NR 605 Final Exam: Psychiatric Mental Health
Comprehensive Practice Guide | Latest (2026)
PDF Actual Q&A
1. The PMHNP is conducting a psychiatric assessment. Which of
the following is the most appropriate first question to ask the
patient?
A) "Why are you here today?"
B) "What brings you in to see me?"
C) "What is your chief complaint?"
D) "How can I help you today?"
Answer B: "What brings you in to see me?"
Rationale: This open-ended question establishes rapport and allows
the patient to express their concerns freely. It is less threatening than
"Why are you here?" and provides a foundation for the therapeutic
relationship. ---
,2. The PMHNP is assessing a patient's mental status. Which of the
following components is included in the Mental Status
Examination (MSE)?
A) Appearance and behavior
B) Speech and language
C) Mood and affect
D) All of the above
Answer D: All of the above
Rationale: The MSE includes appearance, behavior, speech, mood,
affect, thought process, thought content, perception, cognition, insight,
and judgment. A comprehensive MSE is essential for psychiatric
assessment. ---
3. A patient reports "I feel like I'm going crazy." The PMHNP
should first:
A) Reassure the patient
B) Ask the patient to describe what they mean
C) Prescribe an antipsychotic
D) Refer to a psychiatrist
Answer B: Ask the patient to describe what they mean
,Rationale: The PMHNP should explore what the patient means by
"going crazy." This allows for a more detailed assessment of the
patient's symptoms and concerns. It is important to validate the
patient's experience while obtaining specific information. ---
4. The PMHNP is establishing a therapeutic relationship with a
patient. Which of the following is the most important component
of the therapeutic relationship?
A) Trust
B) Empathy
C) Genuineness
D) All of the above
Answer D: All of the above
Rationale: Trust, empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive
regard are essential components of the therapeutic relationship. These
elements create a safe environment for the patient to share their
concerns and engage in treatment. ---
5. A patient with depression reports "I don't want to be a burden
to anyone." The PMHNP should assess for:
, A) Suicidal ideation
B) Social isolation
C) Lack of support
D) All of the above
Answer D: All of the above
Rationale: The statement "I don't want to be a burden" may indicate
suicidal ideation, depression, social isolation, or lack of support. A
comprehensive assessment is needed to identify the underlying issues
and ensure patient safety. ---
6. The PMHNP is assessing a patient's suicide risk. Which of the
following is the most important risk factor for suicide?
A) Previous suicide attempt
B) Family history of suicide
C) Substance use disorder
D) Chronic pain
Answer A: Previous suicide attempt
Rationale: A previous suicide attempt is the strongest predictor of
future suicide. Other risk factors include family history, substance use,
psychiatric disorders, chronic pain, and access to lethal means. A
comprehensive suicide risk assessment is essential. ---
Comprehensive Practice Guide | Latest (2026)
PDF Actual Q&A
1. The PMHNP is conducting a psychiatric assessment. Which of
the following is the most appropriate first question to ask the
patient?
A) "Why are you here today?"
B) "What brings you in to see me?"
C) "What is your chief complaint?"
D) "How can I help you today?"
Answer B: "What brings you in to see me?"
Rationale: This open-ended question establishes rapport and allows
the patient to express their concerns freely. It is less threatening than
"Why are you here?" and provides a foundation for the therapeutic
relationship. ---
,2. The PMHNP is assessing a patient's mental status. Which of the
following components is included in the Mental Status
Examination (MSE)?
A) Appearance and behavior
B) Speech and language
C) Mood and affect
D) All of the above
Answer D: All of the above
Rationale: The MSE includes appearance, behavior, speech, mood,
affect, thought process, thought content, perception, cognition, insight,
and judgment. A comprehensive MSE is essential for psychiatric
assessment. ---
3. A patient reports "I feel like I'm going crazy." The PMHNP
should first:
A) Reassure the patient
B) Ask the patient to describe what they mean
C) Prescribe an antipsychotic
D) Refer to a psychiatrist
Answer B: Ask the patient to describe what they mean
,Rationale: The PMHNP should explore what the patient means by
"going crazy." This allows for a more detailed assessment of the
patient's symptoms and concerns. It is important to validate the
patient's experience while obtaining specific information. ---
4. The PMHNP is establishing a therapeutic relationship with a
patient. Which of the following is the most important component
of the therapeutic relationship?
A) Trust
B) Empathy
C) Genuineness
D) All of the above
Answer D: All of the above
Rationale: Trust, empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive
regard are essential components of the therapeutic relationship. These
elements create a safe environment for the patient to share their
concerns and engage in treatment. ---
5. A patient with depression reports "I don't want to be a burden
to anyone." The PMHNP should assess for:
, A) Suicidal ideation
B) Social isolation
C) Lack of support
D) All of the above
Answer D: All of the above
Rationale: The statement "I don't want to be a burden" may indicate
suicidal ideation, depression, social isolation, or lack of support. A
comprehensive assessment is needed to identify the underlying issues
and ensure patient safety. ---
6. The PMHNP is assessing a patient's suicide risk. Which of the
following is the most important risk factor for suicide?
A) Previous suicide attempt
B) Family history of suicide
C) Substance use disorder
D) Chronic pain
Answer A: Previous suicide attempt
Rationale: A previous suicide attempt is the strongest predictor of
future suicide. Other risk factors include family history, substance use,
psychiatric disorders, chronic pain, and access to lethal means. A
comprehensive suicide risk assessment is essential. ---
