GEORGETTE PMHNP REVIEW – NEW EXAM 2024–2025 SOLUTIONS | VERIFIED 2025–2026 STUDY GUIDE
WITH QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FOR PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+| 100% VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
Core Domains
Neurobiology and Neuroanatomy
Psychopharmacology and Pharmacokinetics
Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorders
Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia
Anxiety, OCD, and Trauma-Related Disorders
Substance Use Disorders and Dual Diagnosis
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurocognitive Disorders
Psychotherapy and Therapeutic Modalities
Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards
Introduction
,This comprehensive study guide and examination is designed to assess advanced knowledge and clinical
competency in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner practice for the new 2024–2025 PMHNP exam. The
assessment evaluates understanding of neurobiology, psychopharmacology, psychiatric diagnosis, evidence-based
treatment modalities, and professional standards. Questions are presented in multiple-choice and scenario-based
formats that require critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and the application of theoretical knowledge to
complex patient presentations. Successful completion of this examination indicates readiness for advanced
psychiatric nursing practice, board certification, and the provision of high-quality, compassionate mental health
care.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A 28-year-old female presents with a 3-week history of depressed mood, anhedonia, fatigue, and significant
weight gain. She reports sleeping 12 hours per night and still feeling tired. She has thoughts of worthlessness
but denies suicidal ideation. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Major depressive disorder with atypical features
B. Bipolar disorder, depressed episode
C. Persistent depressive disorder
D. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
,🟢 A. Major depressive disorder with atypical features
🔴 RATIONALE: Atypical features of major depressive disorder include increased appetite, weight gain,
hypersomnia, leaden paralysis, and mood reactivity. The patient's presentation of hypersomnia and weight gain
is consistent with atypical depression.
Question 2
A patient with schizophrenia has been stable on risperidone but is experiencing significant weight gain and
new-onset diabetes. Which medication change would be most appropriate?
A. Switch to haloperidol
B. Switch to aripiprazole
C. Increase the risperidone dose
D. Add metformin without changing antipsychotic
🟢 B. Switch to aripiprazole
🔴 RATIONALE: Aripiprazole is a partial dopamine agonist with a lower risk of metabolic side effects compared
to risperidone, which is a second-generation antipsychotic with high metabolic risk. Haloperidol is a typical
antipsychotic with a different side effect profile but not necessarily lower metabolic risk.
Question 3
, A patient is prescribed fluoxetine for depression. What is the most important teaching point regarding the
onset of action?
A. The medication will work within 24 hours
B. The medication may take 2-4 weeks to achieve therapeutic effect
C. The medication should be taken on an empty stomach
D. The medication can be stopped abruptly once symptoms improve
🟢 B. The medication may take 2-4 weeks to achieve therapeutic effect
🔴 RATIONALE: SSRIs typically take 2-4 weeks to achieve full therapeutic effect. Patients should be educated
about this delay to prevent premature discontinuation of the medication.
Question 4
A 45-year-old male with bipolar I disorder is in a manic episode. He is aggressive, has pressured speech, and
has not slept for three days. Which medication should be initiated first for acute management?
A. Sertraline
B. Bupropion
C. Lithium
D. Quetiapine
🟢 D. Quetiapine
WITH QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FOR PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+| 100% VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
Core Domains
Neurobiology and Neuroanatomy
Psychopharmacology and Pharmacokinetics
Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorders
Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia
Anxiety, OCD, and Trauma-Related Disorders
Substance Use Disorders and Dual Diagnosis
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurocognitive Disorders
Psychotherapy and Therapeutic Modalities
Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards
Introduction
,This comprehensive study guide and examination is designed to assess advanced knowledge and clinical
competency in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner practice for the new 2024–2025 PMHNP exam. The
assessment evaluates understanding of neurobiology, psychopharmacology, psychiatric diagnosis, evidence-based
treatment modalities, and professional standards. Questions are presented in multiple-choice and scenario-based
formats that require critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and the application of theoretical knowledge to
complex patient presentations. Successful completion of this examination indicates readiness for advanced
psychiatric nursing practice, board certification, and the provision of high-quality, compassionate mental health
care.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A 28-year-old female presents with a 3-week history of depressed mood, anhedonia, fatigue, and significant
weight gain. She reports sleeping 12 hours per night and still feeling tired. She has thoughts of worthlessness
but denies suicidal ideation. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Major depressive disorder with atypical features
B. Bipolar disorder, depressed episode
C. Persistent depressive disorder
D. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
,🟢 A. Major depressive disorder with atypical features
🔴 RATIONALE: Atypical features of major depressive disorder include increased appetite, weight gain,
hypersomnia, leaden paralysis, and mood reactivity. The patient's presentation of hypersomnia and weight gain
is consistent with atypical depression.
Question 2
A patient with schizophrenia has been stable on risperidone but is experiencing significant weight gain and
new-onset diabetes. Which medication change would be most appropriate?
A. Switch to haloperidol
B. Switch to aripiprazole
C. Increase the risperidone dose
D. Add metformin without changing antipsychotic
🟢 B. Switch to aripiprazole
🔴 RATIONALE: Aripiprazole is a partial dopamine agonist with a lower risk of metabolic side effects compared
to risperidone, which is a second-generation antipsychotic with high metabolic risk. Haloperidol is a typical
antipsychotic with a different side effect profile but not necessarily lower metabolic risk.
Question 3
, A patient is prescribed fluoxetine for depression. What is the most important teaching point regarding the
onset of action?
A. The medication will work within 24 hours
B. The medication may take 2-4 weeks to achieve therapeutic effect
C. The medication should be taken on an empty stomach
D. The medication can be stopped abruptly once symptoms improve
🟢 B. The medication may take 2-4 weeks to achieve therapeutic effect
🔴 RATIONALE: SSRIs typically take 2-4 weeks to achieve full therapeutic effect. Patients should be educated
about this delay to prevent premature discontinuation of the medication.
Question 4
A 45-year-old male with bipolar I disorder is in a manic episode. He is aggressive, has pressured speech, and
has not slept for three days. Which medication should be initiated first for acute management?
A. Sertraline
B. Bupropion
C. Lithium
D. Quetiapine
🟢 D. Quetiapine
