NP Mental Health & Psychiatric NP

Question 1

According to the DSM-5, how many symptoms of major depressive disorder must be present for at least 2 weeks to meet diagnostic criteria?

Accepted Answer

At least 5 symptoms, including depressed mood or anhedonia

Answer

At least 3 symptoms including depressed mood

Answer

At least 4 symptoms including sleep disturbance

Answer

At least 6 symptoms including suicidal ideation

Question 2

A 34-year-old patient presents with persistent worry, muscle tension, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating for 8 months. What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Buspirone or an SSRI/SNRI

Answer

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Answer

Propranolol

Answer

Hydroxyzine

Question 3

A patient on haloperidol develops sustained involuntary rhythmic movements of the tongue and lip-smacking after 2 years of treatment. What is this adverse effect?

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Akathisia

Answer

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Answer

Acute dystonia

Question 4

Which mechanism best describes how SSRIs achieve their antidepressant effect?

Accepted Answer

Selective inhibition of serotonin reuptake at the presynaptic terminal

Answer

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase enzymes

Answer

Blockade of norepinephrine reuptake transporters

Answer

Agonism at postsynaptic serotonin receptors

Question 5

An NP uses the PHQ-9 to screen a patient for depression. A score of 15 on the PHQ-9 indicates which severity level?

Accepted Answer

Moderately severe depression

Answer

Mild depression

Answer

Moderate depression

Answer

Severe depression

Question 6

A patient with bipolar I disorder is stabilized on lithium. Which laboratory value requires the closest monitoring to prevent toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Serum sodium and renal function

Answer

Serum potassium

Answer

Liver function tests

Answer

Complete blood count

Question 7

Which symptom cluster represents the 'positive' symptoms of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech

Answer

Flat affect, alogia, and avolition

Answer

Cognitive impairment and working memory deficits

Answer

Social withdrawal and anhedonia