BARKLEY PMHNP ACTUAL EXAM | 100% GRADED | 90 REAL &
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | 2026 VERSION , GET IT
CORRECT!!!
Although the patient may be rationalizing her behavior as a righteous act, patients with
kleptomania do not commit theft to express anger or vengeance. Kleptomania is characterized as
failing to resist the impulse to steal, and the stolen objects are typically not needed. The act of
stealing, which usually is performed alone, gives the person gratification. - (ANSWER)Harriet is
a well-established business woman who provides for her family. She was recently arrested for
stealing over $10,000 worth of merchandise from the mall. When Harriet is asked to describe her
behavior, she says: "It just comes on me quickly, and when it's done, I feel really good." She also
describes how she grew up poor and sees the theft as a way to "even the score" against those with
"empty wealth." Which of the following does not meet the diagnostic criteria for kleptomania?
Harriet views her shoplifting as a righteous act.
Harriet's stealing is described as pleasurable.
Harriet is well-off and can support her family's needs.
Harriet's stealing is described as impulsive.
Borderline personality disorder is not considered a differential diagnosis for conduct disorder, as
indicated by the patient's truancy, defiance of authority figures, fights with family members, poor
academic performance, sexual promiscuity, running away from home, and "tough guy"
demeanor. Oppositional defiant disorder, bipolar disorders, and adjustment disorders are all
,considered potential differential diagnoses for conduct disorder, as are depressive disorders,
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and intermittent explosive disorder. - (ANSWER)Tony, a
16-year-old male, has been sent to your clinic for counseling. He has a long record of skipping
school, talking back to his teachers, and getting poor grades. His parents say he has often gotten
in fights with them, has frequently been caught sneaking girls into his room, and has run away
from home on two occasions. During the session, you notice Tony acts tough and aloof, not
deigning to speak much. If you suspect conduct disorder, which of the following conditions
would you be least likely to include in your differential diagnosis?
1. Borderline personality disorder
2. Oppositional defiant disorder
3. Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct
4. Bipolar disorder
Depressive symptoms are associated with decreased, not increased, levels of somatostatin in
cerebrospinal fluid. Patients with depression may exhibit a decreased thyroid-stimulating
hormone response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone, as well as hypersecretion of cortisol.
Depressive symptoms are also associated with irregularities in growth hormone release, such as
reduced nocturnal secretion and diurnal hypersecretion. - (ANSWER)Which of these lab findings
would be least expected in a patient with depression?
1. Decreased nocturnal growth hormone secretion
2. Decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone response
,3. Increased somatostatin in cerebrospinal fluid
4. Increased secretion of cortisol
Although ambivalence regarding suicidal intent should be taken into account when considering
level of observation in a patient, it indicates a moderate risk, not a severe risk. Close observation
should be employed with patients who profess suicidal thoughts, are unable to commit to a "No
Harm" contract, or experience withdrawal. - (ANSWER)Jeremy, a suicidal inpatient, is under
close observation. He is able to be observed at all times by hospital staff during waking hours
and when he sleeps, and is checked on every 15-30 minutes. Which of these reasons would least
indicate the need for this level of supervision?
1. Jeremy has expressed suicidal thoughts.
2. Jeremy experiences withdrawal from alcohol and cocaine.
3. Jeremy is ambivalent about his intent to commit suicide.
4. Jeremy was unable to commit to a "No Harm" contract.
The patient's recent involvement in risky pleasurable activity (e.g., unprotected sex), increase in
goal-driven activity at work, decreased need for sleep, and subjective experience of racing
thoughts all suggest a manic episode; as such, bupropion, an antidepressant, would not be
considered because the patient has not displayed the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive
episode. Pharmacologic options for the treatment of manic episodes include anticonvulsants
(carbamazepine), antipsychotics (haloperidol), and benzodiazepines (lorazepam). -
, (ANSWER)Adam, a 23-year-old male, is undergoing an STD test at your clinic. When you ask
him why he is here, he says, "I'm here because I've had this increased craving for sex. I've been
picking up strangers in bars, not caring about using protection ... I don't know what it is. For the
last week, I've just felt really driven. Keep throwing myself into my work, don't feel much need
for sleep, feel like my thoughts are running a marathon in my head." The patient lives a "clean
life," clarifying that he does not abuse any substance, "not even coffee or cigarettes." He also
does not have a history of mental disorders. Given the most likely diagnosis, which of these
medications would you least likely recommend for Adam?
Lorazepam
Haloperidol
Carbamazepine
Bupropion
Lorazepam would not be the first choice to treat delirium in a dehydrated patient because
benzodiazepines may cause respiratory depression, especially in debilitated patients.
Antipsychotics such as haloperidol, quetiapine, and risperidone are considered the mainstay in
managing agitation in delirium patients; haloperidol is considered the standard of care, but newer
agents such as quetiapine and risperidone may be preferred due to reduced chance of side effects.
- (ANSWER)You have determined that a patient's delirium stems from dehydration. As you
begin treatment, you realize the patient will require pharmacologic management for his agitation.
Which of these agents would be least appropriate in this situation?
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | 2026 VERSION , GET IT
CORRECT!!!
Although the patient may be rationalizing her behavior as a righteous act, patients with
kleptomania do not commit theft to express anger or vengeance. Kleptomania is characterized as
failing to resist the impulse to steal, and the stolen objects are typically not needed. The act of
stealing, which usually is performed alone, gives the person gratification. - (ANSWER)Harriet is
a well-established business woman who provides for her family. She was recently arrested for
stealing over $10,000 worth of merchandise from the mall. When Harriet is asked to describe her
behavior, she says: "It just comes on me quickly, and when it's done, I feel really good." She also
describes how she grew up poor and sees the theft as a way to "even the score" against those with
"empty wealth." Which of the following does not meet the diagnostic criteria for kleptomania?
Harriet views her shoplifting as a righteous act.
Harriet's stealing is described as pleasurable.
Harriet is well-off and can support her family's needs.
Harriet's stealing is described as impulsive.
Borderline personality disorder is not considered a differential diagnosis for conduct disorder, as
indicated by the patient's truancy, defiance of authority figures, fights with family members, poor
academic performance, sexual promiscuity, running away from home, and "tough guy"
demeanor. Oppositional defiant disorder, bipolar disorders, and adjustment disorders are all
,considered potential differential diagnoses for conduct disorder, as are depressive disorders,
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and intermittent explosive disorder. - (ANSWER)Tony, a
16-year-old male, has been sent to your clinic for counseling. He has a long record of skipping
school, talking back to his teachers, and getting poor grades. His parents say he has often gotten
in fights with them, has frequently been caught sneaking girls into his room, and has run away
from home on two occasions. During the session, you notice Tony acts tough and aloof, not
deigning to speak much. If you suspect conduct disorder, which of the following conditions
would you be least likely to include in your differential diagnosis?
1. Borderline personality disorder
2. Oppositional defiant disorder
3. Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct
4. Bipolar disorder
Depressive symptoms are associated with decreased, not increased, levels of somatostatin in
cerebrospinal fluid. Patients with depression may exhibit a decreased thyroid-stimulating
hormone response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone, as well as hypersecretion of cortisol.
Depressive symptoms are also associated with irregularities in growth hormone release, such as
reduced nocturnal secretion and diurnal hypersecretion. - (ANSWER)Which of these lab findings
would be least expected in a patient with depression?
1. Decreased nocturnal growth hormone secretion
2. Decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone response
,3. Increased somatostatin in cerebrospinal fluid
4. Increased secretion of cortisol
Although ambivalence regarding suicidal intent should be taken into account when considering
level of observation in a patient, it indicates a moderate risk, not a severe risk. Close observation
should be employed with patients who profess suicidal thoughts, are unable to commit to a "No
Harm" contract, or experience withdrawal. - (ANSWER)Jeremy, a suicidal inpatient, is under
close observation. He is able to be observed at all times by hospital staff during waking hours
and when he sleeps, and is checked on every 15-30 minutes. Which of these reasons would least
indicate the need for this level of supervision?
1. Jeremy has expressed suicidal thoughts.
2. Jeremy experiences withdrawal from alcohol and cocaine.
3. Jeremy is ambivalent about his intent to commit suicide.
4. Jeremy was unable to commit to a "No Harm" contract.
The patient's recent involvement in risky pleasurable activity (e.g., unprotected sex), increase in
goal-driven activity at work, decreased need for sleep, and subjective experience of racing
thoughts all suggest a manic episode; as such, bupropion, an antidepressant, would not be
considered because the patient has not displayed the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive
episode. Pharmacologic options for the treatment of manic episodes include anticonvulsants
(carbamazepine), antipsychotics (haloperidol), and benzodiazepines (lorazepam). -
, (ANSWER)Adam, a 23-year-old male, is undergoing an STD test at your clinic. When you ask
him why he is here, he says, "I'm here because I've had this increased craving for sex. I've been
picking up strangers in bars, not caring about using protection ... I don't know what it is. For the
last week, I've just felt really driven. Keep throwing myself into my work, don't feel much need
for sleep, feel like my thoughts are running a marathon in my head." The patient lives a "clean
life," clarifying that he does not abuse any substance, "not even coffee or cigarettes." He also
does not have a history of mental disorders. Given the most likely diagnosis, which of these
medications would you least likely recommend for Adam?
Lorazepam
Haloperidol
Carbamazepine
Bupropion
Lorazepam would not be the first choice to treat delirium in a dehydrated patient because
benzodiazepines may cause respiratory depression, especially in debilitated patients.
Antipsychotics such as haloperidol, quetiapine, and risperidone are considered the mainstay in
managing agitation in delirium patients; haloperidol is considered the standard of care, but newer
agents such as quetiapine and risperidone may be preferred due to reduced chance of side effects.
- (ANSWER)You have determined that a patient's delirium stems from dehydration. As you
begin treatment, you realize the patient will require pharmacologic management for his agitation.
Which of these agents would be least appropriate in this situation?
