• ANCC PMHNP Exam 09/11/2026
PMHNP ANCC EXAM ACTUAL EXAM 1 SCRIPT 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS GRADED
A+
A client is started on fluphenazine. What should the nurse emphasize in the teaching about this drug? Select all
that apply.
1
"Driving is forbidden while you're taking this drug."
2
"You'll have a feeling of increased energy while taking this drug."
3
"You should increase your fluid intake to help prevent constipation."
4
"Your essential hypertension will be controlled indirectly by this drug."
5
"You need to use sunscreen for any outdoor activity, no matter what time of year." - Correct Answer :35
Constipation is a frequent side effect of fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin Deconate); increased dietary fluids and
fiber help to limit constipation. Extreme photosensitivity is a common side effect of fluphenazine decanoate.
Once the client's medication has been adjusted and the central nervous system response noted, driving may be
P 1
, • ANCC PMHNP Exam 09/11/2026
permitted; drowsiness usually subsides after the first few weeks. Energy usually is decreased. Although this drug
can cause hypotension, it does not consistently lower blood pressure.
A 65-year-old client is receiving amitriptyline (Elavil). What is the most important recommendation for the nurse
to make to this client concerning this medication?
1
Obtain a complete cholesterol and lipid profile.
2
Have an eye examination to check for glaucoma.
3
Check the temperature daily for nighttime increases.
4
Assess for excessive sweating and possible weight loss. - Correct Answer :2
In addition to baseline laboratory tests an older adult should have an eye examination with glaucoma testing
when taking amitriptyline (Elavil). Amitriptyline causes dilation of the pupil (mydriasis), which interferes with
drainage of aqueous humor through the canal of Schlemm. Interfering with the outflow of aqueous humor will
increase intraocular pressure and may cause a progressive loss of vision in clients with glaucoma. Amitriptyline
does not affect cholesterol production or temperature regulation. Amitriptyline does not cause excessive
perspiration or weight loss, but it can increase appetite, especially for sweets, resulting in weight gain.
A young client who has become a mother for the first time is showing signs of being anxious about her new
parenting role. With the nurse's encouragement, she joins the new mothers' support group at the local YMCA.
What kind of prevention does this activity reflect?
1
Primary prevention
2
Tertiary prevention
3
Secondary prevention
4
Therapeutic prevention - Correct Answer :1
P 2
, • ANCC PMHNP Exam 09/11/2026
Naltrexone (Depade) is used to treat clients with substance abuse problems. In which situation does the nurse
anticipate that naltrexone will be administered?
1
Treat opioid overdose.
2
Block the systemic effects of cocaine.
3
Decrease the recovering alcoholic's desire to drink alcohol.
4
Prevent severe withdrawal symptoms from antianxiety agents. - Correct Answer :3
Naltrexone (Depade) is effective in reducing the risk of relapse among recovering alcoholics in conjunction with
other types of therapy. Naloxone (Narcan), not naltrexone, is used for opioid overdose. Naltrexone is not used
to treat the effects of cocaine. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. It is not used for antianxiety agent
withdrawal.
Which nursing activities are specifically focused on achieving Healthy People 2010's mental health objectives?
Select all that apply.
1
Providing suicide screening for a senior citizens group
2
Initiating outpatient services for homeless schizophrenic adults
3
Offering care for mental health clients with major health conditions
4
Teaching stress-management techniques to those housed in the local jail
5
Advocating for culturally competent mental health care within each state - Correct Answer :1245
The Healthy People 2010 initiative has identified the reduction of suicide, increased services to adults with
schizophrenia and those housed in jails and prisons, and increased culturally competent services as mental
health goals. Though it is a valuable service, The Healthy People 2010 initiative has not identified physical care of
the mentally ill as a mental health goal.
P 3
, • ANCC PMHNP Exam 09/11/2026
The Healthy People 2010 initiative has identified the reduction of suicide, increased services to adults with
schizophrenia and those housed in jails and prisons, and increased culturally competent services as mental
health goals. Though it is a valuable service, The Healthy People 2010 initiative has not identified physical care of
the mentally ill as a mental health goal. - Correct Answer :1
The individual who can reflect on life and accept it for what it was and is able to adjust and enjoy the changes
retirement brings is less likely to experience health problems, especially stress-related health problems. Most
emotionally healthy older adults do not focus on death. The changes of aging are usually not reversible.
Dependency often is more threatening to this age group.
A client who has just experienced her second spontaneous abortion expresses anger toward the practitioner,
the hospital, and the "rotten nursing care." When assessing the situation, the nurse concludes that the client
may be using the coping mechanism of:
1
Denial
2
Projection
3
Displacement
4
Reaction formation - Correct Answer :3
The client's anger about the miscarriage is shifted to the staff and the hospital because she is unable to cope
with her loss at this time. The client is neither ignoring nor refusing to recognize reality. The client is not
attributing unacceptable or undesirable thoughts or feelings to another; nor is she exhibiting a behavior pattern
opposite what she feels.
A psychiatric nurse understands that a situational crisis usually resolves within:
1
1 to 4 days
2
2 to 3 weeks
3
1 to 2 months
P 4
PMHNP ANCC EXAM ACTUAL EXAM 1 SCRIPT 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS GRADED
A+
A client is started on fluphenazine. What should the nurse emphasize in the teaching about this drug? Select all
that apply.
1
"Driving is forbidden while you're taking this drug."
2
"You'll have a feeling of increased energy while taking this drug."
3
"You should increase your fluid intake to help prevent constipation."
4
"Your essential hypertension will be controlled indirectly by this drug."
5
"You need to use sunscreen for any outdoor activity, no matter what time of year." - Correct Answer :35
Constipation is a frequent side effect of fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin Deconate); increased dietary fluids and
fiber help to limit constipation. Extreme photosensitivity is a common side effect of fluphenazine decanoate.
Once the client's medication has been adjusted and the central nervous system response noted, driving may be
P 1
, • ANCC PMHNP Exam 09/11/2026
permitted; drowsiness usually subsides after the first few weeks. Energy usually is decreased. Although this drug
can cause hypotension, it does not consistently lower blood pressure.
A 65-year-old client is receiving amitriptyline (Elavil). What is the most important recommendation for the nurse
to make to this client concerning this medication?
1
Obtain a complete cholesterol and lipid profile.
2
Have an eye examination to check for glaucoma.
3
Check the temperature daily for nighttime increases.
4
Assess for excessive sweating and possible weight loss. - Correct Answer :2
In addition to baseline laboratory tests an older adult should have an eye examination with glaucoma testing
when taking amitriptyline (Elavil). Amitriptyline causes dilation of the pupil (mydriasis), which interferes with
drainage of aqueous humor through the canal of Schlemm. Interfering with the outflow of aqueous humor will
increase intraocular pressure and may cause a progressive loss of vision in clients with glaucoma. Amitriptyline
does not affect cholesterol production or temperature regulation. Amitriptyline does not cause excessive
perspiration or weight loss, but it can increase appetite, especially for sweets, resulting in weight gain.
A young client who has become a mother for the first time is showing signs of being anxious about her new
parenting role. With the nurse's encouragement, she joins the new mothers' support group at the local YMCA.
What kind of prevention does this activity reflect?
1
Primary prevention
2
Tertiary prevention
3
Secondary prevention
4
Therapeutic prevention - Correct Answer :1
P 2
, • ANCC PMHNP Exam 09/11/2026
Naltrexone (Depade) is used to treat clients with substance abuse problems. In which situation does the nurse
anticipate that naltrexone will be administered?
1
Treat opioid overdose.
2
Block the systemic effects of cocaine.
3
Decrease the recovering alcoholic's desire to drink alcohol.
4
Prevent severe withdrawal symptoms from antianxiety agents. - Correct Answer :3
Naltrexone (Depade) is effective in reducing the risk of relapse among recovering alcoholics in conjunction with
other types of therapy. Naloxone (Narcan), not naltrexone, is used for opioid overdose. Naltrexone is not used
to treat the effects of cocaine. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. It is not used for antianxiety agent
withdrawal.
Which nursing activities are specifically focused on achieving Healthy People 2010's mental health objectives?
Select all that apply.
1
Providing suicide screening for a senior citizens group
2
Initiating outpatient services for homeless schizophrenic adults
3
Offering care for mental health clients with major health conditions
4
Teaching stress-management techniques to those housed in the local jail
5
Advocating for culturally competent mental health care within each state - Correct Answer :1245
The Healthy People 2010 initiative has identified the reduction of suicide, increased services to adults with
schizophrenia and those housed in jails and prisons, and increased culturally competent services as mental
health goals. Though it is a valuable service, The Healthy People 2010 initiative has not identified physical care of
the mentally ill as a mental health goal.
P 3
, • ANCC PMHNP Exam 09/11/2026
The Healthy People 2010 initiative has identified the reduction of suicide, increased services to adults with
schizophrenia and those housed in jails and prisons, and increased culturally competent services as mental
health goals. Though it is a valuable service, The Healthy People 2010 initiative has not identified physical care of
the mentally ill as a mental health goal. - Correct Answer :1
The individual who can reflect on life and accept it for what it was and is able to adjust and enjoy the changes
retirement brings is less likely to experience health problems, especially stress-related health problems. Most
emotionally healthy older adults do not focus on death. The changes of aging are usually not reversible.
Dependency often is more threatening to this age group.
A client who has just experienced her second spontaneous abortion expresses anger toward the practitioner,
the hospital, and the "rotten nursing care." When assessing the situation, the nurse concludes that the client
may be using the coping mechanism of:
1
Denial
2
Projection
3
Displacement
4
Reaction formation - Correct Answer :3
The client's anger about the miscarriage is shifted to the staff and the hospital because she is unable to cope
with her loss at this time. The client is neither ignoring nor refusing to recognize reality. The client is not
attributing unacceptable or undesirable thoughts or feelings to another; nor is she exhibiting a behavior pattern
opposite what she feels.
A psychiatric nurse understands that a situational crisis usually resolves within:
1
1 to 4 days
2
2 to 3 weeks
3
1 to 2 months
P 4
