Practice Questions PMHNP Questions
and Answers | Latest Version |
2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the most appropriate action when a client taking an SSRI reports new-onset restlessness
and agitation?
✔✔Assess for signs of akathisia or serotonin syndrome
What is the most appropriate intervention when a teenager reports feeling hopeless, irritable, and
sleeping excessively for the past three weeks?
✔✔Evaluate for major depressive disorder
What medication is indicated for nightmares associated with PTSD?
✔✔Prazosin
What is the recommended initial approach when a patient presents with acute psychosis and is a
danger to others?
✔✔Initiate emergency hospitalization for safety
1
,What is the most important lab to monitor when prescribing valproic acid?
✔✔Liver function tests
What is the typical onset of action for buspirone in treating anxiety?
✔✔2 to 4 weeks
What is the most appropriate response to a parent who reports their child has difficulty sitting
still and interrupts others constantly?
✔✔Assess for symptoms of ADHD
What is the best initial response when a patient expresses paranoid thoughts about being watched
through their phone?
✔✔Conduct a comprehensive psychiatric assessment
What is the therapeutic mechanism of action of SSRIs?
✔✔Inhibition of serotonin reuptake at the synaptic cleft
What is the hallmark sign of opioid intoxication?
2
,✔✔Constricted pupils with respiratory depression
What is a key side effect to monitor for in a patient taking risperidone long-term?
✔✔Hyperprolactinemia
What is the best clinical action if a patient on lithium reports new tremors and confusion?
✔✔Check serum lithium level immediately
What is the priority safety concern in a patient starting clozapine?
✔✔Agranulocytosis
What is the appropriate treatment for social anxiety disorder when non-pharmacologic
interventions are insufficient?
✔✔Prescribe an SSRI
What is a red flag when evaluating suicidal ideation in a patient with depression?
✔✔A specific plan and access to means
3
, What does a positive CAGE screening suggest?
✔✔Problematic alcohol use
What should be assessed before initiating stimulant medication in a child?
✔✔Cardiac history and vital signs
What is the role of the PMHNP when a family requests medication changes against the patient’s
will, and the patient is competent?
✔✔Respect the patient’s autonomy and informed decision-making
What should be the first step when a patient reports hearing voices but is not in distress?
✔✔Assess the content of the hallucinations and risk to self or others
What is the most common comorbid disorder with generalized anxiety disorder?
✔✔Major depressive disorder
What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient who relapsed after 6 months of sobriety?
✔✔Provide nonjudgmental support and re-engage in relapse prevention therapy
4
and Answers | Latest Version |
2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the most appropriate action when a client taking an SSRI reports new-onset restlessness
and agitation?
✔✔Assess for signs of akathisia or serotonin syndrome
What is the most appropriate intervention when a teenager reports feeling hopeless, irritable, and
sleeping excessively for the past three weeks?
✔✔Evaluate for major depressive disorder
What medication is indicated for nightmares associated with PTSD?
✔✔Prazosin
What is the recommended initial approach when a patient presents with acute psychosis and is a
danger to others?
✔✔Initiate emergency hospitalization for safety
1
,What is the most important lab to monitor when prescribing valproic acid?
✔✔Liver function tests
What is the typical onset of action for buspirone in treating anxiety?
✔✔2 to 4 weeks
What is the most appropriate response to a parent who reports their child has difficulty sitting
still and interrupts others constantly?
✔✔Assess for symptoms of ADHD
What is the best initial response when a patient expresses paranoid thoughts about being watched
through their phone?
✔✔Conduct a comprehensive psychiatric assessment
What is the therapeutic mechanism of action of SSRIs?
✔✔Inhibition of serotonin reuptake at the synaptic cleft
What is the hallmark sign of opioid intoxication?
2
,✔✔Constricted pupils with respiratory depression
What is a key side effect to monitor for in a patient taking risperidone long-term?
✔✔Hyperprolactinemia
What is the best clinical action if a patient on lithium reports new tremors and confusion?
✔✔Check serum lithium level immediately
What is the priority safety concern in a patient starting clozapine?
✔✔Agranulocytosis
What is the appropriate treatment for social anxiety disorder when non-pharmacologic
interventions are insufficient?
✔✔Prescribe an SSRI
What is a red flag when evaluating suicidal ideation in a patient with depression?
✔✔A specific plan and access to means
3
, What does a positive CAGE screening suggest?
✔✔Problematic alcohol use
What should be assessed before initiating stimulant medication in a child?
✔✔Cardiac history and vital signs
What is the role of the PMHNP when a family requests medication changes against the patient’s
will, and the patient is competent?
✔✔Respect the patient’s autonomy and informed decision-making
What should be the first step when a patient reports hearing voices but is not in distress?
✔✔Assess the content of the hallucinations and risk to self or others
What is the most common comorbid disorder with generalized anxiety disorder?
✔✔Major depressive disorder
What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient who relapsed after 6 months of sobriety?
✔✔Provide nonjudgmental support and re-engage in relapse prevention therapy
4
