PMH-BC case studies
PMH-BC · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The PMH-BC is a board certification for registered nurses who practice in psychiatric-mental health settings, offered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. It signals that a nurse has met a nationally recognized standard of knowledge beyond licensure, and it is typically pursued by nurses with psychiatric-mental health experience who want to demonstrate specialty competence for roles in inpatient units, outpatient clinics, crisis services, consultation-liaison, or community mental health. The exam is multiple choice and samples broadly across nine content areas: theoretical foundations and practice principles, assessment and treatment planning, psychopharmacology and somatic treatments, psychotherapy and the therapeutic relationship, management of acute and chronic symptoms, crisis and safety management, recovery and community integration, professional role and ethics, and leadership and evidence-based practice. Preparation works best as a structured review rather than cramming: audit your weakest domains against the published content outline, read a current psychiatric-mental health nursing text and a psychopharmacology reference, then move to practice questions that force clinical judgment rather than recall. The PMH-BC case studies are 5 cases and about 1,778 words.
1Agitation in a Patient with Delirium and Dementia
J, a 78-year-old man with moderate Alzheimer's disease, is admitted to the medical unit for a urinary tract infection. On hospital day 2, he becomes acutely agitated, pulling at his IV line and yelling.
364 words, about 2 min2Suicide Risk Assessment in a Patient with Depression
L, a 35-year-old woman with major depressive disorder, is seen in the outpatient clinic. She reports feeling hopeless and worthless.
380 words, about 2 min3Medication Adherence in Schizophrenia
R, a 28-year-old man with schizophrenia, has been stable on oral risperidone 4 mg daily for 6 months. He lives in a group home and attends a day program.
355 words, about 2 min4Ethical Dilemma: Involuntary Treatment
T, a 42-year-old woman with bipolar I disorder, is brought to the emergency department by police after she was found running in traffic, shouting that she is a deity. She is disoriented, agitated, and refuses examination.
342 words, about 2 min5Quality Improvement: Reducing Readmissions
You are the nurse manager of an inpatient psychiatric unit. The unit has a 30-day readmission rate of 18%, higher than the national average of 12%.
337 words, about 2 min