NR548 PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT
ADVANCED REVIEW - WEEKS 3-4
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026/2027
1. During a psychiatric interview, a PMHNP notices the patient frequently stops speaking mid-
sentence as if their thoughts were being ‘taken away.’ This phenomenon is most accurately
documented as:
A. Thought insertion
B. Thought blocking
C. Flight of ideas
D. Circumstantiality
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Thought blocking is a disturbance in the flow of thought where
the patient experiences a sudden cessation in the train of thought. Thought insertion is the
belief that thoughts are being put into one’s mind.
,2. When assessing a geriatric patient for cognitive decline, the PMHNP utilizes the Montreal
Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). A score of 18 would typically indicate:
A. Normal cognitive function
B. Mild cognitive impairment
C. Severe dementia
D. Moderate cognitive impairment
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: MoCA scores: 26-30 is normal, 18-25 is mild, and scores below
17-10 often suggest moderate impairment, with lower scores indicating severe
impairment.
3. A patient reports feeling ‘constantly on edge’ for the last 7 months, with muscle tension
and difficulty concentrating. Which assessment tool is most specific for measuring the
severity of these symptoms?
A. PHQ-9
B. CAGE-AID
C. MDQ
D. GAD-7
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is a
validated tool for screening and measuring the severity of generalized anxiety.
4. During the Mental Status Exam (MSE), the PMHNP asks the patient to interpret the proverb
‘Don’t cry over spilled milk.’ This specifically assesses which cognitive function?
A. Judgment
B. Insight
C. Orientation
D. Abstract reasoning
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Proverb interpretation is a classic way to assess abstract
reasoning versus concrete thinking.
5. A 24-year-old male presents with a sudden onset of disorganized speech and auditory
hallucinations that have lasted for 3 weeks. What is the most likely provisional diagnosis
based on duration?
A. Schizophrenia
B. Schizoaffective Disorder
C. Schizophreniform Disorder
D. Brief Psychotic Disorder
Answer: C
ADVANCED REVIEW - WEEKS 3-4
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026/2027
1. During a psychiatric interview, a PMHNP notices the patient frequently stops speaking mid-
sentence as if their thoughts were being ‘taken away.’ This phenomenon is most accurately
documented as:
A. Thought insertion
B. Thought blocking
C. Flight of ideas
D. Circumstantiality
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Thought blocking is a disturbance in the flow of thought where
the patient experiences a sudden cessation in the train of thought. Thought insertion is the
belief that thoughts are being put into one’s mind.
,2. When assessing a geriatric patient for cognitive decline, the PMHNP utilizes the Montreal
Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). A score of 18 would typically indicate:
A. Normal cognitive function
B. Mild cognitive impairment
C. Severe dementia
D. Moderate cognitive impairment
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: MoCA scores: 26-30 is normal, 18-25 is mild, and scores below
17-10 often suggest moderate impairment, with lower scores indicating severe
impairment.
3. A patient reports feeling ‘constantly on edge’ for the last 7 months, with muscle tension
and difficulty concentrating. Which assessment tool is most specific for measuring the
severity of these symptoms?
A. PHQ-9
B. CAGE-AID
C. MDQ
D. GAD-7
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is a
validated tool for screening and measuring the severity of generalized anxiety.
4. During the Mental Status Exam (MSE), the PMHNP asks the patient to interpret the proverb
‘Don’t cry over spilled milk.’ This specifically assesses which cognitive function?
A. Judgment
B. Insight
C. Orientation
D. Abstract reasoning
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Proverb interpretation is a classic way to assess abstract
reasoning versus concrete thinking.
5. A 24-year-old male presents with a sudden onset of disorganized speech and auditory
hallucinations that have lasted for 3 weeks. What is the most likely provisional diagnosis
based on duration?
A. Schizophrenia
B. Schizoaffective Disorder
C. Schizophreniform Disorder
D. Brief Psychotic Disorder
Answer: C
