ANCC IQ DOMAINS 1 TO 5 2026 PATIENT
SAFETY QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND
EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE STUDY GUIDE
◉ A 17-year-old female presents to your clinic reporting anhedonia,
decreased energy, and hopelessness for the past two years. She
denies drinking alcohol, smoking, or using illegal substances. Her
physical examination results are within normal limits and she denies
suicidal ideations. As the treating psychiatric mental health nurse
practitioner, you decide to prescribe her bupropion (Wellbutrin). Of
the following, which is contraindication for the use of bupropion?
a. Bulimia
b. Dysthymia
c. Smoking
d. Fatigue
Answer: A
◉ Which of the following statements reflects current understanding
of neurodevelopment and best explains risk-taking behaviors of
adolescent males?
a. Hormonal flooding, especially testosterone and oxytocin, increase
dopamine levels in the brain
, b. Maturation of the prefrontal cortex continues into mid-20s and
early 30s
c. Pruning of serotonin circuits in the adolescent brain is associated
with increased impulsivity
d. Stimulant and substance use impairs judgment and cognitive
appraisal.
Answer: B
◉ Which of the following statements does not reflect current
understanding of neurotransmitter pathways implicated in anxiety
disorders?
a. Decreasing norepinephrine in the locus coeruleus diminishes
symptoms of anxiety.
b. Increased levels of CRF in the amygdala, hippocampus and locus
coeruleus increases symptoms of anxiety.
c. Decreasing GABA in the mesolimbic cortex diminishes symptoms
of anxiety.
d. Increasing serotonergic activity in the amygdala diminishes
symptoms of anxiety.
Answer: C
◉ Which of the following findings on MRI and PET scans would be
uncommon in individuals with schizophrenia?
a. Decreased glutamate and GABA release
SAFETY QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND
EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE STUDY GUIDE
◉ A 17-year-old female presents to your clinic reporting anhedonia,
decreased energy, and hopelessness for the past two years. She
denies drinking alcohol, smoking, or using illegal substances. Her
physical examination results are within normal limits and she denies
suicidal ideations. As the treating psychiatric mental health nurse
practitioner, you decide to prescribe her bupropion (Wellbutrin). Of
the following, which is contraindication for the use of bupropion?
a. Bulimia
b. Dysthymia
c. Smoking
d. Fatigue
Answer: A
◉ Which of the following statements reflects current understanding
of neurodevelopment and best explains risk-taking behaviors of
adolescent males?
a. Hormonal flooding, especially testosterone and oxytocin, increase
dopamine levels in the brain
, b. Maturation of the prefrontal cortex continues into mid-20s and
early 30s
c. Pruning of serotonin circuits in the adolescent brain is associated
with increased impulsivity
d. Stimulant and substance use impairs judgment and cognitive
appraisal.
Answer: B
◉ Which of the following statements does not reflect current
understanding of neurotransmitter pathways implicated in anxiety
disorders?
a. Decreasing norepinephrine in the locus coeruleus diminishes
symptoms of anxiety.
b. Increased levels of CRF in the amygdala, hippocampus and locus
coeruleus increases symptoms of anxiety.
c. Decreasing GABA in the mesolimbic cortex diminishes symptoms
of anxiety.
d. Increasing serotonergic activity in the amygdala diminishes
symptoms of anxiety.
Answer: C
◉ Which of the following findings on MRI and PET scans would be
uncommon in individuals with schizophrenia?
a. Decreased glutamate and GABA release
