NR548 PMHNP PSYCHIATRIC
ASSESSMENT REVIEW (WEEKS 3-4)
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. During a Mental Status Examination (MSE), a patient provides excessive detail and
unnecessary information but eventually answers the original question. Which thought
process is being demonstrated?
A. Tangentiality
B. Flight of ideas
C. Circumstantiality
D. Derailment
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Circumstantiality is characterized by a patient including
excessive, tedious details before eventually reaching the point or answering the question,
unlike tangentiality where the point is never reached.
,2. When differentiating between Delirium and Dementia during a geriatric assessment, which
clinical feature is most indicative of Delirium?
A. Slow, progressive cognitive decline
B. Fluctuating levels of consciousness and attention
C. Poor short-term memory
D. Intact level of consciousness
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating
course of consciousness and attention, whereas Dementia is typically progressive with
stable consciousness until late stages.
3. A 9-year-old child is brought in for an assessment due to concerns about focus and
hyperactivity. Which validated screening tool is most appropriate for a PMHNP to provide to
parents and teachers?
A. Vanderbilt Assessment Scales
B. PHQ-A
C. M-CHAT-R
D. SCARED
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: The Vanderbilt Assessment Scales are specifically designed for
diagnosing ADHD and monitoring treatment response in children aged 6 to 12.
4. Which of the following is considered the strongest predictor of a patient’s risk for future
violent behavior?
A. A diagnosis of Schizophrenia
B. Active substance use
C. Lack of social support
D. A history of past violent behavior
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Across all psychiatric literature, a history of past violence is the
most robust and consistent predictor of future violent behavior.
5. During the physical assessment of a patient suspected of having Anorexia Nervosa, the
PMHNP notes the presence of fine, downy hair on the patient’s back and arms. This is known
as:
A. Hirsutism
B. Alopecia
C. Lanugo
D. Acanthosis nigricans
Answer: C
ASSESSMENT REVIEW (WEEKS 3-4)
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. During a Mental Status Examination (MSE), a patient provides excessive detail and
unnecessary information but eventually answers the original question. Which thought
process is being demonstrated?
A. Tangentiality
B. Flight of ideas
C. Circumstantiality
D. Derailment
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Circumstantiality is characterized by a patient including
excessive, tedious details before eventually reaching the point or answering the question,
unlike tangentiality where the point is never reached.
,2. When differentiating between Delirium and Dementia during a geriatric assessment, which
clinical feature is most indicative of Delirium?
A. Slow, progressive cognitive decline
B. Fluctuating levels of consciousness and attention
C. Poor short-term memory
D. Intact level of consciousness
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating
course of consciousness and attention, whereas Dementia is typically progressive with
stable consciousness until late stages.
3. A 9-year-old child is brought in for an assessment due to concerns about focus and
hyperactivity. Which validated screening tool is most appropriate for a PMHNP to provide to
parents and teachers?
A. Vanderbilt Assessment Scales
B. PHQ-A
C. M-CHAT-R
D. SCARED
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: The Vanderbilt Assessment Scales are specifically designed for
diagnosing ADHD and monitoring treatment response in children aged 6 to 12.
4. Which of the following is considered the strongest predictor of a patient’s risk for future
violent behavior?
A. A diagnosis of Schizophrenia
B. Active substance use
C. Lack of social support
D. A history of past violent behavior
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Across all psychiatric literature, a history of past violence is the
most robust and consistent predictor of future violent behavior.
5. During the physical assessment of a patient suspected of having Anorexia Nervosa, the
PMHNP notes the presence of fine, downy hair on the patient’s back and arms. This is known
as:
A. Hirsutism
B. Alopecia
C. Lanugo
D. Acanthosis nigricans
Answer: C
