PMHNP Exam 2 Practice Test Actual 2025/2026 with
Detailed Rationales | 100% Verified | Pass Guaranteed –
A+ Graded
SECTION 1: Psychiatric Interview & Mental Status Exam (MSE) — 12
Questions
Q1. A patient reports "I feel like I'm losing my mind" and describes excessive worry
about multiple life circumstances for the past 8 months. Which screening tool is
most appropriate?
A. PHQ-9
B. GAD-7
C. C-SSRS
D. CAGE
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: GAD-7 is the screening tool for generalized anxiety disorder.
Q2. A patient presents with depressed mood, anhedonia, weight loss, and suicidal
ideation. Which screening tool is most appropriate?
A. GAD-7
B. PHQ-9
,C. AUDIT
D. MMSE
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PHQ-9 is the screening tool for depression severity.
Q3. A patient reports hearing voices that command them to harm themselves. What
is the priority assessment?
A. Command hallucinations
B. Suicidal ideation
C. Safety risk and immediate intervention
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Command hallucinations with self-harm content require immediate safety
assessment.
Q4. A patient with bipolar disorder presents with elevated mood, grandiosity, and
decreased need for sleep. What is the most important component of the MSE?
A. Appearance
B. Speech
C. Mood and affect
D. Thought content
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: Mood and affect are central to assessing manic episodes.
Q5. The CAGE questionnaire is used to screen for:
A. Depression
B. Anxiety
C. Alcohol use disorder
D. Psychosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: CAGE is a screening tool for alcohol use disorder.
Q6. A patient presents with a flat affect, poverty of speech, and disorganized
thinking. Which of the following is most consistent with these findings?
A. Depression
B. Schizophrenia
C. Anxiety
D. Bipolar disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Flat affect and disorganized thinking are negative symptoms of
schizophrenia.
Q7. Which of the following is a component of the Mental Status Examination (MSE)?
A. Appearance