(PMHNP) D344 NURS 6437
Assessment & Diagnostic Process
LATEST OA EXAM
Q&S
©2024/2025
,1. Multiple Choice: Which neurotransmitter is most commonly
associated with the pathophysiology of depression?
a) Dopamine
b) Serotonin
c) GABA
d) Acetylcholine
Correct Answer: b) Serotonin
Rationale: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been found to
be significantly linked with depression. Lower levels of serotonin
are associated with mood disorders, and many antidepressants
focus on increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
2. Fill-in-the-Blank: The ________ scale is a 10-item diagnostic
questionnaire used to measure the severity of depressive
symptoms.
Correct Answer: PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)
Rationale: The PHQ-9 is widely used in clinical practice to assess
and monitor depression severity. It is a valuable tool for psychiatric
nurse practitioners in diagnosing and evaluating treatment
responses.
3. True/False: Bipolar disorder can be effectively treated with
antidepressants alone.
Correct Answer: False
©2024/2025
, Rationale: While antidepressants can be part of the treatment for
bipolar disorder, they are typically used in conjunction with mood
stabilizers to prevent manic episodes. Using antidepressants alone
can increase the risk of inducing mania or rapid cycling.
4. Multiple Response: Select all the appropriate steps in a mental
status examination (MSE):
a) Assessing cognitive function
b) Evaluating physical health
c) Observing appearance and behavior
d) Determining mood and affect
e) Checking vital signs
Correct Answers: a) Assessing cognitive function, c) Observing
appearance and behavior, d) Determining mood and affect
Rationale: A mental status examination includes evaluating
cognitive function, appearance, behavior, thought processes, mood,
and affect. Physical health and vital signs are typically assessed
separately.
5. Multiple Choice: In the context of schizophrenia, 'anhedonia'
refers to:
a) A lack of pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
b) Experiencing hallucinations
c) Disorganized speech patterns
©2024/2025
, d) Exhibiting catatonic behavior
Correct Answer: a) A lack of pleasure in previously enjoyable
activities
Rationale: Anhedonia is a symptom of schizophrenia and other
psychiatric conditions where individuals experience a diminished
ability to experience pleasure.
6. Fill-in-the-Blank: The therapeutic approach that focuses on the
identification and modification of distorted thoughts and
maladaptive behaviors is known as ________ therapy.
Correct Answer: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Rationale: CBT is a common therapeutic approach in psychiatric
practice that helps patients identify and change negative thought
patterns and behaviors.
7. True/False: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is only used for
patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Correct Answer: False
Rationale: ECT is used for a variety of psychiatric conditions,
including severe depression and bipolar disorder, particularly when
these conditions are resistant to medication and other forms of
therapy.
8. Multiple Response: Which of the following are considered first-
line treatments for panic disorder?
©2024/2025
Assessment & Diagnostic Process
LATEST OA EXAM
Q&S
©2024/2025
,1. Multiple Choice: Which neurotransmitter is most commonly
associated with the pathophysiology of depression?
a) Dopamine
b) Serotonin
c) GABA
d) Acetylcholine
Correct Answer: b) Serotonin
Rationale: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been found to
be significantly linked with depression. Lower levels of serotonin
are associated with mood disorders, and many antidepressants
focus on increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
2. Fill-in-the-Blank: The ________ scale is a 10-item diagnostic
questionnaire used to measure the severity of depressive
symptoms.
Correct Answer: PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)
Rationale: The PHQ-9 is widely used in clinical practice to assess
and monitor depression severity. It is a valuable tool for psychiatric
nurse practitioners in diagnosing and evaluating treatment
responses.
3. True/False: Bipolar disorder can be effectively treated with
antidepressants alone.
Correct Answer: False
©2024/2025
, Rationale: While antidepressants can be part of the treatment for
bipolar disorder, they are typically used in conjunction with mood
stabilizers to prevent manic episodes. Using antidepressants alone
can increase the risk of inducing mania or rapid cycling.
4. Multiple Response: Select all the appropriate steps in a mental
status examination (MSE):
a) Assessing cognitive function
b) Evaluating physical health
c) Observing appearance and behavior
d) Determining mood and affect
e) Checking vital signs
Correct Answers: a) Assessing cognitive function, c) Observing
appearance and behavior, d) Determining mood and affect
Rationale: A mental status examination includes evaluating
cognitive function, appearance, behavior, thought processes, mood,
and affect. Physical health and vital signs are typically assessed
separately.
5. Multiple Choice: In the context of schizophrenia, 'anhedonia'
refers to:
a) A lack of pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
b) Experiencing hallucinations
c) Disorganized speech patterns
©2024/2025
, d) Exhibiting catatonic behavior
Correct Answer: a) A lack of pleasure in previously enjoyable
activities
Rationale: Anhedonia is a symptom of schizophrenia and other
psychiatric conditions where individuals experience a diminished
ability to experience pleasure.
6. Fill-in-the-Blank: The therapeutic approach that focuses on the
identification and modification of distorted thoughts and
maladaptive behaviors is known as ________ therapy.
Correct Answer: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Rationale: CBT is a common therapeutic approach in psychiatric
practice that helps patients identify and change negative thought
patterns and behaviors.
7. True/False: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is only used for
patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Correct Answer: False
Rationale: ECT is used for a variety of psychiatric conditions,
including severe depression and bipolar disorder, particularly when
these conditions are resistant to medication and other forms of
therapy.
8. Multiple Response: Which of the following are considered first-
line treatments for panic disorder?
©2024/2025
