NCAS Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing

Question 1

Which brief validated tool is most widely used in community settings to screen for depression in adults?

Accepted Answer

Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)

Answer

The PHQ-9 is a 9-item validated screening tool widely used in primary care and community settings to screen for and monitor depression severity.

Question 2

A community nurse is assessing a patient who reports hearing voices commanding self-harm. The MOST appropriate immediate action is:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a full suicide and homicide risk assessment and arrange immediate psychiatric evaluation

Answer

Command hallucinations for self-harm represent a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate risk assessment and urgent psychiatric evaluation or hospitalization.

Question 3

Which US law mandates that insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorders be comparable to coverage for medical and surgical care?

Accepted Answer

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)

Answer

The MHPAEA (2008) and its 2010 ACA amendments require that mental health and substance use disorder benefits be provided on par with medical/surgical benefits.

Question 4

In the context of community mental health, what does 'recovery' mean according to SAMHSA?

Accepted Answer

A process of change through which individuals improve health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and reach their full potential

Answer

SAMHSA's recovery model defines recovery as a personal, holistic process focused on wellness, self-determination, and meaningful participation in life beyond symptom elimination.

Question 5

A community health nurse is assessing a teenager using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). This tool primarily assesses:

Accepted Answer

Suicidal ideation intensity and suicidal behavior history

Answer

The C-SSRS is a validated, evidence-based tool that systematically assesses the type and severity of suicidal ideation and history of suicidal behavior.

NCAS - Nursing Community Assessment Service Practice Test

NCAS - Nursing Community Assessment Service Practice Test

NCAS Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing