ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner Sample Questions and answers with
rationales
THIS EXAM INCLUDES:
• This document contains sample questions for the ANCC Psychiatric-
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam with detailed
answers and explanations
.
• It helps PMHNP candidates prepare for board testing by reviewing key psychiatric
concepts, diagnostic criteria, pharmacology, therapy approaches, and patient
management scenarios. Ideal for focused revision, self-assessment, and exam
confidence building. Covers evidence-based practice and ANCC exam-style
content.
, ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Sample Questions and
answers with rationales
Question 1
An 18-year-old patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder wants to enter a research
study that will test an experimental drug. The PMHNP’s initial response is:
A. “All drug treatments are too risky for you at this time.”
B. “Let’s discuss the risks of potentially changing your medications.”
C. “We will have to see if you meet the inclusion criteria.”
D. “You will have only a small chance of receiving the experimental drug.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Initial response should be collaborative discussion of risks/benefits. A
is paternalistic. C and D come later.
Question 2
A 14-year-old has nonspecific leg pain. Exam normal. Labs normal except
markedly elevated alkaline phosphatase. The PMHNP:
A. Interprets as normal during rapid adolescent growth spurt.
B. Obtains rheumatoid profile (elevated ALP is not a sign of rheumatic fever).
C. Orders repeat blood test.
D. Suspects acute pancreatitis.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bone ALP rises during growth spurts. No other abnormalities make
pathology unlikely.
Question 3
Lab findings in alcohol use disorder with increased LFTs:
A. Decreased MCV, normal triglycerides.
B. Elevated potassium and chloride.
, C. Increased MCV and elevated triglycerides.
D. Increased urine and serum creatinine.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Alcohol causes macrocytic anemia (↑MCV) and hypertriglyceridemia.
Question 4
Patient on simvastatin + lisinopril. PMHNP eliminates fluoxetine because it
increases statin levels, leading to:
A. Rhabdomyolysis
B. Hepatotoxicity
C. QT prolongation
D. Nephrotoxicity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Fluoxetine inhibits CYP3A4 → ↑simvastatin →
myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.
Question 5
In court, standards of care for a PMHNP are evaluated by:
A. Comparing to a psychiatrist.
B. What a reasonably prudent provider would do.
C. Patient satisfaction data.
D. Reviewing charts of similar patients.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Legal standard = “reasonably prudent provider” in same
circumstances.
Question 6
Practitioner Sample Questions and answers with
rationales
THIS EXAM INCLUDES:
• This document contains sample questions for the ANCC Psychiatric-
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam with detailed
answers and explanations
.
• It helps PMHNP candidates prepare for board testing by reviewing key psychiatric
concepts, diagnostic criteria, pharmacology, therapy approaches, and patient
management scenarios. Ideal for focused revision, self-assessment, and exam
confidence building. Covers evidence-based practice and ANCC exam-style
content.
, ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Sample Questions and
answers with rationales
Question 1
An 18-year-old patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder wants to enter a research
study that will test an experimental drug. The PMHNP’s initial response is:
A. “All drug treatments are too risky for you at this time.”
B. “Let’s discuss the risks of potentially changing your medications.”
C. “We will have to see if you meet the inclusion criteria.”
D. “You will have only a small chance of receiving the experimental drug.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Initial response should be collaborative discussion of risks/benefits. A
is paternalistic. C and D come later.
Question 2
A 14-year-old has nonspecific leg pain. Exam normal. Labs normal except
markedly elevated alkaline phosphatase. The PMHNP:
A. Interprets as normal during rapid adolescent growth spurt.
B. Obtains rheumatoid profile (elevated ALP is not a sign of rheumatic fever).
C. Orders repeat blood test.
D. Suspects acute pancreatitis.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bone ALP rises during growth spurts. No other abnormalities make
pathology unlikely.
Question 3
Lab findings in alcohol use disorder with increased LFTs:
A. Decreased MCV, normal triglycerides.
B. Elevated potassium and chloride.
, C. Increased MCV and elevated triglycerides.
D. Increased urine and serum creatinine.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Alcohol causes macrocytic anemia (↑MCV) and hypertriglyceridemia.
Question 4
Patient on simvastatin + lisinopril. PMHNP eliminates fluoxetine because it
increases statin levels, leading to:
A. Rhabdomyolysis
B. Hepatotoxicity
C. QT prolongation
D. Nephrotoxicity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Fluoxetine inhibits CYP3A4 → ↑simvastatin →
myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.
Question 5
In court, standards of care for a PMHNP are evaluated by:
A. Comparing to a psychiatrist.
B. What a reasonably prudent provider would do.
C. Patient satisfaction data.
D. Reviewing charts of similar patients.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Legal standard = “reasonably prudent provider” in same
circumstances.
Question 6
