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

Question 1

A patient taking an MAOI for treatment-resistant depression asks about dietary restrictions. Which food poses the GREATEST risk for a hypertensive crisis?

Accepted Answer

Aged cheddar cheese

Answer

Aged cheeses are high in tyramine, which MAOIs prevent from being metabolized, leading to a dangerous accumulation and potential hypertensive crisis.

Question 2

A PMHNP is applying Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Which skill module teaches patients to tolerate distress without making a crisis worse?

Accepted Answer

Distress tolerance

Answer

Distress tolerance skills in DBT teach patients to survive crisis moments without engaging in behaviors that worsen the situation, using techniques like TIPP and ACCEPTS.

Question 3

A patient with a long history of alcohol use disorder abruptly stops drinking after heavy daily use. Which vital sign pattern should alert the PMHNP to a risk of severe alcohol withdrawal (AWS)?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia, hypertension, and fever

Answer

Tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, and fever during alcohol withdrawal reflect autonomic hyperactivity and can progress to seizures and delirium tremens.

Question 4

A patient with bipolar I disorder who is stabilized on lithium becomes pregnant. The PMHNP knows that lithium carries a risk for which fetal cardiac defect?

Accepted Answer

Ebstein's anomaly

Answer

Lithium exposure in the first trimester has been associated with Ebstein's anomaly, a rare tricuspid valve malformation, though the absolute risk is low.

Question 5

A PMHNP treating a patient with anorexia nervosa should monitor MOST closely for which life-threatening electrolyte complication?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia

Answer

Hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia (especially refeeding syndrome) in anorexia nervosa can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias and require vigilant electrolyte monitoring.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam Practice Test

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam Practice Test

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