ANCC PMHNP Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
What is the primary focus of psychiatric mental health nursing care?
✔✔Promoting mental wellness and treating mental health disorders across the lifespan.
What tool is commonly used to assess suicide risk in adolescents?
✔✔Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).
What is a therapeutic communication technique that encourages elaboration?
✔✔Using open-ended questions.
What is the best initial response to a client expressing paranoid thoughts?
✔✔Acknowledge their feelings and establish trust without reinforcing delusions.
What is the first step when managing a client with acute mania?
✔✔Ensure safety for the client and others.
1
,What lab test must be monitored regularly in a client taking lithium?
✔✔Serum lithium level.
What should a PMHNP do if a client threatens to harm someone else?
✔✔Initiate duty to warn and notify the proper authorities.
What is the primary goal during a mental status exam?
✔✔Assess the client’s cognitive and emotional functioning.
What is one sign of serotonin syndrome?
✔✔Muscle rigidity and hyperreflexia.
What should you assess before initiating SSRIs in a client with depression?
✔✔Suicidal ideation and bipolar history.
What is an appropriate nonpharmacologic intervention for generalized anxiety disorder?
✔✔Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
2
,What diagnosis is associated with alternating periods of depression and elevated mood?
✔✔Bipolar disorder.
What neurotransmitter is most associated with schizophrenia symptoms?
✔✔Dopamine.
What is a therapeutic goal for a client with borderline personality disorder?
✔✔Improve emotional regulation and reduce impulsive behaviors.
What should be done before starting a stimulant medication in a child?
✔✔Obtain baseline cardiac and blood pressure assessment.
What is the best approach to managing medication nonadherence in schizophrenia?
✔✔Use long-acting injectables if appropriate and explore reasons for nonadherence.
What defense mechanism is a child using when they blame others for their mistakes?
✔✔Projection.
3
, What is the most appropriate action when a client shows signs of neuroleptic malignant
syndrome?
✔✔Stop the antipsychotic immediately and seek emergency care.
What does it mean when a client has flat affect?
✔✔They display little or no emotional expression.
What is a common side effect of first-generation antipsychotics?
✔✔Extrapyramidal symptoms.
What condition is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance?
✔✔Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
What is an example of a positive symptom in schizophrenia?
✔✔Auditory hallucinations.
What should the PMHNP do if a client discloses child abuse?
✔✔Report it to child protective services as mandated.
4
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
What is the primary focus of psychiatric mental health nursing care?
✔✔Promoting mental wellness and treating mental health disorders across the lifespan.
What tool is commonly used to assess suicide risk in adolescents?
✔✔Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).
What is a therapeutic communication technique that encourages elaboration?
✔✔Using open-ended questions.
What is the best initial response to a client expressing paranoid thoughts?
✔✔Acknowledge their feelings and establish trust without reinforcing delusions.
What is the first step when managing a client with acute mania?
✔✔Ensure safety for the client and others.
1
,What lab test must be monitored regularly in a client taking lithium?
✔✔Serum lithium level.
What should a PMHNP do if a client threatens to harm someone else?
✔✔Initiate duty to warn and notify the proper authorities.
What is the primary goal during a mental status exam?
✔✔Assess the client’s cognitive and emotional functioning.
What is one sign of serotonin syndrome?
✔✔Muscle rigidity and hyperreflexia.
What should you assess before initiating SSRIs in a client with depression?
✔✔Suicidal ideation and bipolar history.
What is an appropriate nonpharmacologic intervention for generalized anxiety disorder?
✔✔Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
2
,What diagnosis is associated with alternating periods of depression and elevated mood?
✔✔Bipolar disorder.
What neurotransmitter is most associated with schizophrenia symptoms?
✔✔Dopamine.
What is a therapeutic goal for a client with borderline personality disorder?
✔✔Improve emotional regulation and reduce impulsive behaviors.
What should be done before starting a stimulant medication in a child?
✔✔Obtain baseline cardiac and blood pressure assessment.
What is the best approach to managing medication nonadherence in schizophrenia?
✔✔Use long-acting injectables if appropriate and explore reasons for nonadherence.
What defense mechanism is a child using when they blame others for their mistakes?
✔✔Projection.
3
, What is the most appropriate action when a client shows signs of neuroleptic malignant
syndrome?
✔✔Stop the antipsychotic immediately and seek emergency care.
What does it mean when a client has flat affect?
✔✔They display little or no emotional expression.
What is a common side effect of first-generation antipsychotics?
✔✔Extrapyramidal symptoms.
What condition is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance?
✔✔Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
What is an example of a positive symptom in schizophrenia?
✔✔Auditory hallucinations.
What should the PMHNP do if a client discloses child abuse?
✔✔Report it to child protective services as mandated.
4
