Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam Comprehensive Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing 4

Question 1

A PMHNP is treating a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which first-line pharmacological treatment is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Fluvoxamine (an SSRI)

Answer

SSRIs, such as fluvoxamine, are the first-line pharmacological agents for OCD, often at higher doses than used for depression.

Question 2

Which defense mechanism is a patient using when they attribute their own unacceptable angry feelings to someone else, saying 'Everyone here is out to get me'?

Accepted Answer

Projection

Answer

Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses to another person.

Question 3

A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone and develops galactorrhea. What is the mechanism underlying this side effect?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine D2 blockade in the tuberoinfundibular pathway elevating prolactin

Answer

Dopamine normally inhibits prolactin release; blocking D2 receptors in the tuberoinfundibular pathway removes this inhibition, causing hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea.

Question 4

According to the DSM-5, how long must symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) persist to meet diagnostic criteria?

Accepted Answer

At least 6 months

Answer

DSM-5 requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months to diagnose GAD.

Question 5

A patient with borderline personality disorder frequently calls the crisis line, threatens self-harm, and then denies having any problems during sessions. This pattern BEST illustrates which concept central to DBT?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical dilemma: active passivity vs. apparent competence

Answer

DBT describes the dialectical dilemma of 'active passivity vs. apparent competence,' where patients appear capable in some contexts but feel unable to cope in others, creating confusion for providers.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam Practice Test

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam Practice Test

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam Comprehensive Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing 4