NU664C | NU664C Family Psychiatric Mental
Health Exam 3 Version 2 | Questions with Correct
Answers and Expert Explanation for Each Question
| Regis
1. A 9-year-old child presents with persistent patterns of inattention and hyperactivity
across school and home environments. Which medication class is considered the first-
line pharmacological treatment for this condition?
A. Alpha-2 agonists
B. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
C. Antipsychotics
D. Stimulants
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine salts
are the first-line treatment for ADHD due to their high efficacy rates in reducing
core symptoms. These medications work by increasing the availability of dopamine
and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex. The PMHNP must monitor height,
weight, and blood pressure regularly when prescribing these substances to children.
2. Which of the following is a primary diagnostic requirement for Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) according to the DSM-5-TR?
A. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity and social communication
,B. Evidence of intellectual disability with an IQ below 70
C. History of significant language delay or absence of speech
D. Onset of symptoms appearing after the age of 7 years
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: ASD is primarily characterized by persistent deficits in social
communication and social interaction across multiple contexts. The diagnosis also
requires the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or
activities. Unlike previous versions of the DSM, language delay is no longer a
standalone requirement but is considered a specifier within the broader
communication deficit category.
3. When evaluating a child for ADHD, which standardized tool is most commonly used
to gather data from both parents and teachers?
A. Vanderbilt Assessment Scales
B. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
C. PHQ-9 modified for adolescents
D. CAGE-AID questionnaire
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale is a widely used tool
designed to assist in the diagnostic process of ADHD by collecting behavioral data
from various environments. It includes subscales for conduct disorder, oppositional
defiant disorder, and anxiety/depression to help identify comorbidities. Collecting
data from both home and school is essential to satisfy the DSM requirement that
symptoms manifest in two or more settings.
4. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is often prescribed for ADHD when stimulants are
contraindicated. What is its primary mechanism of action?
A. Dopamine reuptake inhibition
B. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition
C. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonism
D. Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibition
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication that works as a
selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) in the prefrontal cortex. It is
particularly useful for patients with a history of substance use disorders or those
who experience severe side effects from stimulants. Unlike stimulants, atomoxetine
does not have an immediate effect and may take 2 to 4 weeks to reach therapeutic
benefit.
, 5. The FDA has issued a ‘Black Box Warning’ for SSRIs when prescribed to children,
adolescents, and young adults. What is the specific risk associated with this warning?
A. Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia
B. Risk of metabolic syndrome and weight gain
C. Potential for growth suppression
D. Increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: In 2004, the FDA issued a black box warning for all
antidepressant medications regarding an increased risk of suicidal thinking and
behavior in children and adolescents. PMHNPs must carefully weigh this risk against
the clinical need for the medication when treating pediatric depression. Frequent
monitoring and education for families regarding behavioral changes are mandatory
during the early stages of treatment.
6. A 15-year-old female presents with a BMI of 16, lanugo, and a profound fear of
gaining weight. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Anorexia Nervosa
B. Binge Eating Disorder
C. Bulimia Nervosa
Health Exam 3 Version 2 | Questions with Correct
Answers and Expert Explanation for Each Question
| Regis
1. A 9-year-old child presents with persistent patterns of inattention and hyperactivity
across school and home environments. Which medication class is considered the first-
line pharmacological treatment for this condition?
A. Alpha-2 agonists
B. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
C. Antipsychotics
D. Stimulants
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine salts
are the first-line treatment for ADHD due to their high efficacy rates in reducing
core symptoms. These medications work by increasing the availability of dopamine
and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex. The PMHNP must monitor height,
weight, and blood pressure regularly when prescribing these substances to children.
2. Which of the following is a primary diagnostic requirement for Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) according to the DSM-5-TR?
A. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity and social communication
,B. Evidence of intellectual disability with an IQ below 70
C. History of significant language delay or absence of speech
D. Onset of symptoms appearing after the age of 7 years
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: ASD is primarily characterized by persistent deficits in social
communication and social interaction across multiple contexts. The diagnosis also
requires the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or
activities. Unlike previous versions of the DSM, language delay is no longer a
standalone requirement but is considered a specifier within the broader
communication deficit category.
3. When evaluating a child for ADHD, which standardized tool is most commonly used
to gather data from both parents and teachers?
A. Vanderbilt Assessment Scales
B. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
C. PHQ-9 modified for adolescents
D. CAGE-AID questionnaire
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale is a widely used tool
designed to assist in the diagnostic process of ADHD by collecting behavioral data
from various environments. It includes subscales for conduct disorder, oppositional
defiant disorder, and anxiety/depression to help identify comorbidities. Collecting
data from both home and school is essential to satisfy the DSM requirement that
symptoms manifest in two or more settings.
4. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is often prescribed for ADHD when stimulants are
contraindicated. What is its primary mechanism of action?
A. Dopamine reuptake inhibition
B. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition
C. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonism
D. Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibition
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication that works as a
selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) in the prefrontal cortex. It is
particularly useful for patients with a history of substance use disorders or those
who experience severe side effects from stimulants. Unlike stimulants, atomoxetine
does not have an immediate effect and may take 2 to 4 weeks to reach therapeutic
benefit.
, 5. The FDA has issued a ‘Black Box Warning’ for SSRIs when prescribed to children,
adolescents, and young adults. What is the specific risk associated with this warning?
A. Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia
B. Risk of metabolic syndrome and weight gain
C. Potential for growth suppression
D. Increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: In 2004, the FDA issued a black box warning for all
antidepressant medications regarding an increased risk of suicidal thinking and
behavior in children and adolescents. PMHNPs must carefully weigh this risk against
the clinical need for the medication when treating pediatric depression. Frequent
monitoring and education for families regarding behavioral changes are mandatory
during the early stages of treatment.
6. A 15-year-old female presents with a BMI of 16, lanugo, and a profound fear of
gaining weight. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Anorexia Nervosa
B. Binge Eating Disorder
C. Bulimia Nervosa
