NR.406.703
Diagnostic Skills for PMHNP
Final Assessment (Qns & Ans)
2025
General Instructions
1. Read All Questions Carefully: Make sure you understand each question.
2. Time Management: You have a specific amount of time to complete the exam.
Keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself.
3. Allowed Materials: Only use materials that are explicitly allowed. Unauthorized
materials can lead to disqualification.
4. ANS Format: Follow the required format for your ANS. For example, multiple-
choice questions might need you to select the best ANS, while essay questions
require detailed responses.
5. Academic Integrity: Adhere to the university's honor code. Any form of cheating or
plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
6. Technical Requirements: Ensure your computer and internet connection are
stable. For online exams, you might need a webcam and microphone for proctoring
purposes.
7. Submission: Submit your ANS before the time expires. Late submissions might
not be accepted.
©2024/2025
,1. Which of the following is considered a primary symptom of
Major Depressive Disorder?
A) Irritability
B) Hyperactivity
C) Increased energy
D) Feelings of worthlessness
Correct ANS: D) Feelings of worthlessness
Rationale: Feelings of worthlessness are a core symptom of
Major Depressive Disorder, while hyperactivity and increased
energy are not typically associated.
2. The DSM-5 outlines which of the following diagnostic criteria
for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A) Panic attacks
B) Chronic worry about multiple events
C) Delusions
D) Obsessions
Correct ANS: B) Chronic worry about multiple events
©2024/2025
, Rationale: GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety and
worry occurring more days than not for at least six months about a
number of events or activities.
3. In the context of therapeutic communication, which technique
is considered the least effective?
A) Empathy
B) Silence
C) Reassurance
D) Reflection
Correct ANS: C) Reassurance
Rationale: While reassurance can be comforting, it may
invalidate the client's feelings and may come off as dismissive
compared to the other techniques that foster understanding.
4. Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with the
pathophysiology of schizophrenia?
A) Serotonin
B) Dopamine
C) Norepinephrine
D) Acetylcholine
Correct ANS: B) Dopamine
©2024/2025
, Rationale: Dopamine dysregulation, particularly in certain
brain pathways, is a key factor in the development of symptoms in
schizophrenia.
5. A patient presents with symptoms of compulsive behavior and
recurrent intrusive thoughts. This best represents which
condition?
A) Social Anxiety Disorder
B) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
C) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
D) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Correct ANS: B) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Rationale: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized
by the presence of obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and
compulsions (repetitive behaviors).
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
6. The primary purpose of conducting a mental status
examination (MSE) is to assess a patient's ______________.
Correct ANS: mental functioning
Rationale: The MSE evaluates various cognitive and
emotional processes to provide a snapshot of the patient's current
psychiatric state.
©2024/2025
Diagnostic Skills for PMHNP
Final Assessment (Qns & Ans)
2025
General Instructions
1. Read All Questions Carefully: Make sure you understand each question.
2. Time Management: You have a specific amount of time to complete the exam.
Keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself.
3. Allowed Materials: Only use materials that are explicitly allowed. Unauthorized
materials can lead to disqualification.
4. ANS Format: Follow the required format for your ANS. For example, multiple-
choice questions might need you to select the best ANS, while essay questions
require detailed responses.
5. Academic Integrity: Adhere to the university's honor code. Any form of cheating or
plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
6. Technical Requirements: Ensure your computer and internet connection are
stable. For online exams, you might need a webcam and microphone for proctoring
purposes.
7. Submission: Submit your ANS before the time expires. Late submissions might
not be accepted.
©2024/2025
,1. Which of the following is considered a primary symptom of
Major Depressive Disorder?
A) Irritability
B) Hyperactivity
C) Increased energy
D) Feelings of worthlessness
Correct ANS: D) Feelings of worthlessness
Rationale: Feelings of worthlessness are a core symptom of
Major Depressive Disorder, while hyperactivity and increased
energy are not typically associated.
2. The DSM-5 outlines which of the following diagnostic criteria
for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A) Panic attacks
B) Chronic worry about multiple events
C) Delusions
D) Obsessions
Correct ANS: B) Chronic worry about multiple events
©2024/2025
, Rationale: GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety and
worry occurring more days than not for at least six months about a
number of events or activities.
3. In the context of therapeutic communication, which technique
is considered the least effective?
A) Empathy
B) Silence
C) Reassurance
D) Reflection
Correct ANS: C) Reassurance
Rationale: While reassurance can be comforting, it may
invalidate the client's feelings and may come off as dismissive
compared to the other techniques that foster understanding.
4. Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with the
pathophysiology of schizophrenia?
A) Serotonin
B) Dopamine
C) Norepinephrine
D) Acetylcholine
Correct ANS: B) Dopamine
©2024/2025
, Rationale: Dopamine dysregulation, particularly in certain
brain pathways, is a key factor in the development of symptoms in
schizophrenia.
5. A patient presents with symptoms of compulsive behavior and
recurrent intrusive thoughts. This best represents which
condition?
A) Social Anxiety Disorder
B) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
C) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
D) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Correct ANS: B) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Rationale: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized
by the presence of obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and
compulsions (repetitive behaviors).
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
6. The primary purpose of conducting a mental status
examination (MSE) is to assess a patient's ______________.
Correct ANS: mental functioning
Rationale: The MSE evaluates various cognitive and
emotional processes to provide a snapshot of the patient's current
psychiatric state.
©2024/2025
