NR547 CEA Exam- Chamberlain University
2026 NR547 CEA Exam- Chamberlain
University Practice Exam Questions and
Answers with Rationales
1. A 24-year-old graduate student reports persistent sadness, insomnia, low
energy, poor concentration, and feelings of worthlessness for the past 7 weeks.
She denies mania or substance use. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Persistent Depressive Disorder
B. ✅✅ Major Depressive Disorder
C. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
D. Cyclothymic Disorder
Answer: ✅✅ B
Rationale: Five or more depressive symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks with significant
impairment meet DSM-5-TR criteria for Major Depressive Disorder.
2. Which symptom is considered a hallmark of mania?
A. Excessive worry
B. Fatigue
C. ✅✅ Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
D. Social withdrawal
Answer: ✅✅ C
Rationale: A decreased need for sleep accompanied by increased energy is one of the defining
features of a manic episode.
3. Which diagnosis requires at least one lifetime manic episode?
A. Cyclothymic Disorder
B. Bipolar II Disorder
C. ✅✅ Bipolar I Disorder
D. Persistent Depressive Disorder
, NR547 CEA Exam- Chamberlain University
Answer: ✅✅ C
Rationale: Bipolar I disorder is diagnosed when a manic episode has occurred, regardless of
depressive episodes.
4. Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with Parkinson disease?
A. Serotonin
B. Acetylcholine
C. ✅✅ Dopamine
D. GABA
Answer: ✅✅ C
Rationale: Parkinson disease results primarily from degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in
the substantia nigra.
5. Which medication is considered a first-line SSRI?
A. Haloperidol
B. Lithium
C. ✅✅ Sertraline
D. Valproate
Answer: ✅✅ C
Rationale: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly used as first-line
therapy for depression and several anxiety disorders.
6. Which anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry occurring more
days than not for at least 6 months?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Social Anxiety Disorder
C. ✅✅ Generalized Anxiety Disorder
D. Specific Phobia
Answer: ✅✅ C
, NR547 CEA Exam- Chamberlain University
Rationale: Excessive, difficult-to-control worry lasting at least 6 months is the hallmark of
generalized anxiety disorder.
7. Which laboratory study should routinely be obtained before initiating lithium
therapy?
A. Serum amylase
B. ✅✅ Renal function and thyroid function tests
C. Vitamin D level
D. D-dimer
Answer: ✅✅ B
Rationale: Lithium may affect kidney and thyroid function; baseline and ongoing monitoring are
recommended.
8. Which psychiatric disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic
attacks?
A. OCD
B. ✅✅ Panic Disorder
C. PTSD
D. Illness Anxiety Disorder
Answer: ✅✅ B
Rationale: Panic disorder requires recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern or
behavioral changes related to them.
9. Which symptom is most characteristic of schizophrenia?
A. Excessive guilt
B. ✅✅ Delusions
C. Hyperactivity
D. Flashbacks
Answer: ✅✅ B
Rationale: Delusions are a positive symptom commonly seen in schizophrenia.
2026 NR547 CEA Exam- Chamberlain
University Practice Exam Questions and
Answers with Rationales
1. A 24-year-old graduate student reports persistent sadness, insomnia, low
energy, poor concentration, and feelings of worthlessness for the past 7 weeks.
She denies mania or substance use. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Persistent Depressive Disorder
B. ✅✅ Major Depressive Disorder
C. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
D. Cyclothymic Disorder
Answer: ✅✅ B
Rationale: Five or more depressive symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks with significant
impairment meet DSM-5-TR criteria for Major Depressive Disorder.
2. Which symptom is considered a hallmark of mania?
A. Excessive worry
B. Fatigue
C. ✅✅ Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
D. Social withdrawal
Answer: ✅✅ C
Rationale: A decreased need for sleep accompanied by increased energy is one of the defining
features of a manic episode.
3. Which diagnosis requires at least one lifetime manic episode?
A. Cyclothymic Disorder
B. Bipolar II Disorder
C. ✅✅ Bipolar I Disorder
D. Persistent Depressive Disorder
, NR547 CEA Exam- Chamberlain University
Answer: ✅✅ C
Rationale: Bipolar I disorder is diagnosed when a manic episode has occurred, regardless of
depressive episodes.
4. Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with Parkinson disease?
A. Serotonin
B. Acetylcholine
C. ✅✅ Dopamine
D. GABA
Answer: ✅✅ C
Rationale: Parkinson disease results primarily from degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in
the substantia nigra.
5. Which medication is considered a first-line SSRI?
A. Haloperidol
B. Lithium
C. ✅✅ Sertraline
D. Valproate
Answer: ✅✅ C
Rationale: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly used as first-line
therapy for depression and several anxiety disorders.
6. Which anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry occurring more
days than not for at least 6 months?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Social Anxiety Disorder
C. ✅✅ Generalized Anxiety Disorder
D. Specific Phobia
Answer: ✅✅ C
, NR547 CEA Exam- Chamberlain University
Rationale: Excessive, difficult-to-control worry lasting at least 6 months is the hallmark of
generalized anxiety disorder.
7. Which laboratory study should routinely be obtained before initiating lithium
therapy?
A. Serum amylase
B. ✅✅ Renal function and thyroid function tests
C. Vitamin D level
D. D-dimer
Answer: ✅✅ B
Rationale: Lithium may affect kidney and thyroid function; baseline and ongoing monitoring are
recommended.
8. Which psychiatric disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic
attacks?
A. OCD
B. ✅✅ Panic Disorder
C. PTSD
D. Illness Anxiety Disorder
Answer: ✅✅ B
Rationale: Panic disorder requires recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern or
behavioral changes related to them.
9. Which symptom is most characteristic of schizophrenia?
A. Excessive guilt
B. ✅✅ Delusions
C. Hyperactivity
D. Flashbacks
Answer: ✅✅ B
Rationale: Delusions are a positive symptom commonly seen in schizophrenia.
