Passing the PMHNP board exam isn’t just about knowing the content—it’s about recognizing the buzzwords that show up in board-style questions. Below are high-yield terms and diagnostic clues that can help you zero in on the correct answer fast.
Top High-Yield Topics & Buzzwords for the PMHNP Board Exam
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
• Buzzwords: Lead pipe rigidity, elevated CPK, hyperthermia, recent antipsychotic initiation
• Key Drug Association: Haloperidol
• Treatment: Dantrolene, bromocriptine, stop antipsychotic - Serotonin Syndrome
• Buzzwords: Clonus, hyperreflexia, tremor, shivering, diarrhea
• Causes: SSRI + MAOI or SNRI + linezolid
• Treatment: Stop serotonergic agents, cyproheptadine
- Lithium Toxicity
• Buzzwords: Tremor, ataxia, nausea/vomiting, confusion, >1.5 mEq/L
• Avoid With: NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, thiazides
• Special Tip: Renally excreted – check renal function and TSH
- Clozapine Monitoring
• Buzzwords: Agranulocytosis, ANC < 500, weekly CBCs initially
• Other Risks: Myocarditis, seizures, metabolic syndrome
• Smoking Warning: Smoking induces CYP1A2 – lowers clozapine levels!
- ADHD
• Buzzwords: Impulsivity, hyperactivity, inattention, present before age 12
• First-line: Stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines)
• Non-stimulant: Atomoxetine (risk of liver toxicity and suicidal ideation)
- Depression in Adolescents
• Buzzwords: Irritability, decline in school performance, withdrawal
• FDA-Approved Meds: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Black Box Warning: Increased risk of suicidal thoughts
- PTSD
• Buzzwords: Nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, avoidance
• Time Criterion: >1 month
• Treatment: SSRIs, trauma-focused CBT, prazosin for nightmares
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Buzzwords: Excessive worry, muscle tension, restlessness
• Duration: >6 months
• Treatment: SSRIs/SNRIs, Buspirone, CBT
- Borderline Personality Disorder
• Buzzwords: Splitting, self-harm, intense unstable relationships, fear of abandonment
• Therapy: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is first-line
- Delirium vs. Dementia
• Delirium Buzzwords: Acute onset, fluctuating course, inattention, reversible
• Dementia Buzzwords: Progressive decline, memory loss, aphasia/apraxia, irreversible
Exam Day Strategy Tips
• Look for time-based clues in the question stem: “sudden,” “for the past 6 months,” “since childhood.”
• Pay attention to labs: high CPK = NMS, low sodium = SIADH, lithium level = toxicity
• Red flag symptoms = choose the answer that addresses safety first (suicidality, psychosis, medical emergencies)
• If you see a choice that says “refer to emergency services” or “stop the medication immediately”, it’s often the right one in cases involving toxicity or acute risk.
Bonus: Know Your Antipsychotic Side Effects
Antipsychotic Side Effect Buzzwords
Risperidone Gynecomastia, hyperprolactinemia
Olanzapine Weight gain, metabolic syndrome
Aripiprazole Akathisia, low sedation
Haloperidol EPS, NMS
Clozapine Agranulocytosis, seizures
Final Note:
The PMHNP exam rewards pattern recognition. These buzzwords are your mental shortcuts—memorize them and practice with clinical vignettes to solidify your intuition.
