PMHNP Psych Nurse Exam Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q21Which federal insurance program provides health coverage specifically for low-income individuals and families?
✓ Correct answer: A. Medicaid
Medicaid provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families, and it is funded by both federal and state taxes. In contrast, Medicare, TriCare, and the Veterans Health Administration are funded by federal taxes.
Q22All of the following statements regarding a nurse practitioner's licensure are true except:
✓ Correct answer: A. It is the same as certification
Answer: It is the same as certification Licensure is a legal authorization to practice a profession within a state, and it is required to practice as a healthcare provider. It is different from certification, which is granted by professional organizations to indicate that an individual has met certain standards of competence. Licensure is granted by the state government and may have varying requirements depending on the state.
Q23Which report, published by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 1999, drastically changed the perception of patient safety in healthcare?
✓ Correct answer: C. To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System
Answer: To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System The IOM's 1999 report, 'To Err is Human', highlighted the prevalence of medical errors in healthcare and estimated that as many as 98,000 people die each year as a result of preventable medical errors. This landmark report was a catalyst for major changes in healthcare policy and practice around patient safety.
Q24You are a nurse practitioner assessing a 10-year-old male patient who has recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During the assessment, you consider potential behavioral and communication deficits associated with ASD. Which of the following characteristics is not typically associated with autism spectrum disorder?
✓ Correct answer: C. Increased social interactions
Answer: Increased social interactions Children with autism spectrum disorder typically present with the following: 1. Restricted and repetitive behaviors. 2. Impairment in social communication and interaction. 3. Sensory sensitivities. Increased social interactions are not characteristic of children with autism spectrum disorder. These children might struggle with social interactions, not excel in them.
Q25Which of the following is an effective nonpharmacological intervention for the treatment of insomnia?
✓ Correct answer: B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Answer: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) CBT-I is a structured program that helps individuals change thoughts and behaviors that contribute to insomnia. It is considered the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. Melatonin is a hormone that can be used as a supplement to help regulate sleep-wake cycles, but it is considered a pharmacological option. CPAP therapy is used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, not insomnia. Acupuncture is an alternative form of treatment and is not recognized as a primary intervention for chronic insomnia.
Q26Chronic fatigue is associated with all of the following underlying psychiatric disorders except:
✓ Correct answer: A. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Answer: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Chronic fatigue may be associated with the following underlying psychiatric disorders: Major Depressive Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Q27A 70-year-old man is brought to your clinic by his daughter, who reports that he has become increasingly forgetful over the past two years. She notes that he often misplaces household items, has difficulty following conversations or stories, and occasionally gets lost in familiar places. Additionally, his personality seems to have changed, and he appears withdrawn and less engaged in social activities. Based on this information, what is the most likely diagnosis?
✓ Correct answer: C. Alzheimer's disease
Answer: Alzheimer's disease The patient's symptoms of increasing forgetfulness, difficulty following conversations, getting lost in familiar places, and personality changes most strongly suggest Alzheimer's disease, especially given the gradual onset and progression over two years. Vascular dementia often presents with a more abrupt onset and stepwise progression. Parkinson's disease typically includes motor symptoms such as tremors and stiffness. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rapidly progressing, rare condition often characterized by involuntary movements and severe cognitive impairment.
Q28How frequently must intrusive and distressing memories occur to meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
✓ Correct answer: B. More days than not for a period of at least one month
Answer: More days than not for a period of at least one month In post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), intrusive and distressing memories related to the traumatic event(s) must occur more days than not for a period of at least one month to meet diagnostic criteria.
Q29Which of the following statements is an example of summarization in a therapeutic conversation?
✓ Correct answer: D. So what I'm hearing is that you're feeling overwhelmed by your workload?
Answer: "So what I'm hearing is that you're feeling overwhelmed by your workload?" Summarization statements are used to ensure that the therapist has correctly understood the client's concerns. Asking a "why" question can make the client feel defensive and is less effective in therapeutic settings. Asking what the client would change about their job is an example of a hypothetical question that prompts the client to consider potential solutions. Questions about positive events, such as "What was something positive that happened at work today?", are often used in approaches like positive psychology to foster a focus on positive experiences.
Q30Which of the following non-prescription supplements is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and sleep disorders?
✓ Correct answer: D. Melatonin
Answer: Melatonin Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is often used as a supplement to help with sleep disorders and anxiety. Other non-prescription dietary supplements with physiological effects include: Supplement Use Omega-3 fatty acids Heart disease treatment and prevention Tryptophan Nitrogen balance in adults, growth in infants, creation of niacin for serotonin production Fish oil Reduces inflammation, improves hypertriglyceridemia
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