NR548 Exam 3 Actual Exam Style V2 | NR
548 Psychiatric Assessment for
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner Chamberlain
1. Which of the following describes a patient’s internal emotional state over time, as reported
by the patient during a psychiatric assessment?
A. Affect
B. Temperament
C. Mood
D. Orientation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Mood is defined as the subjective emotional state sustained over
time. Affect refers to the objective, immediate observation of the patient’s emotional
expression. Assessment of mood is essential for diagnosing affective disorders like
depression and bipolar disorder.
2. A 10-year-old child presents with persistent irritability and frequent temper outbursts that
are out of proportion to the situation. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
B. Conduct Disorder
C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
,D. Bipolar I Disorder
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is characterized by
chronic, severe irritability and frequent temper outbursts. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
typically focuses on defiance toward authority figures rather than chronic mood instability.
This diagnosis was created to prevent the overdiagnosis of bipolar disorder in children.
3. When assessing for ADHD in an adult, which of the following is a requirement according to
the DSM-5-TR?
A. A positive response to stimulants is required for diagnosis
B. Symptoms must only occur in the workplace
C. Hyperactivity must be the primary symptom
D. Symptoms must have been present before age 12
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The DSM-5-TR requires that several inattentive or hyperactive-
impulsive symptoms were present prior to age 12 for an ADHD diagnosis. In adults, five
symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity are required rather than the six
required for children. Symptoms must also be present in two or more settings to meet
criteria.
, 4. A patient is experiencing tremors, tachycardia, and hypertension 48 hours after their last
drink of alcohol. What is the most likely concern?
A. Opioid withdrawal
B. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
C. Serotonin syndrome
D. Benzodiazepine toxicity
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: These symptoms are classic signs of autonomic hyperactivity seen in
alcohol withdrawal. If left untreated, this can progress to delirium tremens or seizures. The
PMHNP must monitor these patients closely using a tool like the CIWA-Ar scale.
5. During the MSE, the NP asks the patient to interpret the proverb ‘A rolling stone gathers no
moss.’ This is testing for:
A. Memory
B. Concentration
C. Judgment
D. Abstract reasoning
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Proverb interpretation is a standard method to assess abstract
reasoning versus concrete thinking. Patients with schizophrenia or neurocognitive
548 Psychiatric Assessment for
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner Chamberlain
1. Which of the following describes a patient’s internal emotional state over time, as reported
by the patient during a psychiatric assessment?
A. Affect
B. Temperament
C. Mood
D. Orientation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Mood is defined as the subjective emotional state sustained over
time. Affect refers to the objective, immediate observation of the patient’s emotional
expression. Assessment of mood is essential for diagnosing affective disorders like
depression and bipolar disorder.
2. A 10-year-old child presents with persistent irritability and frequent temper outbursts that
are out of proportion to the situation. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
B. Conduct Disorder
C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
,D. Bipolar I Disorder
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is characterized by
chronic, severe irritability and frequent temper outbursts. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
typically focuses on defiance toward authority figures rather than chronic mood instability.
This diagnosis was created to prevent the overdiagnosis of bipolar disorder in children.
3. When assessing for ADHD in an adult, which of the following is a requirement according to
the DSM-5-TR?
A. A positive response to stimulants is required for diagnosis
B. Symptoms must only occur in the workplace
C. Hyperactivity must be the primary symptom
D. Symptoms must have been present before age 12
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The DSM-5-TR requires that several inattentive or hyperactive-
impulsive symptoms were present prior to age 12 for an ADHD diagnosis. In adults, five
symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity are required rather than the six
required for children. Symptoms must also be present in two or more settings to meet
criteria.
, 4. A patient is experiencing tremors, tachycardia, and hypertension 48 hours after their last
drink of alcohol. What is the most likely concern?
A. Opioid withdrawal
B. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
C. Serotonin syndrome
D. Benzodiazepine toxicity
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: These symptoms are classic signs of autonomic hyperactivity seen in
alcohol withdrawal. If left untreated, this can progress to delirium tremens or seizures. The
PMHNP must monitor these patients closely using a tool like the CIWA-Ar scale.
5. During the MSE, the NP asks the patient to interpret the proverb ‘A rolling stone gathers no
moss.’ This is testing for:
A. Memory
B. Concentration
C. Judgment
D. Abstract reasoning
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Proverb interpretation is a standard method to assess abstract
reasoning versus concrete thinking. Patients with schizophrenia or neurocognitive
