Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing
FA READINESS EXAM GUIDE
Q&S
©2024/2025
,1. Which neurotransmitter imbalance is most commonly
associated with the development of depression?
- A) Acetylcholine
- B) Dopamine
- C) Serotonin
- D) GABA
- Answer: C) Serotonin
- Rationale: Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter in the
regulation of mood, and its imbalance is strongly linked to
depressive disorders.
2. In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the term
"cognitive distortions" refers to:
- A) Unintentional memory lapses
- B) Automatic, inaccurate thoughts
- C) Delusions of grandeur
- D) Sudden emotional outbursts
- Answer: B) Automatic, inaccurate thoughts
- Rationale: Cognitive distortions are patterns of
thinking that are often irrational and negatively biased,
which CBT aims to correct.
3. Which of the following is the hallmark symptom of post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
- A) Auditory hallucinations
- B) Persistent re-experiencing of the traumatic event
- C) Social withdrawal
- D) Anorexia
- Answer: B) Persistent re-experiencing of the
traumatic event
- Rationale: Re-experiencing symptoms, such as
flashbacks or nightmares, are core symptoms of PTSD.
©2024/2025
, 4. In the therapeutic relationship, the term "empathy" is
best defined as:
- A) Feeling pity for the patient
- B) Understanding the patient's feelings and experiences
- C) Avoiding any emotional involvement
- D) Agreeing completely with the patient's perspective
- Answer: B) Understanding the patient's feelings and
experiences
- Rationale: Empathy involves understanding and
sharing the feelings of another, which is crucial in
therapeutic settings.
5. Which medication is most commonly prescribed as a
first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A) Quetiapine
- B) Lithium
- C) Sertraline
- D) Clozapine
- Answer: C) Sertraline
- Rationale: Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI), is often prescribed for GAD due to its
efficacy and safety profile.
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
6. The primary class of medications used to treat bipolar
disorder is _________.
- Answer: Mood Stabilizers
- Rationale: Mood stabilizers, such as lithium and
valproate, are the mainstay of treatment in managing
bipolar disorder.
©2024/2025