
-Trust is essential for a therapeutic alliance
-First impressions are important
-PMHNP should take time to make introductions and ensure the client is comfortable
-Ask general questions to arrive at an empathic understanding of how the client feels
-Listen carefully and communicate an appreciation for the client's concerns
-Building a trusting relationship based on respect, kindness, and acceptance will break down barriers and allow
for client needs to be the center of the plan of care
-Being present and openly engaged will enhance the communication experience
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Establishing trust through introductions and empathic listening creates a therapeutic alliance, allowing the PMHNP
to understand the client's concerns and center the plan of care on their needs. This initial engagement is paramount
for effective communication and a respectful, accepting therapeutic relationship.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 82
three phases of the psychiatric interview
CORRECT ANSWER
1. Opening phase
2. Body of the Interview
3. Closing the Interview
RATIONALE
The psychiatric interview systematically progresses through distinct stages: establishing rapport and setting the
agenda in the opening, gathering information in the body, and summarizing, planning, and concluding in the closing
phase. This structured approach ensures comprehensive data collection and effective therapeutic alliance
development.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 82
Opening phase
CORRECT ANSWER
-first 5-10 minutes
-establish rapport & therapeutic alliance
-often most important phase
• establishes the foundation
-begins with PMHNP asking "what brought you in to see me today?"
RATIONALE
The initial phase of a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) encounter, typically the first 5-10
minutes, is critical for establishing rapport and a therapeutic alliance, laying the groundwork for effective treatment
by understanding the patient's presenting problem. This foundational period begins with an open-ended question
to elicit the patient's chief complaint and reasons for seeking care.
Page 3
, Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 82
Body of the Interview
CORRECT ANSWER
-30-40 minutes
-Chief Complaint Established
• additional Q's asked to elicit info r/t the complaint
-ask about HPI, family hx, social/developmental hx, medical hx, psychiatric ROS
-basis for dx and tx formulation
RATIONALE
This section of the interview establishes the chief complaint and gathers comprehensive history, including HPI,
family history, social/developmental history, medical history, and psychiatric review of systems, to form a diagnostic
and treatment plan. This focused information gathering, typically lasting 30-40 minutes, is the foundation for
clinical decision-making.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 82
Closing the Interview
CORRECT ANSWER
-5-10 minutes, final phase
Should include 2 components: discussion of your assessment using patient education techniques & negotiated
agreement about tx or f/u plans
-wrap-up statement and inquiry about missing info that may be of value
-Patient education regarding working dx & recommended plan of tx
• education about meds if recommended
-Homework may be assigned
• especially in CBT
-Return visit agreed upon
RATIONALE
The final phase of the interview, lasting 5-10 minutes, synthesizes assessment findings with patient education and
culminates in a negotiated agreement on treatment or follow-up plans. This includes a wrap-up, inquiry for missing
information, and education on the working diagnosis and therapeutic regimen.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 82
Page 4