NR548 PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT FOR
THE PMHNP REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. During a mental status examination, a patient demonstrates the ability to understand the
reality of their situation and the need for treatment, but lacks an understanding of the
implications of their illness. This is an assessment of:
A. Insight
B. Judgment
C. Cognition
D. Abstract Reasoning
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Insight refers to the patient’s awareness and understanding of
their mental illness and the impact it has on their life. Judgment refers to the patient’s
capacity to make sound decisions.
,2. When assessing for suicide risk, which of the following is considered the strongest
predictor of a completed suicide?
A. Family history of depression
B. Current expression of hopelessness
C. Previous suicide attempt
D. Access to firearms
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A previous suicide attempt is statistically the strongest predictor
of future completed suicide.
3. The PMHNP is using the PHQ-9 to screen a patient for depression. A total score of 17
indicates which level of severity?
A. Moderately severe depression
B. Moderate depression
C. Mild depression
D. Severe depression
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: On the PHQ-9, scores of 5-9 are mild, 10-14 are moderate, 15-19
are moderately severe, and 20 or higher are severe.
, 4. A patient exhibits ‘word salad’ during an interview. This is a disturbance in which
component of the Mental Status Exam?
A. Thought Content
B. Sensorium
C. Perception
D. Thought Process
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Word salad is a formal thought disorder characterized by a
random jumble of words, reflecting a severe disturbance in thought process.
5. When evaluating a child, the PMHNP uses the ACEs tool. What does this tool primarily
assess?
A. Adverse Childhood Experiences
B. Academic Competency Exams
C. Acute Cognitive Evaluations
D. Assessment of Child Environment
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study and tool
assess the impact of childhood trauma on long-term health and mental health outcomes.
THE PMHNP REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. During a mental status examination, a patient demonstrates the ability to understand the
reality of their situation and the need for treatment, but lacks an understanding of the
implications of their illness. This is an assessment of:
A. Insight
B. Judgment
C. Cognition
D. Abstract Reasoning
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Insight refers to the patient’s awareness and understanding of
their mental illness and the impact it has on their life. Judgment refers to the patient’s
capacity to make sound decisions.
,2. When assessing for suicide risk, which of the following is considered the strongest
predictor of a completed suicide?
A. Family history of depression
B. Current expression of hopelessness
C. Previous suicide attempt
D. Access to firearms
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A previous suicide attempt is statistically the strongest predictor
of future completed suicide.
3. The PMHNP is using the PHQ-9 to screen a patient for depression. A total score of 17
indicates which level of severity?
A. Moderately severe depression
B. Moderate depression
C. Mild depression
D. Severe depression
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: On the PHQ-9, scores of 5-9 are mild, 10-14 are moderate, 15-19
are moderately severe, and 20 or higher are severe.
, 4. A patient exhibits ‘word salad’ during an interview. This is a disturbance in which
component of the Mental Status Exam?
A. Thought Content
B. Sensorium
C. Perception
D. Thought Process
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Word salad is a formal thought disorder characterized by a
random jumble of words, reflecting a severe disturbance in thought process.
5. When evaluating a child, the PMHNP uses the ACEs tool. What does this tool primarily
assess?
A. Adverse Childhood Experiences
B. Academic Competency Exams
C. Acute Cognitive Evaluations
D. Assessment of Child Environment
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study and tool
assess the impact of childhood trauma on long-term health and mental health outcomes.
