APEA PMHNP Management Question Bank
Exam (Psychiatric-Mental Health NP) 200
Questions With Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf A+ Grade Guarantee
Verified By Professionals
1. A patient with major depressive disorder reports persistent insomnia
despite SSRI therapy. What is the most appropriate next step?
A. Increase SSRI dose
B. Add trazodone at bedtime
C. Discontinue SSRI
D. Initiate benzodiazepine therapy
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: Trazodone is commonly used as an adjunct for insomnia in
depression due to its sedating properties without significant dependence
risk.
2. A patient taking lithium presents with tremors, confusion, and diarrhea.
What is the priority action?
A. Continue lithium and monitor
B. Administer IV fluids only
C. Hold lithium and check serum level
D. Add beta-blocker
Answer: C ✔
Rationale: Symptoms indicate lithium toxicity; immediate cessation and
level assessment are critical.
,3. Which medication is first-line for generalized anxiety disorder?
A. Alprazolam
B. Sertraline
C. Haloperidol
D. Valproate
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: SSRIs like sertraline are first-line for GAD due to efficacy and
safety.
4. A patient with schizophrenia develops muscle rigidity and fever. What is the
likely diagnosis?
A. Serotonin syndrome
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C. Acute dystonia
D. Tardive dyskinesia
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: NMS presents with rigidity, hyperthermia, and autonomic
instability.
5. Which neurotransmitter is most associated with depression?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: Serotonin deficiency is strongly linked to depressive disorders.
6. A manic patient is highly agitated and aggressive. What is the best
immediate intervention?
A. Psychoeducation
B. Oral lithium
C. IM antipsychotic
D. Antidepressant
, Answer: C ✔
Rationale: IM antipsychotics provide rapid control of acute agitation.
7. Which therapy is most effective for PTSD?
A. Psychoanalysis
B. CBT with exposure
C. Supportive therapy
D. Hypnosis
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: CBT with exposure is evidence-based for PTSD treatment.
8. A patient on clozapine requires routine monitoring for:
A. Liver enzymes
B. Platelets
C. Absolute neutrophil count
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: C ✔
Rationale: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, requiring ANC
monitoring.
9. Which symptom is characteristic of panic disorder?
A. Persistent sadness
B. Flashbacks
C. Sudden intense fear with palpitations
D. Hallucinations
Answer: C ✔
Rationale: Panic attacks involve sudden intense fear and autonomic
symptoms.
10.What is the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?
A. Increase dopamine
B. Block serotonin
C. Enhance GABA
D. Inhibit norepinephrine
, Answer: C ✔
Rationale: Benzodiazepines enhance GABA, producing sedative effects.
11.A patient reports hearing voices giving commands. This is:
A. Illusion
B. Delusion
C. Hallucination
D. Thought insertion
Answer: C ✔
Rationale: Hallucinations are sensory perceptions without external
stimuli.
12.First-line treatment for ADHD in children:
A. SSRIs
B. Stimulants
C. Antipsychotics
D. Mood stabilizers
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: Stimulants are most effective for ADHD symptom control.
13.Which condition is contraindicated for benzodiazepines?
A. Insomnia
B. Alcohol use disorder
C. Anxiety
D. Panic attacks
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: Risk of respiratory depression and dependence increases with
alcohol use.
14.A patient abruptly stops SSRIs and develops dizziness and flu-like symptoms.
This is:
A. Toxicity
B. Withdrawal syndrome
C. Relapse
Exam (Psychiatric-Mental Health NP) 200
Questions With Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf A+ Grade Guarantee
Verified By Professionals
1. A patient with major depressive disorder reports persistent insomnia
despite SSRI therapy. What is the most appropriate next step?
A. Increase SSRI dose
B. Add trazodone at bedtime
C. Discontinue SSRI
D. Initiate benzodiazepine therapy
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: Trazodone is commonly used as an adjunct for insomnia in
depression due to its sedating properties without significant dependence
risk.
2. A patient taking lithium presents with tremors, confusion, and diarrhea.
What is the priority action?
A. Continue lithium and monitor
B. Administer IV fluids only
C. Hold lithium and check serum level
D. Add beta-blocker
Answer: C ✔
Rationale: Symptoms indicate lithium toxicity; immediate cessation and
level assessment are critical.
,3. Which medication is first-line for generalized anxiety disorder?
A. Alprazolam
B. Sertraline
C. Haloperidol
D. Valproate
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: SSRIs like sertraline are first-line for GAD due to efficacy and
safety.
4. A patient with schizophrenia develops muscle rigidity and fever. What is the
likely diagnosis?
A. Serotonin syndrome
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C. Acute dystonia
D. Tardive dyskinesia
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: NMS presents with rigidity, hyperthermia, and autonomic
instability.
5. Which neurotransmitter is most associated with depression?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: Serotonin deficiency is strongly linked to depressive disorders.
6. A manic patient is highly agitated and aggressive. What is the best
immediate intervention?
A. Psychoeducation
B. Oral lithium
C. IM antipsychotic
D. Antidepressant
, Answer: C ✔
Rationale: IM antipsychotics provide rapid control of acute agitation.
7. Which therapy is most effective for PTSD?
A. Psychoanalysis
B. CBT with exposure
C. Supportive therapy
D. Hypnosis
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: CBT with exposure is evidence-based for PTSD treatment.
8. A patient on clozapine requires routine monitoring for:
A. Liver enzymes
B. Platelets
C. Absolute neutrophil count
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: C ✔
Rationale: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, requiring ANC
monitoring.
9. Which symptom is characteristic of panic disorder?
A. Persistent sadness
B. Flashbacks
C. Sudden intense fear with palpitations
D. Hallucinations
Answer: C ✔
Rationale: Panic attacks involve sudden intense fear and autonomic
symptoms.
10.What is the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?
A. Increase dopamine
B. Block serotonin
C. Enhance GABA
D. Inhibit norepinephrine
, Answer: C ✔
Rationale: Benzodiazepines enhance GABA, producing sedative effects.
11.A patient reports hearing voices giving commands. This is:
A. Illusion
B. Delusion
C. Hallucination
D. Thought insertion
Answer: C ✔
Rationale: Hallucinations are sensory perceptions without external
stimuli.
12.First-line treatment for ADHD in children:
A. SSRIs
B. Stimulants
C. Antipsychotics
D. Mood stabilizers
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: Stimulants are most effective for ADHD symptom control.
13.Which condition is contraindicated for benzodiazepines?
A. Insomnia
B. Alcohol use disorder
C. Anxiety
D. Panic attacks
Answer: B ✔
Rationale: Risk of respiratory depression and dependence increases with
alcohol use.
14.A patient abruptly stops SSRIs and develops dizziness and flu-like symptoms.
This is:
A. Toxicity
B. Withdrawal syndrome
C. Relapse
