,NR 547 Final Study Guide – PMHNP | Comprehensive Study Guide |
Questions and Answers + Expert Rationale | 2026/27 Updated | 100%
correct
1. When do you consider Unipolar versus Bipolar depression?
A. Unipolar depression is characterized by a history of mania
B. Unipolar major depression (major depressive disorder) is characterized by a
history of one or more major depressive episodes and no history of mania or
hypomania (✔ Correct Answer)
C. Bipolar depression has no manic episodes
D. Unipolar and bipolar depression are the same
Expert Rationale: The key distinguishing factor between unipolar and bipolar
depression is the presence or absence of manic or hypomanic episodes. Unipolar
depression (MDD) has NO history of mania/hypomania. Bipolar depression includes
episodes of mania (Bipolar I) or hypomania (Bipolar II). This distinction is critical
because antidepressants can trigger mania in bipolar patients.
2. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): What is the scoring threshold that suggests
depression?
A. Score of 2 or more
B. Score of 3 or more
C. Score of 4 or more
D. Score of 5 or more (✔ Correct Answer)
Expert Rationale: On the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-SF), a score of 5
or more suggests depression. The scale is a self-report tool used specifically for older
adults. Scores of 0-4 are considered normal; 5-8 indicate mild depression; 9-11
moderate; and 12-15 severe depression.
3. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): What is the targeted population?
A. Children ages 6-12
B. Adolescents ages 13-18
C. Healthy, medically ill, and mild to moderately cognitively impaired older
, adults (✔ Correct Answer)
D. Only patients with severe dementia
Expert Rationale: The GDS is designed for use with older adults, including those
who are healthy, medically ill, or have mild to moderate cognitive impairment. It has
been validated in community, acute care, and long-term care settings. It is not
appropriate for those with severe dementia or for pediatric populations.
4. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): Which score range indicates moderate
depression and warrants pharmacologic, psychotherapeutic, or combination
treatment?
A. 0-4
B. 5-8
C. 9-11 (✔ Correct Answer)
D. 12-15
Expert Rationale: GDS-SF scores: 0-4 = normal (no treatment); 5-8 = mild
depression (pharmacologic or psychotherapeutic treatment may be indicated); 9-11
= moderate depression (pharmacologic, psychotherapeutic, or combination
treatment indicated); 12-15 = severe depression (pharmacologic, psychotherapeutic,
or combination treatment indicated).
5. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): What is the indication for intervention?
A. Any positive score on the GDS
B. Any positive score above 5 on the GDS Short Form should prompt an in-
depth psychological assessment and evaluation for suicidality (✔ Correct
Answer)
C. Only scores above 10 require intervention
D. Scores are only used for research purposes
Expert Rationale: A score above 5 on the GDS-SF warrants prompt intervention,
including a comprehensive psychological assessment and evaluation for suicidality.
The presence of depression in older adults should not be ignored, as it is associated
with significant morbidity and mortality.
Questions and Answers + Expert Rationale | 2026/27 Updated | 100%
correct
1. When do you consider Unipolar versus Bipolar depression?
A. Unipolar depression is characterized by a history of mania
B. Unipolar major depression (major depressive disorder) is characterized by a
history of one or more major depressive episodes and no history of mania or
hypomania (✔ Correct Answer)
C. Bipolar depression has no manic episodes
D. Unipolar and bipolar depression are the same
Expert Rationale: The key distinguishing factor between unipolar and bipolar
depression is the presence or absence of manic or hypomanic episodes. Unipolar
depression (MDD) has NO history of mania/hypomania. Bipolar depression includes
episodes of mania (Bipolar I) or hypomania (Bipolar II). This distinction is critical
because antidepressants can trigger mania in bipolar patients.
2. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): What is the scoring threshold that suggests
depression?
A. Score of 2 or more
B. Score of 3 or more
C. Score of 4 or more
D. Score of 5 or more (✔ Correct Answer)
Expert Rationale: On the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-SF), a score of 5
or more suggests depression. The scale is a self-report tool used specifically for older
adults. Scores of 0-4 are considered normal; 5-8 indicate mild depression; 9-11
moderate; and 12-15 severe depression.
3. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): What is the targeted population?
A. Children ages 6-12
B. Adolescents ages 13-18
C. Healthy, medically ill, and mild to moderately cognitively impaired older
, adults (✔ Correct Answer)
D. Only patients with severe dementia
Expert Rationale: The GDS is designed for use with older adults, including those
who are healthy, medically ill, or have mild to moderate cognitive impairment. It has
been validated in community, acute care, and long-term care settings. It is not
appropriate for those with severe dementia or for pediatric populations.
4. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): Which score range indicates moderate
depression and warrants pharmacologic, psychotherapeutic, or combination
treatment?
A. 0-4
B. 5-8
C. 9-11 (✔ Correct Answer)
D. 12-15
Expert Rationale: GDS-SF scores: 0-4 = normal (no treatment); 5-8 = mild
depression (pharmacologic or psychotherapeutic treatment may be indicated); 9-11
= moderate depression (pharmacologic, psychotherapeutic, or combination
treatment indicated); 12-15 = severe depression (pharmacologic, psychotherapeutic,
or combination treatment indicated).
5. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): What is the indication for intervention?
A. Any positive score on the GDS
B. Any positive score above 5 on the GDS Short Form should prompt an in-
depth psychological assessment and evaluation for suicidality (✔ Correct
Answer)
C. Only scores above 10 require intervention
D. Scores are only used for research purposes
Expert Rationale: A score above 5 on the GDS-SF warrants prompt intervention,
including a comprehensive psychological assessment and evaluation for suicidality.
The presence of depression in older adults should not be ignored, as it is associated
with significant morbidity and mortality.
