ANCC PMHNP Review Questions and
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
What is the most important initial step when a patient with schizophrenia reports medication
nonadherence?
✔✔Explore the patient’s reasons for stopping the medication
Which lab value must be monitored regularly while a patient is taking valproic acid?
✔✔Liver function tests
What is the best initial action when a patient describes passive suicidal ideation with no plan?
✔✔Assess protective factors and support systems
Which disorder is characterized by at least one manic episode?
✔✔Bipolar I disorder
What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder?
✔✔Anxiety related to excessive worry, as evidenced by restlessness and irritability
1
,Which class of medication is most associated with weight gain and metabolic syndrome?
✔✔Second-generation antipsychotics
What is the most appropriate response when a patient with PTSD avoids discussing their trauma
during sessions?
✔✔Normalize avoidance and use trauma-informed approaches to build trust
What is a key feature that distinguishes social anxiety disorder from panic disorder?
✔✔Fear of negative evaluation by others
What must be ruled out before diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in an adult?
✔✔Substance use or mood disorders
Which side effect of antipsychotic medications can be irreversible if not detected early?
✔✔Tardive dyskinesia
What symptom would prompt the PMHNP to evaluate for a manic episode?
2
, ✔✔Decreased need for sleep with increased goal-directed activity
What is the primary purpose of a mental status exam?
✔✔To assess the patient’s current psychological functioning
What clinical feature suggests neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
✔✔Muscle rigidity, high fever, and autonomic instability
What approach should the PMHNP take with a patient exhibiting borderline personality disorder
traits?
✔✔Maintain firm boundaries while showing empathy
What is the first-line intervention for insomnia in older adults?
✔✔Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
What differentiates delusions from obsessions?
✔✔Delusions are fixed false beliefs; obsessions are intrusive unwanted thoughts
3
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
What is the most important initial step when a patient with schizophrenia reports medication
nonadherence?
✔✔Explore the patient’s reasons for stopping the medication
Which lab value must be monitored regularly while a patient is taking valproic acid?
✔✔Liver function tests
What is the best initial action when a patient describes passive suicidal ideation with no plan?
✔✔Assess protective factors and support systems
Which disorder is characterized by at least one manic episode?
✔✔Bipolar I disorder
What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder?
✔✔Anxiety related to excessive worry, as evidenced by restlessness and irritability
1
,Which class of medication is most associated with weight gain and metabolic syndrome?
✔✔Second-generation antipsychotics
What is the most appropriate response when a patient with PTSD avoids discussing their trauma
during sessions?
✔✔Normalize avoidance and use trauma-informed approaches to build trust
What is a key feature that distinguishes social anxiety disorder from panic disorder?
✔✔Fear of negative evaluation by others
What must be ruled out before diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in an adult?
✔✔Substance use or mood disorders
Which side effect of antipsychotic medications can be irreversible if not detected early?
✔✔Tardive dyskinesia
What symptom would prompt the PMHNP to evaluate for a manic episode?
2
, ✔✔Decreased need for sleep with increased goal-directed activity
What is the primary purpose of a mental status exam?
✔✔To assess the patient’s current psychological functioning
What clinical feature suggests neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
✔✔Muscle rigidity, high fever, and autonomic instability
What approach should the PMHNP take with a patient exhibiting borderline personality disorder
traits?
✔✔Maintain firm boundaries while showing empathy
What is the first-line intervention for insomnia in older adults?
✔✔Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
What differentiates delusions from obsessions?
✔✔Delusions are fixed false beliefs; obsessions are intrusive unwanted thoughts
3
