Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam Crisis Intervention and Emergency Psychiatry 3

Question 1

Which symptom cluster in a trauma patient indicates acute stress disorder (ASD) rather than acute PTSD?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms occurring within one month of the traumatic event

Answer

ASD is diagnosed when PTSD-like symptoms occur within 3 days to 1 month following trauma; PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms persist beyond 1 month.

Question 2

A patient presents to the ED after a suicide attempt by overdose. After medical stabilization, the PMHNP's priority assessment is:

Accepted Answer

Level of suicidal intent before, during, and after the attempt

Answer

Assessing the intent level before, during, and after the attempt provides critical information about ongoing suicide risk.

Question 3

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a psychiatric emergency characterized by which four findings?

Accepted Answer

Hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, altered consciousness

Answer

NMS is characterized by hyperthermia, lead-pipe rigidity, autonomic instability, and altered mental status following antipsychotic use.

Question 4

A PMHNP is conducting a safety planning intervention. Which element should be placed FIRST on the safety plan?

Accepted Answer

Warning signs that a crisis may be developing

Answer

Warning signs are placed first on safety plans so patients can recognize early signals and activate coping strategies before reaching crisis level.

Question 5

Which antidote is given for benzodiazepine overdose in a psychiatric emergency?

Accepted Answer

Flumazenil

Answer

Flumazenil is a competitive GABA-A receptor antagonist that reverses benzodiazepine sedation and respiratory depression.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam Practice Test