ANCC - PMHNP EXAM QUESTIONS WITH WELL DETAILED ANSWERS PLUS RATIONALES QUESTIONS / STUDY GUIDE / ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (A+ GUIDE SOLUTION) NEWEST 2025/2026

ANCC - PMHNP EXAM QUESTIONS WITH WELL DETAILED ANSWERS PLUS
RATIONALES QUESTIONS / STUDY GUIDE / ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
(A+ GUIDE SOLUTION) NEWEST 2025/2026


Question 1
In qualitative research, which term describes the researcher's effort to describe the data
gathering process in sufficient detail that the reader can personally experience it?
A) Methodological Congruence
B) Theoretical Connectedness
C) Analytical Precision
D) Descriptive Vividness
Correct Answer: D) Descriptive Vividness
Rationale: Descriptive vividness is achieved when the researcher provides such a rich and
detailed account of the setting, participants, and data that the reader feels they were there.

Question 2
Which of the following describes Methodological Congruence in qualitative research?
A) The theory developed from the study is logically consistent and reflective of the data.
B) The researcher presents the philosophical approach and cites references to support the
study's design.
C) The researcher clarifies the significance and applicability of the study.
D) The researcher quotes the participants' statements directly and extensively.
Correct Answer: B) The researcher presents the philosophical approach and cites references
to support the study's design.
Rationale: Methodological congruence is about ensuring that the research methods used are
a good fit for the research question and are supported by a clear philosophical foundation.

Question 3
The decision-making process by which qualitative researchers synthesize concrete data (words
of subjects) into an abstract that clarifies the meaning of the study is known as:
A) Theoretical Connectedness
B) Descriptive Vividness
C) Analytical Precision

,D) Heuristic Relevance
Correct Answer: C) Analytical Precision
Rationale: Analytical precision refers to the rigor and logic of the data analysis process, where
the researcher moves from raw data to a coherent and insightful interpretation.

Question 4
A patient with atypical depression is most likely to respond well to which medication?
A) Atomoxetine
B) Loxapine
C) Phenelzine
D) Olanzapine
Correct Answer: C) Phenelzine
Rationale: Phenelzine is a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), a class of antidepressants
that has been shown to be particularly effective for atypical depression.

Question 5
Which legislative act was part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and was
primarily designed to promote the adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records
(EHR)?
A) The Balanced Budget Act of 1997
B) The HITECH Act
C) The Patient's Access to Responsible Care Alliance
D) The Durham Act
Correct Answer: B) The HITECH Act
Rationale: The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act
provided incentives for the implementation and use of EHRs.

Question 6
A patient consciously decides not to think about a recent traumatic event during the workday to
remain productive. This is an example of which defense mechanism?
A) Repression

,B) Suppression
C) Denial
D) Sublimation
Correct Answer: B) Suppression
Rationale: Suppression is the intentional or conscious act of pushing distressing thoughts or
feelings out of awareness, which is considered a mature defense mechanism.

Question 7
A PMHNP is evaluating a patient with new-onset depressive symptoms. Which of the patient's
current medications could be a potential cause of the depression?
A) Thyroxine
B) Beta-blockers
C) Albuterol
D) Theophylline
Correct Answer: B) Beta-blockers
Rationale: Beta-blockers are a class of medications known to have the potential to induce or
worsen depression. Other culprits include steroids, interferon, and some benzodiazepines.

Question 8
A patient is started on a high dose of steroids for an autoimmune condition and subsequently
develops euphoria, grandiosity, and decreased need for sleep. This is an example of:
A) Medication-induced depression
B) Medication-induced mania
C) Serotonin syndrome
D) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Correct Answer: B) Medication-induced mania
Rationale: Steroids are well-known for their potential to induce manic or hypomanic
episodes.

Question 9
Private insurance policies that can be purchased by elderly individuals to cover medical

, expenses not paid by Medicare are known as:
A) Medicare Advantage Plans
B) Medicaid
C) Medigap Policies
D) Medical Savings Accounts
Correct Answer: C) Medigap Policies
Rationale: This is the definition of Medigap or Medicare Supplement insurance.

Question 10
Which of the following is considered a Second Generation (atypical) Antipsychotic?
A) Haloperidol (Haldol)
B) Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
C) Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
D) Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
Correct Answer: B) Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Rationale: Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic. The others are first-generation (typical)
agents.

Question 11
Which of the following is considered a First Generation (typical) Antipsychotic?
A) Risperidone (Risperdal)
B) Quetiapine (Seroquel)
C) Ziprasidone (Geodon)
D) Haloperidol (Haldol)
Correct Answer: D) Haloperidol (Haldol)
Rationale: Haloperidol is a high-potency typical antipsychotic. The others are second-
generation (atypical) agents.

Question 12
Which of the following benzodiazepines has the longest half-life?
A) Alprazolam (Xanax)