NR668 VISE Mock Interview Exam –
Questions PMHNP Psychiatric
Evaluation, Diagnosis & Management
Based on the VISE (Virtual Interactive Simulation Experience) format, each
question simulates a clinical encounter. Select the best response
Question 1
During the introduction of a psychiatric evaluation, the PMHNP says, “Hello, I’m
Crystal Marshall, a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Thank you for meeting with me.
What brings you in today?” The client responds, “I’ve been feeling really down
lately. I can’t get motivated to do anything.” What is the most appropriate next
step?
A. “Have you ever thought about hurting yourself?”
B. “How long have you been feeling this way?”
C. “I’m sorry to hear that. Let me prescribe you an antidepressant.”
D. “Tell me about your childhood.”
Correct Answer: B. “How long have you been feeling this way?”
Question 2
A client reports, “I’ve been feeling down for about two months. I have no energy,
and I can’t concentrate at work.” Which additional symptom would most strongly
support a diagnosis of major depressive disorder?
A. Increased goal-directed activity
B. Anhedonia (loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities)
C. Flight of ideas
D. Grandiose delusions
Correct Answer: B. Anhedonia
Question 3
A client reports sleeping “a lot more than usual” and having “no appetite.” Which
, specifier for major depressive disorder is most suggested by these symptoms?
A. Melancholic features
B. Atypical features (hypersomnia, increased appetite – but here appetite is
decreased, so careful; however hypersomnia alone is atypical but more
common with atypical depression – best answer is atypical if increased
appetite were present; but given only hypersomnia, the specifier is still
atypical if mood reactivity present.
Correct Answer: B. Atypical features (based on hypersomnia)
Question 4
A client states, “A few years ago I had a similar episode and took Zoloft for a
while.” What information does this provide?
A. The client has treatment-resistant depression.
B. The client has a history of prior major depressive episode and past SSRI
use.
C. The client has bipolar disorder.
D. The client needs ECT.
Correct Answer: B. The client has a history of prior major depressive episode
and past SSRI use.
Question 5
The client reports taking lisinopril daily for hypertension. Which medication
interaction should the PMHNP consider when prescribing an SSRI?
A. Increased risk of serotonin syndrome
B. Potential for hyponatremia (SSRI + ACE inhibitor can increase SIADH
risk)
C. Prolonged QT interval
D. Increased bleeding risk with NSAIDs only
Correct Answer: B. Potential for hyponatremia
Question 6
Family history reveals the client’s mother “had depression and was hospitalized
once.” This history increases the client’s risk for:
Questions PMHNP Psychiatric
Evaluation, Diagnosis & Management
Based on the VISE (Virtual Interactive Simulation Experience) format, each
question simulates a clinical encounter. Select the best response
Question 1
During the introduction of a psychiatric evaluation, the PMHNP says, “Hello, I’m
Crystal Marshall, a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Thank you for meeting with me.
What brings you in today?” The client responds, “I’ve been feeling really down
lately. I can’t get motivated to do anything.” What is the most appropriate next
step?
A. “Have you ever thought about hurting yourself?”
B. “How long have you been feeling this way?”
C. “I’m sorry to hear that. Let me prescribe you an antidepressant.”
D. “Tell me about your childhood.”
Correct Answer: B. “How long have you been feeling this way?”
Question 2
A client reports, “I’ve been feeling down for about two months. I have no energy,
and I can’t concentrate at work.” Which additional symptom would most strongly
support a diagnosis of major depressive disorder?
A. Increased goal-directed activity
B. Anhedonia (loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities)
C. Flight of ideas
D. Grandiose delusions
Correct Answer: B. Anhedonia
Question 3
A client reports sleeping “a lot more than usual” and having “no appetite.” Which
, specifier for major depressive disorder is most suggested by these symptoms?
A. Melancholic features
B. Atypical features (hypersomnia, increased appetite – but here appetite is
decreased, so careful; however hypersomnia alone is atypical but more
common with atypical depression – best answer is atypical if increased
appetite were present; but given only hypersomnia, the specifier is still
atypical if mood reactivity present.
Correct Answer: B. Atypical features (based on hypersomnia)
Question 4
A client states, “A few years ago I had a similar episode and took Zoloft for a
while.” What information does this provide?
A. The client has treatment-resistant depression.
B. The client has a history of prior major depressive episode and past SSRI
use.
C. The client has bipolar disorder.
D. The client needs ECT.
Correct Answer: B. The client has a history of prior major depressive episode
and past SSRI use.
Question 5
The client reports taking lisinopril daily for hypertension. Which medication
interaction should the PMHNP consider when prescribing an SSRI?
A. Increased risk of serotonin syndrome
B. Potential for hyponatremia (SSRI + ACE inhibitor can increase SIADH
risk)
C. Prolonged QT interval
D. Increased bleeding risk with NSAIDs only
Correct Answer: B. Potential for hyponatremia
Question 6
Family history reveals the client’s mother “had depression and was hospitalized
once.” This history increases the client’s risk for:
