NR548 EXAM 1 ACTUAL 2026/2027 | Psychiatric Assessment
for PMHNP | Weeks 1-2 Covered | Questions & Verified
Answers 100% Correct | Chamberlain | Pass Guaranteed - A+
Graded
Section 1: Foundations of Psychiatric Assessment (12 questions)
Q1: A 28-year-old female presents for her initial psychiatric evaluation. She appears
anxious and avoids eye contact. Which action demonstrates the PMHNP's
understanding of therapeutic communication principles?
A. Immediately asking about her trauma history to identify root causes
B. Using open-ended questions and allowing pauses in conversation [CORRECT]
C. Advising her that anxiety is common and she shouldn't worry
D. Focusing solely on obtaining her psychiatric history
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For Exam 1, remember that therapeutic communication begins with
establishing rapport. Using open-ended questions and allowing silence creates a safe
space for the patient to share at her own pace. That's the foundation of the psychiatric
interview—building trust before gathering sensitive information.
Q2: During a psychiatric interview, the PMHNP notices the patient frequently looks at
the clock and provides minimal responses. Which MSE component is being assessed?
A. Thought content
B. Attention and concentration
C. Attitude and behavior [CORRECT]
,D. Memory
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct MSE term here is attitude and behavior, which encompasses the
patient's level of cooperation, eye contact, and overall approach to the interview. These
observations begin the moment you meet the patient and continue throughout your
assessment.
Q3: A 45-year-old male states, "I don't need to be here. My family made me come."
Which response best demonstrates cultural competence?
A. "You should appreciate that your family cares about you"
B. "It sounds like you may have different views about treatment than your family—can
you help me understand your perspective?" [CORRECT]
C. "In many cultures, family involvement is expected in healthcare decisions"
D. "Let's proceed with the evaluation regardless of your feelings"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cultural competence involves exploring the patient's individual perspective
without making assumptions. This response invites collaboration and seeks to
understand his unique viewpoint rather than imposing cultural generalizations or
minimizing his concerns.
Q4: The PMHNP is conducting a suicide risk assessment. The patient admits to passive
suicidal ideation but denies intent or plan. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Immediately initiate involuntary hospitalization
B. Conduct further assessment of risk factors and protective factors while ensuring
safety [CORRECT]
C. Dismiss the passive ideation as non-urgent since there's no plan
D. Request family notification before proceeding
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: That's the safest approach because passive suicidal ideation requires
thorough assessment using tools like the C-SSRS or PHQ-9 item 9 to determine risk
level. While ensuring immediate safety, you need to gather more information about
intent, means, and protective factors before determining the appropriate level of
intervention.
Q5: A patient describes feeling "worthless" and "a burden to everyone." Which
therapeutic response demonstrates appropriate validation?
A. "You have people who care about you—don't forget that"
B. "Those sound like very painful feelings. Can you tell me more about when you started
feeling this way?" [CORRECT]
C. "Everyone feels that way sometimes when they're depressed"
D. "Have you tried thinking about your positive qualities?"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This response validates the patient's emotional experience without
minimizing or offering false reassurance. It opens the door for further assessment of
mood, duration of symptoms, and potential suicidal ideation—essential for psychiatric
evaluation.
Q6: When assessing a patient with possible delirium, which finding differentiates it from
dementia?
A. Acute onset with fluctuating consciousness [CORRECT]
B. Gradual progressive memory decline
C. Poor judgment and insight
D. Disorientation to time and place
for PMHNP | Weeks 1-2 Covered | Questions & Verified
Answers 100% Correct | Chamberlain | Pass Guaranteed - A+
Graded
Section 1: Foundations of Psychiatric Assessment (12 questions)
Q1: A 28-year-old female presents for her initial psychiatric evaluation. She appears
anxious and avoids eye contact. Which action demonstrates the PMHNP's
understanding of therapeutic communication principles?
A. Immediately asking about her trauma history to identify root causes
B. Using open-ended questions and allowing pauses in conversation [CORRECT]
C. Advising her that anxiety is common and she shouldn't worry
D. Focusing solely on obtaining her psychiatric history
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For Exam 1, remember that therapeutic communication begins with
establishing rapport. Using open-ended questions and allowing silence creates a safe
space for the patient to share at her own pace. That's the foundation of the psychiatric
interview—building trust before gathering sensitive information.
Q2: During a psychiatric interview, the PMHNP notices the patient frequently looks at
the clock and provides minimal responses. Which MSE component is being assessed?
A. Thought content
B. Attention and concentration
C. Attitude and behavior [CORRECT]
,D. Memory
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct MSE term here is attitude and behavior, which encompasses the
patient's level of cooperation, eye contact, and overall approach to the interview. These
observations begin the moment you meet the patient and continue throughout your
assessment.
Q3: A 45-year-old male states, "I don't need to be here. My family made me come."
Which response best demonstrates cultural competence?
A. "You should appreciate that your family cares about you"
B. "It sounds like you may have different views about treatment than your family—can
you help me understand your perspective?" [CORRECT]
C. "In many cultures, family involvement is expected in healthcare decisions"
D. "Let's proceed with the evaluation regardless of your feelings"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cultural competence involves exploring the patient's individual perspective
without making assumptions. This response invites collaboration and seeks to
understand his unique viewpoint rather than imposing cultural generalizations or
minimizing his concerns.
Q4: The PMHNP is conducting a suicide risk assessment. The patient admits to passive
suicidal ideation but denies intent or plan. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Immediately initiate involuntary hospitalization
B. Conduct further assessment of risk factors and protective factors while ensuring
safety [CORRECT]
C. Dismiss the passive ideation as non-urgent since there's no plan
D. Request family notification before proceeding
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: That's the safest approach because passive suicidal ideation requires
thorough assessment using tools like the C-SSRS or PHQ-9 item 9 to determine risk
level. While ensuring immediate safety, you need to gather more information about
intent, means, and protective factors before determining the appropriate level of
intervention.
Q5: A patient describes feeling "worthless" and "a burden to everyone." Which
therapeutic response demonstrates appropriate validation?
A. "You have people who care about you—don't forget that"
B. "Those sound like very painful feelings. Can you tell me more about when you started
feeling this way?" [CORRECT]
C. "Everyone feels that way sometimes when they're depressed"
D. "Have you tried thinking about your positive qualities?"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This response validates the patient's emotional experience without
minimizing or offering false reassurance. It opens the door for further assessment of
mood, duration of symptoms, and potential suicidal ideation—essential for psychiatric
evaluation.
Q6: When assessing a patient with possible delirium, which finding differentiates it from
dementia?
A. Acute onset with fluctuating consciousness [CORRECT]
B. Gradual progressive memory decline
C. Poor judgment and insight
D. Disorientation to time and place
