NR548 PMHNP PSYCHIATRIC
ASSESSMENT FINAL EXAM STUDY
GUIDE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a mental status examination, a patient provides unnecessary detail but eventually
answers the original question. Which thought process is this?
A. Tangentiality
B. Circumstantiality
C. Flight of ideas
D. Loose associations
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Circumstantiality involves providing excessive detail and
tedious information but eventually returning to the point. Tangentiality never reaches the
original point.
2. A patient scores a 17 on the PHQ-9. How should the PMHNP interpret this result?
A. Mild depression
B. Moderate depression
,C. Moderately severe depression
D. Severe depression
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: PHQ-9 scores of 5-9 are mild, 10-14 are moderate, 15-19 are
moderately severe, and 20+ are severe.
3. To meet the DSM-5 criteria for Bipolar I Disorder, a patient must have experienced at least
one episode of mania lasting at least how long?
A. 1 week
B. 4 consecutive days
C. 2 weeks
D. 1 month
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A manic episode must last at least 1 week and be present most
of the day, nearly every day, unless hospitalization is required.
4. In the CAGE screening tool for alcohol use, what does the ‘E’ stand for?
A. Eye-opener
B. Early start
C. Effort to quit
, D. Emotional triggers
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: CAGE stands for Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener
(drinking first thing in the morning to steady nerves or get rid of a hangover).
5. Which physical exam finding is most characteristic of Serotonin Syndrome compared to
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
A. Muscle rigidity
B. Hyperthermia
C. Hyperreflexia and myoclonus
D. Autonomic instability
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While both involve fever and autonomic issues, Serotonin
Syndrome is characterized by hyperreflexia and myoclonus, whereas NMS is characterized
by ‘lead-pipe’ muscle rigidity.
6. What is the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) threshold to initiate Clozapine therapy?
A. At least 500/mm3
B. At least 1000/mm3
C. At least 1500/mm3
D. At least 2000/mm3
ASSESSMENT FINAL EXAM STUDY
GUIDE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a mental status examination, a patient provides unnecessary detail but eventually
answers the original question. Which thought process is this?
A. Tangentiality
B. Circumstantiality
C. Flight of ideas
D. Loose associations
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Circumstantiality involves providing excessive detail and
tedious information but eventually returning to the point. Tangentiality never reaches the
original point.
2. A patient scores a 17 on the PHQ-9. How should the PMHNP interpret this result?
A. Mild depression
B. Moderate depression
,C. Moderately severe depression
D. Severe depression
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: PHQ-9 scores of 5-9 are mild, 10-14 are moderate, 15-19 are
moderately severe, and 20+ are severe.
3. To meet the DSM-5 criteria for Bipolar I Disorder, a patient must have experienced at least
one episode of mania lasting at least how long?
A. 1 week
B. 4 consecutive days
C. 2 weeks
D. 1 month
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A manic episode must last at least 1 week and be present most
of the day, nearly every day, unless hospitalization is required.
4. In the CAGE screening tool for alcohol use, what does the ‘E’ stand for?
A. Eye-opener
B. Early start
C. Effort to quit
, D. Emotional triggers
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: CAGE stands for Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener
(drinking first thing in the morning to steady nerves or get rid of a hangover).
5. Which physical exam finding is most characteristic of Serotonin Syndrome compared to
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
A. Muscle rigidity
B. Hyperthermia
C. Hyperreflexia and myoclonus
D. Autonomic instability
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While both involve fever and autonomic issues, Serotonin
Syndrome is characterized by hyperreflexia and myoclonus, whereas NMS is characterized
by ‘lead-pipe’ muscle rigidity.
6. What is the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) threshold to initiate Clozapine therapy?
A. At least 500/mm3
B. At least 1000/mm3
C. At least 1500/mm3
D. At least 2000/mm3
