PMH-C Assessment and Screening 4

Question 1

A nurse completing an EPDS screening notes that a patient answered 'yes, quite often' to item 10. What is the highest priority response?

Accepted Answer

Immediately conduct a suicide risk assessment

Answer

Any positive response to EPDS item 10 (thoughts of self-harm) requires an immediate and direct suicide risk assessment before other clinical steps.

Question 2

Which of the following is the most accurate statement about screening for perinatal mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

Screening identifies risk and is not a diagnosis

Answer

Screening tools identify individuals who may warrant further evaluation; a positive screen indicates elevated risk, not a confirmed diagnosis.

Question 3

A clinician wants to screen for birth trauma following a complicated delivery. Which tool is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS)

Answer

The City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS) is a validated tool specifically designed to assess PTSD symptoms related to the birth experience.

Question 4

A patient reports she is 'fine' but her EPDS score is 15. How should the clinician proceed?

Accepted Answer

Explore the discrepancy between the score and self-report through clinical interview

Answer

When there is a discrepancy between a patient's verbal report and screening score, the clinician should explore this through direct, compassionate clinical interviewing.

Question 5

Which population-level finding underscores the importance of including fathers and partners in perinatal mental health screening?

Accepted Answer

Paternal perinatal depression affects approximately 10% of fathers and impacts infant development

Answer

Research indicates paternal perinatal depression occurs in about 10% of fathers and is associated with adverse outcomes for children and family functioning.

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

PMH-C Assessment and Screening 4