, NR 548 PsychiatRic assessmeNt foR the PsychiatRic-meNtal health NuRse
PRactitioNeR – chambeRlaiN college of NuRsiNg – academic yeaR
2026/2027 – examiNatioN 3 comPReheNsive examiNatioN with veRified
QuestioNs aNd coRRect aNsweR RatioNales | | veRified by exPeRts .
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive examination contains 50 verified questions designed to reinforce the core
competencies of the NR 548 Psychiatric Assessment for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner course for the 2026/2027 academic year at Chamberlain University. This course
expands the knowledge and skills of health assessment principles to perform a thorough
psychiatric mental health assessment across the lifespan. The Standards of Psychiatric Mental
Health Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Competencies are introduced, with the psychiatric
interview explored including interview techniques, assessment techniques related to psychiatric
history, and the review of systems for mental health clients.
The questions address four core domains: Psychiatric Interview and Therapeutic
Communication, Mental Status Examination (MSE), Psychiatric History and Differential
Diagnosis, and Risk Assessment and Special Populations. Each item requires application of
advanced psychiatric assessment knowledge drawn from established NR 548 curriculum
materials, the DSM-5-TR, and evidence-based psychiatric-mental health standards. Successful
completion supports development of the clinical judgment required for safe and effective
psychiatric assessment and diagnosis.
DOMAIN 1: PSYCHIATRIC INTERVIEW AND THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION
(Questions 1-13)
Question 1. A PMHNP is beginning an initial psychiatric evaluation with a new patient who
appears guarded and reluctant to speak. Which opening statement is most appropriate to
establish rapport and encourage communication?
A. "I want you to feel comfortable here. Tell me why you came to see me today."
B. "You seem nervous. Why are you so hesitant to talk?"
C. "I need you to answer my questions so I can help you."
D. "Let's start with your medical history. When was your last physical exam?"
coRRect aNsweR: A
RatioNale: An open-ended, non-threatening statement that invites the patient to share their
story is most appropriate for establishing rapport. This approach respects the patient's
autonomy and allows them to share their concerns at their own pace. "Why" questions can feel
, accusatory, and directive statements may increase resistance. Starting with medical history
before establishing rapport can feel impersonal and may alienate the patient.
Question 2. A PMHNP tells a patient, "No one here would intentionally lie to you." This is an
example of which therapeutic or nontherapeutic communication technique?
A. Therapeutic – reassurance
B. Nontherapeutic – defending
C. Therapeutic – validation
D. Nontherapeutic – belittling
coRRect aNsweR: B
RatioNale: Defending is a nontherapeutic communication technique in which the clinician
attempts to defend themselves, the healthcare system, or others against criticism. This
response implies that the patient may have been concerned about being lied to and dismisses
that concern without exploration. A more therapeutic response would be to explore the patient's
concerns: "What makes you concerned about honesty here?"
Question 3. A PMHNP is assessing a new patient and asks about their living situation,
occupation, support systems, and substance use. This information is part of which component
of the psychiatric assessment?
A. History of Present Illness
B. Mental Status Examination
C. Social History
D. Review of Systems
coRRect aNsweR: C
RatioNale: Living situation, occupation, support systems, and substance use are components
of the social history. The social history provides essential context about the patient's
environment, stressors, and resources that impact mental health. The History of Present Illness
focuses on the current episode, the MSE assesses current mental functioning, and the Review
of Systems evaluates physical symptoms.
Question 4. According to the ANA Code of Ethics, Provision 1 requires the PMHNP to:
A. Maintain professional distance to ensure objectivity
B. Approach professional relationships with compassion, caring, and respect
C. Prioritize efficiency over relationship-building
D. Focus exclusively on symptom management
coRRect aNsweR: B
RatioNale: Provision 1 of the ANA Code of Ethics states that the nurse practices with
compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.
This requires approaching professional relationships with compassion, caring, and respect.
PRactitioNeR – chambeRlaiN college of NuRsiNg – academic yeaR
2026/2027 – examiNatioN 3 comPReheNsive examiNatioN with veRified
QuestioNs aNd coRRect aNsweR RatioNales | | veRified by exPeRts .
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive examination contains 50 verified questions designed to reinforce the core
competencies of the NR 548 Psychiatric Assessment for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner course for the 2026/2027 academic year at Chamberlain University. This course
expands the knowledge and skills of health assessment principles to perform a thorough
psychiatric mental health assessment across the lifespan. The Standards of Psychiatric Mental
Health Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Competencies are introduced, with the psychiatric
interview explored including interview techniques, assessment techniques related to psychiatric
history, and the review of systems for mental health clients.
The questions address four core domains: Psychiatric Interview and Therapeutic
Communication, Mental Status Examination (MSE), Psychiatric History and Differential
Diagnosis, and Risk Assessment and Special Populations. Each item requires application of
advanced psychiatric assessment knowledge drawn from established NR 548 curriculum
materials, the DSM-5-TR, and evidence-based psychiatric-mental health standards. Successful
completion supports development of the clinical judgment required for safe and effective
psychiatric assessment and diagnosis.
DOMAIN 1: PSYCHIATRIC INTERVIEW AND THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION
(Questions 1-13)
Question 1. A PMHNP is beginning an initial psychiatric evaluation with a new patient who
appears guarded and reluctant to speak. Which opening statement is most appropriate to
establish rapport and encourage communication?
A. "I want you to feel comfortable here. Tell me why you came to see me today."
B. "You seem nervous. Why are you so hesitant to talk?"
C. "I need you to answer my questions so I can help you."
D. "Let's start with your medical history. When was your last physical exam?"
coRRect aNsweR: A
RatioNale: An open-ended, non-threatening statement that invites the patient to share their
story is most appropriate for establishing rapport. This approach respects the patient's
autonomy and allows them to share their concerns at their own pace. "Why" questions can feel
, accusatory, and directive statements may increase resistance. Starting with medical history
before establishing rapport can feel impersonal and may alienate the patient.
Question 2. A PMHNP tells a patient, "No one here would intentionally lie to you." This is an
example of which therapeutic or nontherapeutic communication technique?
A. Therapeutic – reassurance
B. Nontherapeutic – defending
C. Therapeutic – validation
D. Nontherapeutic – belittling
coRRect aNsweR: B
RatioNale: Defending is a nontherapeutic communication technique in which the clinician
attempts to defend themselves, the healthcare system, or others against criticism. This
response implies that the patient may have been concerned about being lied to and dismisses
that concern without exploration. A more therapeutic response would be to explore the patient's
concerns: "What makes you concerned about honesty here?"
Question 3. A PMHNP is assessing a new patient and asks about their living situation,
occupation, support systems, and substance use. This information is part of which component
of the psychiatric assessment?
A. History of Present Illness
B. Mental Status Examination
C. Social History
D. Review of Systems
coRRect aNsweR: C
RatioNale: Living situation, occupation, support systems, and substance use are components
of the social history. The social history provides essential context about the patient's
environment, stressors, and resources that impact mental health. The History of Present Illness
focuses on the current episode, the MSE assesses current mental functioning, and the Review
of Systems evaluates physical symptoms.
Question 4. According to the ANA Code of Ethics, Provision 1 requires the PMHNP to:
A. Maintain professional distance to ensure objectivity
B. Approach professional relationships with compassion, caring, and respect
C. Prioritize efficiency over relationship-building
D. Focus exclusively on symptom management
coRRect aNsweR: B
RatioNale: Provision 1 of the ANA Code of Ethics states that the nurse practices with
compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.
This requires approaching professional relationships with compassion, caring, and respect.
