PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT FOR PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH
NURSE PRACTITIONER | QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
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1
A 42-year-old patient presents with persistent low mood, insomnia, feelings of
worthlessness, and lack of energy for more than two weeks. During assessment,
which DSM-5 diagnosis is most consistent with these symptoms?
A) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B) Major Depressive Disorder
C) Adjustment Disorder
D) Persistent Depressive Disorder
Correct Answer: B) Major Depressive Disorder
2
When performing a psychiatric evaluation, the “thought process” portion of the
mental status exam primarily refers to which of the following?
A) The content of the patient’s thoughts such as delusions or obsessions
B) The patient’s insight into their illness
C) The logical flow, organization, and coherence of ideas during speech
D) The emotional tone expressed while discussing experiences
Correct Answer: C) The logical flow, organization, and coherence of ideas
during speech
3
A 23-year-old reports hearing voices that others cannot hear. The voices comment
on his actions and sometimes insult him. Which term best describes this symptom?
,A) Illusion
B) Delusion
C) Hallucination
D) Obsession
Correct Answer: C) Hallucination
4
During an intake assessment, the patient states, “I feel fine, I don’t know why my
family keeps worrying.” The patient has poor insight into their schizophrenia
diagnosis. Which intervention should the PMHNP prioritize?
A) Confront the patient’s denial
B) Focus on developing therapeutic rapport
C) Educate the family on legal commitment procedures
D) Immediately begin group therapy
Correct Answer: B) Focus on developing therapeutic rapport
5
Which screening tool is most appropriate for detecting cognitive impairment in an
elderly patient?
A) PHQ-9
B) GAD-7
C) MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination)
D) Beck Depression Inventory
Correct Answer: C) MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination)
6
A 30-year-old woman describes episodes of intense fear, palpitations, sweating,
and chest pain lasting about 15 minutes. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Panic Disorder
B) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C) Acute Stress Disorder
,D) Illness Anxiety Disorder
Correct Answer: A) Panic Disorder
7
Which of the following is considered a negative symptom of schizophrenia?
A) Delusions
B) Hallucinations
C) Flat affect
D) Disorganized speech
Correct Answer: C) Flat affect
8
A PMHNP documents that a patient’s speech is rapid, pressured, and jumps from
one topic to another without logical connection. This finding is best described as:
A) Echolalia
B) Tangentiality
C) Flight of ideas
D) Neologism
Correct Answer: C) Flight of ideas
9
Which neurotransmitter imbalance is most commonly associated with Parkinson’s
disease and also contributes to certain psychiatric symptoms such as psychosis?
A) Dopamine
B) Norepinephrine
C) GABA
D) Acetylcholine
Correct Answer: A) Dopamine
10
Which lab test should be obtained before initiating lithium therapy?
, A) Liver function tests
B) Kidney function tests and thyroid panel
C) Hemoglobin A1C
D) Vitamin D levels
Correct Answer: B) Kidney function tests and thyroid panel
11
In assessing suicide risk, which factor is considered the strongest predictor of
future suicide attempts?
A) Gender
B) Previous suicide attempt
C) Socioeconomic status
D) Family history of depression
Correct Answer: B) Previous suicide attempt
12
Which class of medications is considered first-line for generalized anxiety
disorder?
A) Tricyclic antidepressants
B) Benzodiazepines
C) SSRIs
D) Antipsychotics
Correct Answer: C) SSRIs
13
A 70-year-old patient presents with memory loss, difficulty performing daily
activities, and apathy. MRI shows cortical atrophy. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A) Alzheimer’s disease
B) Parkinson’s disease dementia
C) Delirium