NR548 Exam 2 Actual Exam Style V2 | NR
548 Psychiatric Assessment for
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner Chamberlain
1. Which component of the Mental Status Examination (MSE) assesses the patient’s internal
emotional state over time?
A. Mood
B. Affect
C. Thought process
D. Cognition
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Mood is the subjective, internal emotional state reported by the
patient over a period of time. It is often described in the patient’s own words during the
interview. In contrast, affect is the objective, outward expression of emotion observed by
the clinician during the encounter.
2. When assessing for alcohol use disorder, which question of the CAGE questionnaire
addresses the patient’s feeling of need for a drink in the morning?
A. Cut down
B. Annoyed
C. Eye-opener
,D. Guilty
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The ‘E’ in CAGE stands for Eye-opener, which refers to needing a
drink first thing in the morning to steady nerves or get rid of a hangover. This specific
question is a strong indicator of physiological dependence. Each positive response in the
CAGE questionnaire suggests a higher likelihood of alcohol-related problems.
3. A patient scoring a 14 on the PHQ-9 would be categorized as having which level of
depression?
A. Moderate depression
B. Mild depression
C. Moderately severe depression
D. Severe depression
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The PHQ-9 scores range from 0 to 27, where a score of 10-14
represents moderate depression. Scores between 15-19 indicate moderately severe
depression, while 20 and above indicate severe depression. Clinicians use these scores to
guide treatment intensity and monitor patient progress over time.
4. During the psychiatric assessment of an adolescent, the HEADSS mnemonic is used. What
does the ‘S’ at the end typically represent?
A. School and Sports
, B. Suicidality and Sexuality
C. Social Media and Sleep
D. Safety and Substance use
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The HEADSS acronym stands for Home, Education/Employment,
Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, and Suicide/Depression. It is a psychosocial screening tool
designed specifically for the adolescent population to identify risk factors. This structured
approach helps the PMHNP build rapport while covering sensitive topics systematically.
5. Which screening tool is most appropriate for assessing the presence and severity of
involuntary movements in patients taking antipsychotics?
A. AIMS
B. GAD-7
C. PHQ-9
D. CIWA-Ar
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is the standard
tool for detecting tardive dyskinesia in patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy. It
tracks movements in the face, trunk, and extremities over time. Regular monitoring with
the AIMS is a required standard of care for patients prescribed these medications.
548 Psychiatric Assessment for
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner Chamberlain
1. Which component of the Mental Status Examination (MSE) assesses the patient’s internal
emotional state over time?
A. Mood
B. Affect
C. Thought process
D. Cognition
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Mood is the subjective, internal emotional state reported by the
patient over a period of time. It is often described in the patient’s own words during the
interview. In contrast, affect is the objective, outward expression of emotion observed by
the clinician during the encounter.
2. When assessing for alcohol use disorder, which question of the CAGE questionnaire
addresses the patient’s feeling of need for a drink in the morning?
A. Cut down
B. Annoyed
C. Eye-opener
,D. Guilty
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The ‘E’ in CAGE stands for Eye-opener, which refers to needing a
drink first thing in the morning to steady nerves or get rid of a hangover. This specific
question is a strong indicator of physiological dependence. Each positive response in the
CAGE questionnaire suggests a higher likelihood of alcohol-related problems.
3. A patient scoring a 14 on the PHQ-9 would be categorized as having which level of
depression?
A. Moderate depression
B. Mild depression
C. Moderately severe depression
D. Severe depression
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The PHQ-9 scores range from 0 to 27, where a score of 10-14
represents moderate depression. Scores between 15-19 indicate moderately severe
depression, while 20 and above indicate severe depression. Clinicians use these scores to
guide treatment intensity and monitor patient progress over time.
4. During the psychiatric assessment of an adolescent, the HEADSS mnemonic is used. What
does the ‘S’ at the end typically represent?
A. School and Sports
, B. Suicidality and Sexuality
C. Social Media and Sleep
D. Safety and Substance use
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The HEADSS acronym stands for Home, Education/Employment,
Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, and Suicide/Depression. It is a psychosocial screening tool
designed specifically for the adolescent population to identify risk factors. This structured
approach helps the PMHNP build rapport while covering sensitive topics systematically.
5. Which screening tool is most appropriate for assessing the presence and severity of
involuntary movements in patients taking antipsychotics?
A. AIMS
B. GAD-7
C. PHQ-9
D. CIWA-Ar
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is the standard
tool for detecting tardive dyskinesia in patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy. It
tracks movements in the face, trunk, and extremities over time. Regular monitoring with
the AIMS is a required standard of care for patients prescribed these medications.
