Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam Crisis Intervention and Emergency Psychiatry

Question 1

A PMHNP evaluating a patient in crisis should first prioritize which action?

Accepted Answer

Establish safety and assess risk of harm to self or others

Answer

Safety assessment is always the first priority in any psychiatric crisis situation.

Question 2

Which validated tool is commonly used by PMHNPs to assess suicide risk in emergency settings?

Accepted Answer

Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

Answer

The C-SSRS is a standardized, evidence-based tool that quantifies suicidal ideation and behavior severity.

Question 3

A patient in acute psychotic crisis is agitated and threatening violence. What is the PMHNP's safest first intervention?

Accepted Answer

Verbal de-escalation in a calm, low-stimulation environment

Answer

Verbal de-escalation is the least restrictive, safest first-line intervention for agitated patients.

Question 4

When a patient meets criteria for involuntary psychiatric hospitalization, which legal standard most commonly applies in the US?

Accepted Answer

Imminent danger to self or others due to mental illness

Answer

Involuntary holds in the US require evidence of a mental illness causing imminent risk of harm to self or others.

Question 5

Which medication combination is considered first-line for rapid tranquilization of an acutely agitated patient in the ED?

Accepted Answer

Haloperidol + lorazepam (or diphenhydramine)

Answer

Haloperidol combined with lorazepam (or diphenhydramine to prevent EPS) is a widely used, evidence-supported rapid tranquilization regimen.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam Practice Test