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

DSM-5 requires at least 5 of 9 symptoms for 2+ weeks, with depressed mood or anhedonia being required as one of the five.

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

SSRIs and SNRIs (or buspirone) are first-line pharmacological treatments for GAD due to their efficacy and favorable safety profile.

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

Tardive dyskinesia is a late-onset movement disorder from prolonged antipsychotic use, characterized by repetitive involuntary orofacial movements.

Question 4

Which mechanism best describes how SSRIs achieve their antidepressant effect?

Accepted Answer

Selective inhibition of serotonin reuptake at the presynaptic terminal

Answer

SSRIs work by selectively blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT) on the presynaptic neuron, increasing serotonin availability in the synapse.

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

PHQ-9 scores of 15–19 correspond to moderately severe depression, while scores ≥20 indicate severe depression.

NP - Nurse Practitioner Practice Test

NP - Nurse Practitioner Practice Test

NP Mental Health & Psychiatric NP