PMHNP Practice
Exam Format: Multiple Choice, Select All That Apply
Total Questions: 75 Practice Questions
Target Audience: PMHNP Students – Wilkes University
Versions: 2026/2027 Actual Exam Q&A
Instructions: Choose the single best answer for each question. All rationales are
provided in italics to reinforce core concepts from Modules 9–12: Crisis
Intervention, Disaster Response, Personality Disorders, and Child/Adolescent
Therapy. This comprehensive review is designed to simulate the content and rigor
of the NSG 526 Exam 3 at Wilkes University .
SECTION 1: CRISIS INTERVENTION & DISASTER RESPONSE
(Questions 1–25)
1. The maximum duration of a crisis state is generally considered to be:
A) 1–2 weeks
B) 4–6 weeks
C) 8–10 weeks
D) 3–6 months
Answer: B
Rationale: A crisis is generally regarded as time-limited, lasting no more than 4 to 6
weeks. Crises are triggered by internal or external demands perceived as threats to a
person’s physical or emotional functioning .
2. The primary goal of crisis intervention is to:
A) Identify underlying personality disorders
B) Return the client to the pre-crisis level of functioning
C) Initiate long-term psychotherapy
D) Prescribe psychotropic medication
,Answer: B
Rationale: The goal for people experiencing a crisis is to return to the pre-crisis level of
functioning. The PMH-APRN provides a framework of support systems that guide the
client through the crisis and facilitate the development and use of positive coping skills .
3. A client experiences a crisis after leaving home for college for the first time. This
is classified as which type of crisis?
A) Situational crisis
B) Adventitious crisis
C) Maturational crisis
D) Psychosocial crisis
Answer: C
Rationale: Maturational crises describe unfavorable person-environment relationships that
relate to maturational events, such as leaving home for the first time, completing school,
or accepting the responsibility of adulthood .
4. A community is devastated by a hurricane that affects thousands of residents.
The PMH-APRN's interventions during this event are part of which type of crisis?
A) Situational crisis
B) Adventitious crisis
C) Maturational crisis
D) Developmental crisis
Answer: B
Rationale: Adventitious crises are initiated by unexpected unusual events that can affect
an individual or a multitude of people. National and natural disasters are examples of
adventitious crises. During an adventitious crisis, the PMH-APRN’s interventions will be
part of the community’s efforts to respond to the event .
5. In disaster triage, which category describes patients with extensive injuries
whose chances of survival are unlikely even with definitive care?
, A) Immediate
B) Delayed
C) Minor
D) Expectant
Answer: D
Rationale: Expectant patients have injuries that are extensive and chances of survival are
unlikely even with definitive care. These patients are separated and provided comfort care.
Examples include unresponsive patients with penetrating head wounds, high spinal cord
injuries, wounds involving multiple anatomical sites, or 2nd/3rd degree burns in excess of
60% of body .
6. During a disaster, which action by the PMH-APRN is most helpful for victims?
A) Encouraging victims to suppress their emotions
B) Explaining anticipated reactions and behaviors
C) Avoiding discussion of the traumatic event
D) Immediately initiating trauma-focused therapy
Answer: B
Rationale: When the PMH-APRN explains anticipated reactions and behaviors, this helps
the victims gain control and improve coping. This psychoeducation is a key component of
psychological first aid .
7. Key features of Psychological First Aid (PFA) include all of the following EXCEPT:
A) Empathy
B) Compassion
C) Long-term trauma processing
D) Stabilizing the patient by reducing distress
Answer: C
Rationale: The key features of Psychological First Aid (PFA) are empathy, compassion,
stabilizing the patient by reducing distress, and connecting the individual with resources.
Long-term trauma processing is not a component of PFA, which is an immediate,
supportive intervention .