Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a basic lab test to order in psychiatry?

1. CBC

2. Vitamin K

3. Thyroid

4. Hepatic panel

The correct answer is: Vitamin K

In psychiatry, the focus is often on understanding how physical health correlates with mental health, and certain lab tests are commonly utilized to assess patients' overall health and potential underlying medical conditions that may contribute to psychiatric symptoms. A complete blood count (CBC), thyroid function tests, and a hepatic panel are all essential in this context. They can identify issues such as anemia, thyroid dysfunction, or liver abnormalities—conditions that can manifest as psychiatric symptoms or affect treatment decisions. Vitamin K, while important in coagulation processes and overall health, is not routinely ordered in psychiatric evaluations. It does not have a direct connection to psychiatric disorders or treatment, making it the least relevant among the tests listed in standard psychiatric assessments. Thus, it is accurate to classify Vitamin K as a test that is not considered basic to order in psychiatry.