1. A 30-year-old male is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Which of the
following symptoms is most likely to be present in PTSD?
A. Flashbacks
B. Hypomanic episodes
C. Disorganized speech
D. Impulsivity
Answer: a) Flashbacks
Rationale: Flashbacks are a hallmark symptom of PTSD. These
intrusive memories can cause individuals to feel as if they are reliving
the traumatic event.
2. A 45-year-old female with chronic schizophrenia has been
experiencing worsening auditory hallucinations despite treatment with
antipsychotic medications. Which of the following is the most
appropriate next step in her treatment?
A. Increase the dose of the current antipsychotic
B. Switch to a different second-generation antipsychotic
C. Add a benzodiazepine for immediate relief
D. Begin electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Answer: b) Switch to a different second-generation antipsychotic
,Rationale: When symptoms are not adequately controlled with one
antipsychotic, switching to a different medication within the same class
(second-generation antipsychotic) is often recommended. If further
resistance occurs, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered.
3. A 35-year-old male with a history of anxiety and depression presents
with difficulty falling asleep and waking up frequently during the night.
Which of the following medications is most appropriate for short-term
treatment of insomnia?
A. Zolpidem
B. Sertraline
C. Fluoxetine
D. Lorazepam
Answer: a) Zolpidem
Rationale: Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic
medication that is used for short-term management of insomnia. It
works by enhancing GABA activity, promoting sleep initiation.
4. A 40-year-old female with a history of depression presents with
increasing feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. She denies a
plan or intent to harm herself. Which of the following is the most
appropriate intervention?
A. Increase antidepressant dosage
B. Initiate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
C. Hospitalization for safety evaluation
, D. Recommend self-care techniques
Answer: c) Hospitalization for safety evaluation
Rationale: Given the presence of suicidal thoughts, the patient needs
immediate evaluation to assess her safety. Hospitalization may be
necessary to provide a safe environment and ensure she receives
appropriate psychiatric care.
5. A 20-year-old male with schizophrenia is noncompliant with his
antipsychotic medication. He begins to exhibit a high fever, muscle
rigidity, and autonomic instability. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C. Serotonin syndrome
D. Sepsis
Answer: b) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening
condition that occurs after antipsychotic use, characterized by fever,
rigidity, and autonomic dysregulation.
6. A 32-year-old female presents with a fear of gaining weight despite
being underweight and engaging in extreme dieting and exercise.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Anorexia nervosa
B. Bulimia nervosa
(PTSD) after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Which of the
following symptoms is most likely to be present in PTSD?
A. Flashbacks
B. Hypomanic episodes
C. Disorganized speech
D. Impulsivity
Answer: a) Flashbacks
Rationale: Flashbacks are a hallmark symptom of PTSD. These
intrusive memories can cause individuals to feel as if they are reliving
the traumatic event.
2. A 45-year-old female with chronic schizophrenia has been
experiencing worsening auditory hallucinations despite treatment with
antipsychotic medications. Which of the following is the most
appropriate next step in her treatment?
A. Increase the dose of the current antipsychotic
B. Switch to a different second-generation antipsychotic
C. Add a benzodiazepine for immediate relief
D. Begin electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Answer: b) Switch to a different second-generation antipsychotic
,Rationale: When symptoms are not adequately controlled with one
antipsychotic, switching to a different medication within the same class
(second-generation antipsychotic) is often recommended. If further
resistance occurs, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered.
3. A 35-year-old male with a history of anxiety and depression presents
with difficulty falling asleep and waking up frequently during the night.
Which of the following medications is most appropriate for short-term
treatment of insomnia?
A. Zolpidem
B. Sertraline
C. Fluoxetine
D. Lorazepam
Answer: a) Zolpidem
Rationale: Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic
medication that is used for short-term management of insomnia. It
works by enhancing GABA activity, promoting sleep initiation.
4. A 40-year-old female with a history of depression presents with
increasing feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. She denies a
plan or intent to harm herself. Which of the following is the most
appropriate intervention?
A. Increase antidepressant dosage
B. Initiate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
C. Hospitalization for safety evaluation
, D. Recommend self-care techniques
Answer: c) Hospitalization for safety evaluation
Rationale: Given the presence of suicidal thoughts, the patient needs
immediate evaluation to assess her safety. Hospitalization may be
necessary to provide a safe environment and ensure she receives
appropriate psychiatric care.
5. A 20-year-old male with schizophrenia is noncompliant with his
antipsychotic medication. He begins to exhibit a high fever, muscle
rigidity, and autonomic instability. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C. Serotonin syndrome
D. Sepsis
Answer: b) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening
condition that occurs after antipsychotic use, characterized by fever,
rigidity, and autonomic dysregulation.
6. A 32-year-old female presents with a fear of gaining weight despite
being underweight and engaging in extreme dieting and exercise.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Anorexia nervosa
B. Bulimia nervosa
