omprehensive PMHNP ANCC Exam Study Guide: Key
C
Concepts, Pharmacology & Clinical Practice
his document is a comprehensive study guide designed to help Psychiatric-Mental
T
Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) candidates prepare for the ANCC certification exam. It
is presented in a clear, question-and-answer format for effective memorization and
review.
The content is meticulously organized into key domains essential for the exam:
● P harmacology:Detailed information on psychotropic medications, including first,
second, and third-generation antipsychotics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs),
mood stabilizers (lithium, valproic acid), and anxiolytics (benzodiazepines). This section
covers half-lives, mechanisms of action, drug interactions (including CYP450
inhibitors/inducers), side effects (e.g., NMS, Serotonin Syndrome, lithium toxicity), and
critical monitoring parameters (e.g., ANC for clozapine).
● Research & Statistics:Core concepts and terminology for evaluating research quality,
including criteria like Descriptive Vividness and Methodological Congruence, as well as
an overview of statistical tests such as t-tests, ANOVA, and p-values.
● Health Policy & Law:A concise summary of important healthcare policies (HITECH,
Medigap, Medicare, Medicaid) and landmark legal cases that have shaped psychiatric
nursing practice (e.g.,Durham vs. US,O'connor vs.Donaldson).
● Diagnostic Tools & Scales:Descriptions of commonly used clinical assessment tools
for depression (HAM-D, BDI, PHQ-9), cognitive function (Mini-cog, MMSE, MoCA,
SLUMS), and withdrawal (CIWA).
● Neuroanatomy & Brain Pathways:A review of brain structures (hypothalamus,
cerebellum, amygdala) and key neural pathways (mesolimbic, mesocortical) and their
roles in mental health and drug action.
● Developmental Theories:Summaries of major developmental models, including
Erikson's psychosocial stages, Piaget's cognitive stages, and Freud's psychosexual
stages.
● Therapeutic Modalities:An overview of different therapy models, such as Strategic
, herapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy, along with their key
T
developers and techniques.
Clinical Essentials:Quick-reference information on cranial nerves, lab values,
●
controlled substance schedules, and drug categories for pregnancy.
PMHNP ANCC Exam Study Guide: Question and Answer
Research and Statistics
1: What is Descriptive Vividness in research?A1: The researcher
Q
describes the data gathering process in sufficient detail that the reader can
personally experience it. The data collected, often in the form of personal
statements, should be quoted directly and extensively, as this is the raw
data from the study.
2: What is Methodological Congruence?A2: The researcher presents
Q
the philosophical and methodological approach used and cites references
to support their approach. The subjects, sampling method, data-gathering
and data-analysis strategies, and processes for informed consent are
clearly and concisely described.
3: What is Theoretical Connectedness?A3: Any theory developed
Q
from the study is clearly stated, logically consistent, reflective of the data,
and in accord with other available knowledge.
4: What is Analytical Precision concerned with?A4: It is not
Q
concerned with statistics and instruments. It refers to the decision-making
process by which the researchers synthesize concrete data (words of the
subjects) into an abstract that clarifies the meaning and the importance of
the study.
5: What is Heuristic Relevance?A5: This is the fifth criterion for
Q
research quality, where the researcher clarifies the significance of the
study, its applicability to public health or community nursing, and its likely
influence on future research.
6: What is the p-value?A6: The level of significance, which describes
Q
the probability of a particular result occurring by chance alone.
7: What is a t-test used for?A7: A t-test compares whether the means
Q
of two groups are statistically different.
, 8: What is ANOVA used for?A8: ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) tests
Q
the differences of three or more groups.
9: What does Pearson's r correlation test?A9: It tests the relationship
Q
between two variables.
Pharmacology
10: Which MAOI do patients with atypical depression respond
Q
particularly well to?A10:Phenelzine.
11: Which norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor is approved for the
Q
treatment of ADHD?A11:Atomoxetine.
12: Which typical, tetracyclic antipsychotic has antidepressant
Q
properties, and what is its active metabolite?A12:Loxapine. Its active
metabolite isamoxapine, which is a secondary amine tricyclic
antidepressant.
13: List some medications that can induce depression.A13:Beta
Q
blockers, steroids, interferon, Accutane, benzodiazepines,
progesterone, some antivirals, and antineoplasmics.
14: List some medications that can induce mania.A14:Steroids,
Q
Isoniazid, antidepressants(in people who already have bipolar disorder),
andAntabuse.
15: List the nine Second-Generation (atypical) Antipsychotics.A15:
Q
Clozaril (clozapine), Zyprexa (olanzapine), Latuda (lurasidone),
ziprasidone, Risperdal (risperidone), Invega Sustenna (palperidone),
Fanapt (iloperidone), Seroquel (quetiapine), and Saphris (asenapine).
16: List the ten First-Generation (typical) Antipsychotics.A16: Haldol
Q
(haloperidol), Prolixin (fluphenazine), Navane (thiothixene), Thorazine
(chlorpromazine), Loxitane (loxapine), Mellaril (thioridazine), Trilafon
(perphenazine), Orap (pimozide), Solian (amisulpride), and Stellazine
(trifluoperazine).
Q17: List the six common benzodiazepines in order from shortest to
C
Concepts, Pharmacology & Clinical Practice
his document is a comprehensive study guide designed to help Psychiatric-Mental
T
Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) candidates prepare for the ANCC certification exam. It
is presented in a clear, question-and-answer format for effective memorization and
review.
The content is meticulously organized into key domains essential for the exam:
● P harmacology:Detailed information on psychotropic medications, including first,
second, and third-generation antipsychotics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs),
mood stabilizers (lithium, valproic acid), and anxiolytics (benzodiazepines). This section
covers half-lives, mechanisms of action, drug interactions (including CYP450
inhibitors/inducers), side effects (e.g., NMS, Serotonin Syndrome, lithium toxicity), and
critical monitoring parameters (e.g., ANC for clozapine).
● Research & Statistics:Core concepts and terminology for evaluating research quality,
including criteria like Descriptive Vividness and Methodological Congruence, as well as
an overview of statistical tests such as t-tests, ANOVA, and p-values.
● Health Policy & Law:A concise summary of important healthcare policies (HITECH,
Medigap, Medicare, Medicaid) and landmark legal cases that have shaped psychiatric
nursing practice (e.g.,Durham vs. US,O'connor vs.Donaldson).
● Diagnostic Tools & Scales:Descriptions of commonly used clinical assessment tools
for depression (HAM-D, BDI, PHQ-9), cognitive function (Mini-cog, MMSE, MoCA,
SLUMS), and withdrawal (CIWA).
● Neuroanatomy & Brain Pathways:A review of brain structures (hypothalamus,
cerebellum, amygdala) and key neural pathways (mesolimbic, mesocortical) and their
roles in mental health and drug action.
● Developmental Theories:Summaries of major developmental models, including
Erikson's psychosocial stages, Piaget's cognitive stages, and Freud's psychosexual
stages.
● Therapeutic Modalities:An overview of different therapy models, such as Strategic
, herapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy, along with their key
T
developers and techniques.
Clinical Essentials:Quick-reference information on cranial nerves, lab values,
●
controlled substance schedules, and drug categories for pregnancy.
PMHNP ANCC Exam Study Guide: Question and Answer
Research and Statistics
1: What is Descriptive Vividness in research?A1: The researcher
Q
describes the data gathering process in sufficient detail that the reader can
personally experience it. The data collected, often in the form of personal
statements, should be quoted directly and extensively, as this is the raw
data from the study.
2: What is Methodological Congruence?A2: The researcher presents
Q
the philosophical and methodological approach used and cites references
to support their approach. The subjects, sampling method, data-gathering
and data-analysis strategies, and processes for informed consent are
clearly and concisely described.
3: What is Theoretical Connectedness?A3: Any theory developed
Q
from the study is clearly stated, logically consistent, reflective of the data,
and in accord with other available knowledge.
4: What is Analytical Precision concerned with?A4: It is not
Q
concerned with statistics and instruments. It refers to the decision-making
process by which the researchers synthesize concrete data (words of the
subjects) into an abstract that clarifies the meaning and the importance of
the study.
5: What is Heuristic Relevance?A5: This is the fifth criterion for
Q
research quality, where the researcher clarifies the significance of the
study, its applicability to public health or community nursing, and its likely
influence on future research.
6: What is the p-value?A6: The level of significance, which describes
Q
the probability of a particular result occurring by chance alone.
7: What is a t-test used for?A7: A t-test compares whether the means
Q
of two groups are statistically different.
, 8: What is ANOVA used for?A8: ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) tests
Q
the differences of three or more groups.
9: What does Pearson's r correlation test?A9: It tests the relationship
Q
between two variables.
Pharmacology
10: Which MAOI do patients with atypical depression respond
Q
particularly well to?A10:Phenelzine.
11: Which norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor is approved for the
Q
treatment of ADHD?A11:Atomoxetine.
12: Which typical, tetracyclic antipsychotic has antidepressant
Q
properties, and what is its active metabolite?A12:Loxapine. Its active
metabolite isamoxapine, which is a secondary amine tricyclic
antidepressant.
13: List some medications that can induce depression.A13:Beta
Q
blockers, steroids, interferon, Accutane, benzodiazepines,
progesterone, some antivirals, and antineoplasmics.
14: List some medications that can induce mania.A14:Steroids,
Q
Isoniazid, antidepressants(in people who already have bipolar disorder),
andAntabuse.
15: List the nine Second-Generation (atypical) Antipsychotics.A15:
Q
Clozaril (clozapine), Zyprexa (olanzapine), Latuda (lurasidone),
ziprasidone, Risperdal (risperidone), Invega Sustenna (palperidone),
Fanapt (iloperidone), Seroquel (quetiapine), and Saphris (asenapine).
16: List the ten First-Generation (typical) Antipsychotics.A16: Haldol
Q
(haloperidol), Prolixin (fluphenazine), Navane (thiothixene), Thorazine
(chlorpromazine), Loxitane (loxapine), Mellaril (thioridazine), Trilafon
(perphenazine), Orap (pimozide), Solian (amisulpride), and Stellazine
(trifluoperazine).
Q17: List the six common benzodiazepines in order from shortest to
