MRCPsych Patient Assessment and Evaluation 2

Question 1

When assessing suicidal ideation, which feature of a plan most significantly elevates immediate risk?

Accepted Answer

A detailed plan with access to the intended means

Answer

A specific, detailed plan combined with access to lethal means is one of the strongest indicators of imminent suicidal risk.

Question 2

In the mental state examination, 'loosening of associations' is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Loss of logical connection between successive thoughts

Answer

Loosening of associations (derailment) refers to a disruption in the logical relationship between ideas, characteristic of psychotic disorders.

Question 3

A 45-year-old presents believing news anchors are sending coded personal messages through the television. This phenomenon is termed:

Accepted Answer

Ideas of reference

Answer

Ideas of reference involve the false belief that external events, media, or people have special personal significance directed at the patient.

Question 4

Which instrument is specifically validated for assessing severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in clinical practice?

Accepted Answer

Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS)

Answer

The Y-BOCS is the gold standard clinician-administered scale for measuring the severity of obsessions and compulsions.

Question 5

During a cognitive assessment, a patient can repeat a 7-digit string forward but only 4 digits backward. This finding most likely reflects:

Accepted Answer

Reduced working memory capacity and executive processing

Answer

Digit span backward requires active manipulation of information in working memory, so reduced backward span suggests impaired working memory and frontal executive function.

(MRCPsych) Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Practice Test

(MRCPsych) Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Practice Test

MRCPsych Patient Assessment and Evaluation 2