ANCC PMHNP COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM
2026
Ethical Theories and Erikson's Developmental Stages
Question 1
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is faced with a dilemma where a patient with schizophrenia refuses
medication despite experiencing severe symptoms. The practitioner believes that respecting the
patient's autonomy is the right action, regardless of whether this leads to worsening symptoms. Which
ethical theory is being applied?
A. Teleological Theory
B. Deontological Theory
C. Virtue Ethics
D. Utilitarian Ethics
Correct ANSWER: B
Rationale:
Option B (Correct): Deontological theory states that an action is judged as good or bad based on the act
itself, regardless of the consequences
quizlet.com
. In this scenario, respecting autonomy is considered the right action based on duty and moral rules, not
on the outcome.
Option A (Incorrect): Teleological theory judges actions based on their consequences or outcomes, not
on the inherent rightness of the act itself
quizlet.com
. If using teleological reasoning, the practitioner would focus on whether taking the medication leads to
better outcomes.
Option C (Incorrect): Virtue ethics focuses on moral virtues and character traits of the person making the
decision, such as honesty, courage, or compassion
www.docsity.com
,. This scenario focuses on the action itself, not the character of the practitioner.
Option D (Incorrect): Utilitarian ethics is a form of teleological thinking that focuses on the greatest good
for the greatest number, which is consequence-based rather than duty-based.
Question 2
During a team meeting, a PMHNP argues that a treatment decision should be made based on which
option will produce the best overall outcome for the patient's quality of life, even if it means overriding
the patient's initial preference. This approach best aligns with:
A. Deontological Theory
B. Virtue Ethics
C. Teleological Theory
D. Principlism
Correct ANSWER: C
Rationale:
Option C (Correct): Teleological theory states that an action is judged as good or bad based on the
consequence or outcome
quizlet.com
. The practitioner is focusing on achieving the best outcome (quality of life) rather than adhering strictly
to rules or duties.
Option A (Incorrect): Deontological theory would focus on the inherent rightness or wrongness of
respecting patient autonomy as a duty, regardless of outcomes.
Option B (Incorrect): Virtue ethics would emphasize the moral character and virtues of the decision-
maker rather than focusing primarily on outcomes.
Option D (Incorrect): Principlism involves balancing multiple ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence,
non-maleficence, justice) rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
Question 3
A PMHNP consistently demonstrates honesty, compassion, and wisdom when working with patients
struggling with addiction. The practitioner believes these character traits guide ethical decision-making
more than rigid rules or outcome calculations. This approach reflects:
A. Deontological Theory
B. Teleological Theory
C. Virtue Ethics
D. Consequentialism
,Correct ANSWER: C
Rationale:
Option C (Correct): Virtue ethics states that actions are chosen based on moral virtues such as honesty,
courage, compassion, wisdom, gratitude, and self-respect, or the character of the person making the
decision
www.docsity.com
.
Option A (Incorrect): Deontological theory focuses on duties and rules rather than character traits or
virtues.
Option B (Incorrect): Teleological theory focuses on consequences and outcomes rather than the
character of the decision-maker.
Option D (Incorrect): Consequentialism is another term for teleological ethics, focusing on outcomes
rather than virtues or character.
Question 4
According to Erikson's developmental theory, what is the primary developmental task for infants from
birth to 1 year of age?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Trust vs. Mistrust
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct ANSWER: B
Rationale:
Option B (Correct): Erikson's developmental stage for infancy (birth-1 year) has the developmental task
of trust vs. mistrust
quizlet.com
. Infants learn to trust caregivers to meet their basic needs.
Option A (Incorrect): Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt is the developmental task for early childhood (1-3
years), not infancy.
Option C (Incorrect): Initiative vs. Guilt is the developmental task for late childhood/preschool age (3-6
years).
Option D (Incorrect): Industry vs. Inferiority is the developmental task for school-age children (6-12
years).
, Question 5
A 6-month-old infant consistently smiles when their mother enters the room and becomes upset when
she leaves. The infant has formed a strong attachment and shows clear preference for the primary
caregiver. This behavior indicates:
A. Developmental failure in the trust vs. mistrust stage
B. Successful mastery of the trust vs. mistrust stage
C. Developmental failure in the autonomy vs. shame stage
D. Successful mastery of the autonomy vs. shame stage
Correct ANSWER: B
Rationale:
Option B (Correct): Indications of developmental mastery in infancy include the ability to form
meaningful relationships, hope about the future, and trust in others
quizlet.com
. The infant's attachment behavior demonstrates successful trust formation.
Option A (Incorrect): Developmental failure would be indicated by poor relationships, lack of future
hope, and being suspicious of others
www.docsity.com
. This infant is showing healthy attachment.
Option C (Incorrect): This infant is in the infancy stage (birth-1 year), not the early childhood stage
where autonomy vs. shame and doubt occurs.
Option D (Incorrect): Autonomy vs. shame and doubt is not the developmental task for infants; it applies
to children aged 1-3 years.
Question 6
A toddler aged 18 months frequently says "no" and wants to do things independently, such as feeding
themselves even though it's messy. According to Erikson, this behavior represents:
A. Developmental failure
B. Normal progression through autonomy vs. shame and doubt
C. Inadequate trust development
D. Role confusion
Correct ANSWER: B
Rationale:
2026
Ethical Theories and Erikson's Developmental Stages
Question 1
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is faced with a dilemma where a patient with schizophrenia refuses
medication despite experiencing severe symptoms. The practitioner believes that respecting the
patient's autonomy is the right action, regardless of whether this leads to worsening symptoms. Which
ethical theory is being applied?
A. Teleological Theory
B. Deontological Theory
C. Virtue Ethics
D. Utilitarian Ethics
Correct ANSWER: B
Rationale:
Option B (Correct): Deontological theory states that an action is judged as good or bad based on the act
itself, regardless of the consequences
quizlet.com
. In this scenario, respecting autonomy is considered the right action based on duty and moral rules, not
on the outcome.
Option A (Incorrect): Teleological theory judges actions based on their consequences or outcomes, not
on the inherent rightness of the act itself
quizlet.com
. If using teleological reasoning, the practitioner would focus on whether taking the medication leads to
better outcomes.
Option C (Incorrect): Virtue ethics focuses on moral virtues and character traits of the person making the
decision, such as honesty, courage, or compassion
www.docsity.com
,. This scenario focuses on the action itself, not the character of the practitioner.
Option D (Incorrect): Utilitarian ethics is a form of teleological thinking that focuses on the greatest good
for the greatest number, which is consequence-based rather than duty-based.
Question 2
During a team meeting, a PMHNP argues that a treatment decision should be made based on which
option will produce the best overall outcome for the patient's quality of life, even if it means overriding
the patient's initial preference. This approach best aligns with:
A. Deontological Theory
B. Virtue Ethics
C. Teleological Theory
D. Principlism
Correct ANSWER: C
Rationale:
Option C (Correct): Teleological theory states that an action is judged as good or bad based on the
consequence or outcome
quizlet.com
. The practitioner is focusing on achieving the best outcome (quality of life) rather than adhering strictly
to rules or duties.
Option A (Incorrect): Deontological theory would focus on the inherent rightness or wrongness of
respecting patient autonomy as a duty, regardless of outcomes.
Option B (Incorrect): Virtue ethics would emphasize the moral character and virtues of the decision-
maker rather than focusing primarily on outcomes.
Option D (Incorrect): Principlism involves balancing multiple ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence,
non-maleficence, justice) rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
Question 3
A PMHNP consistently demonstrates honesty, compassion, and wisdom when working with patients
struggling with addiction. The practitioner believes these character traits guide ethical decision-making
more than rigid rules or outcome calculations. This approach reflects:
A. Deontological Theory
B. Teleological Theory
C. Virtue Ethics
D. Consequentialism
,Correct ANSWER: C
Rationale:
Option C (Correct): Virtue ethics states that actions are chosen based on moral virtues such as honesty,
courage, compassion, wisdom, gratitude, and self-respect, or the character of the person making the
decision
www.docsity.com
.
Option A (Incorrect): Deontological theory focuses on duties and rules rather than character traits or
virtues.
Option B (Incorrect): Teleological theory focuses on consequences and outcomes rather than the
character of the decision-maker.
Option D (Incorrect): Consequentialism is another term for teleological ethics, focusing on outcomes
rather than virtues or character.
Question 4
According to Erikson's developmental theory, what is the primary developmental task for infants from
birth to 1 year of age?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Trust vs. Mistrust
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct ANSWER: B
Rationale:
Option B (Correct): Erikson's developmental stage for infancy (birth-1 year) has the developmental task
of trust vs. mistrust
quizlet.com
. Infants learn to trust caregivers to meet their basic needs.
Option A (Incorrect): Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt is the developmental task for early childhood (1-3
years), not infancy.
Option C (Incorrect): Initiative vs. Guilt is the developmental task for late childhood/preschool age (3-6
years).
Option D (Incorrect): Industry vs. Inferiority is the developmental task for school-age children (6-12
years).
, Question 5
A 6-month-old infant consistently smiles when their mother enters the room and becomes upset when
she leaves. The infant has formed a strong attachment and shows clear preference for the primary
caregiver. This behavior indicates:
A. Developmental failure in the trust vs. mistrust stage
B. Successful mastery of the trust vs. mistrust stage
C. Developmental failure in the autonomy vs. shame stage
D. Successful mastery of the autonomy vs. shame stage
Correct ANSWER: B
Rationale:
Option B (Correct): Indications of developmental mastery in infancy include the ability to form
meaningful relationships, hope about the future, and trust in others
quizlet.com
. The infant's attachment behavior demonstrates successful trust formation.
Option A (Incorrect): Developmental failure would be indicated by poor relationships, lack of future
hope, and being suspicious of others
www.docsity.com
. This infant is showing healthy attachment.
Option C (Incorrect): This infant is in the infancy stage (birth-1 year), not the early childhood stage
where autonomy vs. shame and doubt occurs.
Option D (Incorrect): Autonomy vs. shame and doubt is not the developmental task for infants; it applies
to children aged 1-3 years.
Question 6
A toddler aged 18 months frequently says "no" and wants to do things independently, such as feeding
themselves even though it's messy. According to Erikson, this behavior represents:
A. Developmental failure
B. Normal progression through autonomy vs. shame and doubt
C. Inadequate trust development
D. Role confusion
Correct ANSWER: B
Rationale:
