NR548/ NR 548 EXAM 1:
NEWEST LATEST UPDATE
2025/ 2026 PSYCHIATRIC
ASSESSMENT FOR THE
PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL
HEALTH NURSE
PRACTITIONER REVIEW
WEEK 1&2QUESTIONS 200+
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
1. What is the primary purpose of the psychiatric interview?
Answer: To establish a therapeutic alliance and gather diagnostic information.
2. Which component of the psychiatric evaluation involves assessing the client’s general
appearance and behavior?
Answer: Mental Status Examination (MSE)
,3. A patient describes feeling “sad and hopeless” with no energy. Which MSE domain
does this fall under?
Answer: Mood and affect
4. During the psychiatric interview, the provider asks, “Can you tell me the meaning of
the saying, ‘Don’t cry over spilled milk’?” This question assesses:
Answer: Abstract thinking
5. A PMHNP notes that a patient is laughing while discussing a traumatic event. This is
an example of:
Answer: Incongruent affect
6. The PHQ-9 is used to screen for:
Answer: Depression
7. Which term describes a patient's ability to understand the nature and consequences of
their situation?
Answer: Insight
8. The MMSE (Mini-Mental State Exam) primarily evaluates:
Answer: Cognitive functioning
9. Which symptom is not part of the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder?
Answer: Pressured speech
10. The CIWA-Ar is a tool used for:
Answer: Assessing alcohol withdrawal severity
, 11. Which of the following tools screens for generalized anxiety?
Answer: GAD-7
12. Which of the following best represents a circumstantial thought process?
Answer: The patient gives unnecessary details but eventually answers the question.
13. A patient reports "feeling like the TV is sending messages to me." This is an example
of:
Answer: Delusional thinking
14. What is the best approach to interviewing a patient with paranoid ideation?
Answer: Use a calm, non-confrontational tone and avoid challenging their beliefs directly.
15. In evaluating risk for suicide, which question is most appropriate?
Answer: “Have you had thoughts about hurting or killing yourself?”
16. What part of the psychiatric assessment involves determining whether the client can
differentiate reality from delusions or hallucinations?
Answer: Thought content and perception
17. What is the primary diagnostic manual used by PMHNPs in the U.S. for psychiatric
diagnosis?
Answer: DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text
Revision)
18. When conducting a psychiatric interview, what is the first step?
Answer: Establish rapport and explain confidentiality
NEWEST LATEST UPDATE
2025/ 2026 PSYCHIATRIC
ASSESSMENT FOR THE
PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL
HEALTH NURSE
PRACTITIONER REVIEW
WEEK 1&2QUESTIONS 200+
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
1. What is the primary purpose of the psychiatric interview?
Answer: To establish a therapeutic alliance and gather diagnostic information.
2. Which component of the psychiatric evaluation involves assessing the client’s general
appearance and behavior?
Answer: Mental Status Examination (MSE)
,3. A patient describes feeling “sad and hopeless” with no energy. Which MSE domain
does this fall under?
Answer: Mood and affect
4. During the psychiatric interview, the provider asks, “Can you tell me the meaning of
the saying, ‘Don’t cry over spilled milk’?” This question assesses:
Answer: Abstract thinking
5. A PMHNP notes that a patient is laughing while discussing a traumatic event. This is
an example of:
Answer: Incongruent affect
6. The PHQ-9 is used to screen for:
Answer: Depression
7. Which term describes a patient's ability to understand the nature and consequences of
their situation?
Answer: Insight
8. The MMSE (Mini-Mental State Exam) primarily evaluates:
Answer: Cognitive functioning
9. Which symptom is not part of the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder?
Answer: Pressured speech
10. The CIWA-Ar is a tool used for:
Answer: Assessing alcohol withdrawal severity
, 11. Which of the following tools screens for generalized anxiety?
Answer: GAD-7
12. Which of the following best represents a circumstantial thought process?
Answer: The patient gives unnecessary details but eventually answers the question.
13. A patient reports "feeling like the TV is sending messages to me." This is an example
of:
Answer: Delusional thinking
14. What is the best approach to interviewing a patient with paranoid ideation?
Answer: Use a calm, non-confrontational tone and avoid challenging their beliefs directly.
15. In evaluating risk for suicide, which question is most appropriate?
Answer: “Have you had thoughts about hurting or killing yourself?”
16. What part of the psychiatric assessment involves determining whether the client can
differentiate reality from delusions or hallucinations?
Answer: Thought content and perception
17. What is the primary diagnostic manual used by PMHNPs in the U.S. for psychiatric
diagnosis?
Answer: DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text
Revision)
18. When conducting a psychiatric interview, what is the first step?
Answer: Establish rapport and explain confidentiality
