PMHNP-BC Exam Prep 2026 (Georgette Review + ANA) |
Latest Update 2026 | 100% Verified Answers |
Certification Prep
1. Describe the role of serotonin in mood regulation based on the information
provided about neurotransmitters.
Serotonin is primarily responsible for muscle contraction and
movement.
Serotonin only affects sleep patterns and not mood.
Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood and is often
associated with feelings of well-being and happiness.
Serotonin has no significant impact on mood regulation.
2. If a patient is experiencing symptoms of mania, which neurotransmitter
imbalance might be a contributing factor?
Serotonin
Norepinephrine
Dopamine
GABA
3. If a patient has a lithium level of 1.5 mEq/L, what potential risks might they
face, and what actions should be taken?
No action is needed as this level is acceptable.
They may face toxicity risks, and the healthcare provider should
consider adjusting the dosage or monitoring the patient more
closely.
The patient should stop taking lithium immediately without
consultation.
, The patient should increase their lithium intake.
4. What behavior changes are associated with dysregulation of glutamate?
Enhanced memory
Reduced anxiety
Increased sociability
Impulsivity and aggression
5. Describe how chronic stress affects the HPA axis and its implications for
mental health.
Chronic stress leads to HPA axis hyperactivity, which can contribute
to treatment-resistant depression.
Chronic stress only affects physical health, not mental health.
Chronic stress has no significant effect on neurotransmitter levels.
Chronic stress decreases serotonin levels, leading to anxiety
disorders.
6. What are two primary symptoms associated with cortical dementia?
Severe memory deficits and impaired language abilities
Increased anxiety and sleep disturbances
Mood swings and hallucinations
Loss of motor skills and visual disturbances
7. Which of the following is the proposed underlying cause of depression in the
stress and HPA dysregulation hypothesis?
increased in cortisol secondary to chronic stress
, increased or decreased thyroid hormones
increased pro-inflammatory cytokines secondary to psychosocial
stress
a deficiency in norepinephrine, dopamine and/or serotonin
8. Antipsychotics provide therapeutic efficacy against positive symptoms via D2
blockade in _____ dopamine pathway
nigrostriatal
mesolimbic
tuberoinfundibular
mesocortical
9. If a patient is experiencing treatment-resistant depression, what physiological
mechanism related to chronic stress should be investigated?
Serotonin receptor sensitivity
Dopamine production
Norepinephrine levels
HPA axis hyperactivity
10. If a patient has a deficiency of GABA, what symptoms might they experience
related to mood and anxiety?
Increased anxiety and mood instability
Enhanced emotional stability
Improved focus and concentration
Decreased energy and motivation
Latest Update 2026 | 100% Verified Answers |
Certification Prep
1. Describe the role of serotonin in mood regulation based on the information
provided about neurotransmitters.
Serotonin is primarily responsible for muscle contraction and
movement.
Serotonin only affects sleep patterns and not mood.
Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood and is often
associated with feelings of well-being and happiness.
Serotonin has no significant impact on mood regulation.
2. If a patient is experiencing symptoms of mania, which neurotransmitter
imbalance might be a contributing factor?
Serotonin
Norepinephrine
Dopamine
GABA
3. If a patient has a lithium level of 1.5 mEq/L, what potential risks might they
face, and what actions should be taken?
No action is needed as this level is acceptable.
They may face toxicity risks, and the healthcare provider should
consider adjusting the dosage or monitoring the patient more
closely.
The patient should stop taking lithium immediately without
consultation.
, The patient should increase their lithium intake.
4. What behavior changes are associated with dysregulation of glutamate?
Enhanced memory
Reduced anxiety
Increased sociability
Impulsivity and aggression
5. Describe how chronic stress affects the HPA axis and its implications for
mental health.
Chronic stress leads to HPA axis hyperactivity, which can contribute
to treatment-resistant depression.
Chronic stress only affects physical health, not mental health.
Chronic stress has no significant effect on neurotransmitter levels.
Chronic stress decreases serotonin levels, leading to anxiety
disorders.
6. What are two primary symptoms associated with cortical dementia?
Severe memory deficits and impaired language abilities
Increased anxiety and sleep disturbances
Mood swings and hallucinations
Loss of motor skills and visual disturbances
7. Which of the following is the proposed underlying cause of depression in the
stress and HPA dysregulation hypothesis?
increased in cortisol secondary to chronic stress
, increased or decreased thyroid hormones
increased pro-inflammatory cytokines secondary to psychosocial
stress
a deficiency in norepinephrine, dopamine and/or serotonin
8. Antipsychotics provide therapeutic efficacy against positive symptoms via D2
blockade in _____ dopamine pathway
nigrostriatal
mesolimbic
tuberoinfundibular
mesocortical
9. If a patient is experiencing treatment-resistant depression, what physiological
mechanism related to chronic stress should be investigated?
Serotonin receptor sensitivity
Dopamine production
Norepinephrine levels
HPA axis hyperactivity
10. If a patient has a deficiency of GABA, what symptoms might they experience
related to mood and anxiety?
Increased anxiety and mood instability
Enhanced emotional stability
Improved focus and concentration
Decreased energy and motivation
