Question 1
The PMHNP is conducting an initial interview with a patient whose history is consistent with avoidant personality
disorder. The PMHNP understands that one of the most striking features of this interview is likely to be centered
upon the patient’s:
Clothing
Speech pattern
Anger
Anxiety
Question 2
A PMHNP student is reviewing his notes from his clinical experience over the past week to prepare his first required
case presentation on a patient suffering a major depressive episode. Which of the following patients best represents
the DSM-5 criteria for major depressive episode?
A 27-year-old female with a 1-month history of social withdrawal, anorexia, hypersomnia, unprovoked
outbursts of anger, and a strong family history of endogenous depression
A 41-year-old male with a history of childhood sexual abuse, loss of interest in both his professional and
personal life, an unplanned 10 lb. weight loss in the last 3 months, and perceptual disturbances
A 65-year-old male whose wife died 2 months ago and he reports a 3-week history of generally depressed
mood, guilt about his wife’s death, insomnia, difficulty focusing on daily tasks, with increasing thoughts of
dying
A 72-year-old female who just relocated across country to live with her adult son and daughter-in-law who is
despondent about leaving her home and reports forgetfulness, loss of appetite, new onset bowel problems, and
extreme loss of energy
Question 3
A variety of pharmacologic agents have demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of post-traumatic stress
disorder. Which of the following does not have any evidenced-based support in the literature?
SSRIs
TCAs
Antiadrenergics
Antipsychotics