PMHNP Certification Exam Complete
Questions with Correct Answers and
Detailed Rationales - Latest Update
2026.
PMHNP Exam Revision Study Guide
1. Pain and bloating after eating is caused by...
Correct Answer: Delayed gastric emptying
Rationale
Delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis) slows the movement of food from the stomach into the
small intestine. This causes:
• Early satiety
• Bloating
• Post-meal fullness
• Nausea
• Abdominal discomfort
2. Medications that cause delayed gastric emptying?
Correct Answer:
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
• Ranitidine
• Famotidine
, • Omeprazole
Rationale
Acid-suppressing medications may slow gastric motility in some patients, leading to delayed
stomach emptying and symptoms such as bloating and fullness.
3. What instructions should you give your patient if they are
prescribed antacids/PPIs and psychotropics?
Correct Answer:
Take the medications at least 2 hours apart because antacids and PPIs can decrease the
absorption of many psychotropic medications.
Rationale
Reduced gastric acidity alters absorption of several psychiatric medications, potentially
decreasing therapeutic effectiveness.
4. Normal BMI range
Correct Answer:
18.5–24.9 kg/m²
Rationale
Normal BMI indicates a healthy body weight.
• Underweight: <18.5
• Normal: 18.5–24.9
• Overweight: 25–29.9
• Obesity: ≥30
5. Criteria for admission for eating disorder behaviors
, Correct Answer
Admission is recommended when any of the following are present:
• BMI <15
• 25% body weight loss within 3 months
• Severe dehydration
• Bradycardia
• Hypothermia
• Infection
• Hematemesis
• Hypokalemia
Rationale
These findings indicate medical instability requiring inpatient treatment to prevent life-
threatening complications.
6. What neurotransmitters are implicated in ADHD?
Correct Answer
• Dopamine (DA)
• Norepinephrine (NE)
• Serotonin (5-HT)
Mnemonic: DNS
Rationale
ADHD is primarily associated with dopamine and norepinephrine dysfunction affecting
attention, executive functioning, and impulse control.
7. What brain structures are involved in ADHD?
Correct Answer
• Reticular Activating System
• Basal Ganglia
• Frontal Cortex
Questions with Correct Answers and
Detailed Rationales - Latest Update
2026.
PMHNP Exam Revision Study Guide
1. Pain and bloating after eating is caused by...
Correct Answer: Delayed gastric emptying
Rationale
Delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis) slows the movement of food from the stomach into the
small intestine. This causes:
• Early satiety
• Bloating
• Post-meal fullness
• Nausea
• Abdominal discomfort
2. Medications that cause delayed gastric emptying?
Correct Answer:
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
• Ranitidine
• Famotidine
, • Omeprazole
Rationale
Acid-suppressing medications may slow gastric motility in some patients, leading to delayed
stomach emptying and symptoms such as bloating and fullness.
3. What instructions should you give your patient if they are
prescribed antacids/PPIs and psychotropics?
Correct Answer:
Take the medications at least 2 hours apart because antacids and PPIs can decrease the
absorption of many psychotropic medications.
Rationale
Reduced gastric acidity alters absorption of several psychiatric medications, potentially
decreasing therapeutic effectiveness.
4. Normal BMI range
Correct Answer:
18.5–24.9 kg/m²
Rationale
Normal BMI indicates a healthy body weight.
• Underweight: <18.5
• Normal: 18.5–24.9
• Overweight: 25–29.9
• Obesity: ≥30
5. Criteria for admission for eating disorder behaviors
, Correct Answer
Admission is recommended when any of the following are present:
• BMI <15
• 25% body weight loss within 3 months
• Severe dehydration
• Bradycardia
• Hypothermia
• Infection
• Hematemesis
• Hypokalemia
Rationale
These findings indicate medical instability requiring inpatient treatment to prevent life-
threatening complications.
6. What neurotransmitters are implicated in ADHD?
Correct Answer
• Dopamine (DA)
• Norepinephrine (NE)
• Serotonin (5-HT)
Mnemonic: DNS
Rationale
ADHD is primarily associated with dopamine and norepinephrine dysfunction affecting
attention, executive functioning, and impulse control.
7. What brain structures are involved in ADHD?
Correct Answer
• Reticular Activating System
• Basal Ganglia
• Frontal Cortex
