Overview
This lecture provides test-taking strategies and key considerations for PMHP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Practitioner) exam success, focusing on question analysis, prioritization, patient safety, critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural competence.
Objective Question Approach
- Base answers strictly on the information provided in the question stem.
- Do not use outside experience or make assumptions beyond the question details.
- Think like a new PMHP, not another advanced practitioner role.
- Eliminate at least two answer choices to increase odds if unsure.
- Consider the core of the question—often the key is at the end.
- Try to predict the answer before reviewing options.
Answer Choice Analysis
- Narrow down to the two most probable correct answers.
- Ignore options that are partially correct or have a correct segment followed by an incorrect one.
- When two choices are opposites, one is often correct.
- Match answer wording to keywords or synonyms from the question stem.
- Patient-centered answers are preferred unless explicitly about family.
- Multiple nearly identical options are likely all incorrect.
- Be wary of absolute terms like "always" or "never"—those answers are rarely correct.
Prioritization in Clinical Judgment
- Prioritize using: 1) Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABC); 2) Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (physical needs come first); 3) Assessment (collect information before intervening).
- As a provider, collecting vitals and assessments are often correct initial actions.
Emphasis on Patient Safety
- Safety for both patient and provider is always the main concern.
- Avoid "safety contracts"—use "safety planning" instead.
- In abuse or rape cases, ensure safety before collecting evidence or discharging.
- For child abuse, assess first, then report to CPS; interview children separately when needed.
Confidentiality & Ethics with Adolescents
- Maintain confidentiality with teenagers unless safety is at risk.
- Interview adolescents privately unless they request otherwise.
- Same-age, consensual relationships are confidential; age gap triggers mandatory reporting.
Critical Thinking & Clinical Decisions
- Order diagnostic tests only when clinically justified.
- Consider what you can do for the patient before referring out.
Interprofessional Collaboration
- Collaborate with other disciplines; do not delegate responsibility.
- For special cases (OB, peds, medical evals), collaboration or referral may be required.
- Obtain proper informed consent before sharing records; psychiatric cases need two forms.
Cultural Considerations in Care
- Select culturally sensitive, patient-focused responses, even if they differ from usual practice.
- Investigate and validate culturally influenced behaviors and somatic complaints.
- Never dismiss culturally significant beliefs; seek to understand and empower patients.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Question stem — The main body of a test question, containing all necessary information.
- Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs — A theory prioritizing basic needs (food, shelter) before psychological needs.
- Safety planning — A structured process to prevent self-harm, replacing former "safety contracts."
- Interprofessional collaboration — Working together with other healthcare professionals, not just delegating tasks.
- Somatic complaint — Physical symptoms without a medical cause, often influenced by cultural context.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice applying these strategies to sample questions before your exam.
- Write down and review example scenarios for each strategy.
- Familiarize yourself with cultural, ethical, and legal considerations relevant to the PMHP board exam.