NR606 Week 7 Exam V3 | NR606 Diagnosis
& Management in Psychiatric-Mental
Health II Practicum | Q&A with Rationale
(NR606 Week 7 Exam) | Chamberlain
University
1. A 9-year-old male is brought to the clinic for an initial evaluation due to concerns regarding
impulsivity and distractibility at school. Which screening tool is most appropriate for
assessing ADHD symptoms in this pediatric patient?
A. PHQ-9
B. GAD-7
C. Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
D. MOCA
Answer: C
Rationale: The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale is specifically designed to evaluate ADHD and
co-morbidities in children between the ages of 6 and 12. It utilizes input from both parents
and teachers to provide a comprehensive view of the child’s behavior across different
environments. This multidimensional approach is critical for meeting diagnostic criteria
according to DSM-5 guidelines.
,2. When prescribing methylphenidate for a child with ADHD, which of the following physical
parameters must the PMHNP monitor at every visit?
A. Hearing thresholds
B. Visual acuity
C. Height and Weight
D. Liver function tests
Answer: C
Rationale: Stimulant medications like methylphenidate are associated with side effects
such as appetite suppression and potential growth delays. Regular monitoring of height
and weight is essential to ensure the child remains on their expected developmental
trajectory. Clinical interventions may be necessary if a significant deviation in growth
percentiles is observed.
3. A 15-year-old female reports persistent depressed mood, lack of energy, and social
withdrawal. Which medication is the only FDA-approved SSRI for the treatment of Major
Depressive Disorder in children and adolescents?
A. Sertraline
B. Fluvoxamine
C. Paroxetine
D. Fluoxetine
,Answer: D
Rationale: Fluoxetine is currently the only SSRI with FDA approval specifically for the
treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in the pediatric population aged 8 and older. While
other SSRIs are used off-label, clinical guidelines emphasize starting with approved agents
when possible. Practitioners must also monitor closely for the black box warning regarding
increased suicidal ideation in youth.
4. An 80-year-old patient presents with symptoms of depression but also demonstrates
significant memory impairment. What is the clinical term for a reversible cognitive
impairment caused by depression in the elderly?
A. Pseudodementia
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Delirium
D. Aphasia
Answer: A
Rationale: Pseudodementia refers to a condition where clinical depression in the elderly
mimics the cognitive deficits of dementia. Unlike progressive neurodegenerative disorders,
these cognitive symptoms often improve significantly once the underlying depression is
effectively treated. Differentiating between the two is vital to prevent unnecessary long-
term care placement.
, 5. Which of the following behaviors is most characteristic of Conduct Disorder rather than
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?
A. Physical aggression toward animals
B. Losing one’s temper easily
C. Arguing with authority figures
D. Deliberately annoying others
Answer: A
Rationale: Conduct Disorder involves a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in
which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are violated.
Physical aggression, cruelty to animals, and destruction of property are key indicators that
distinguish it from the less severe ODD. Early identification is crucial as Conduct Disorder
can be a precursor to Antisocial Personality Disorder in adulthood.
6. A PMHNP is considering starting an adolescent on Lithium for Bipolar I Disorder. What is
the target therapeutic serum level for an acute manic episode in this population?
A. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
B. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.0 - 2.5 mEq/L
Answer: A
& Management in Psychiatric-Mental
Health II Practicum | Q&A with Rationale
(NR606 Week 7 Exam) | Chamberlain
University
1. A 9-year-old male is brought to the clinic for an initial evaluation due to concerns regarding
impulsivity and distractibility at school. Which screening tool is most appropriate for
assessing ADHD symptoms in this pediatric patient?
A. PHQ-9
B. GAD-7
C. Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
D. MOCA
Answer: C
Rationale: The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale is specifically designed to evaluate ADHD and
co-morbidities in children between the ages of 6 and 12. It utilizes input from both parents
and teachers to provide a comprehensive view of the child’s behavior across different
environments. This multidimensional approach is critical for meeting diagnostic criteria
according to DSM-5 guidelines.
,2. When prescribing methylphenidate for a child with ADHD, which of the following physical
parameters must the PMHNP monitor at every visit?
A. Hearing thresholds
B. Visual acuity
C. Height and Weight
D. Liver function tests
Answer: C
Rationale: Stimulant medications like methylphenidate are associated with side effects
such as appetite suppression and potential growth delays. Regular monitoring of height
and weight is essential to ensure the child remains on their expected developmental
trajectory. Clinical interventions may be necessary if a significant deviation in growth
percentiles is observed.
3. A 15-year-old female reports persistent depressed mood, lack of energy, and social
withdrawal. Which medication is the only FDA-approved SSRI for the treatment of Major
Depressive Disorder in children and adolescents?
A. Sertraline
B. Fluvoxamine
C. Paroxetine
D. Fluoxetine
,Answer: D
Rationale: Fluoxetine is currently the only SSRI with FDA approval specifically for the
treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in the pediatric population aged 8 and older. While
other SSRIs are used off-label, clinical guidelines emphasize starting with approved agents
when possible. Practitioners must also monitor closely for the black box warning regarding
increased suicidal ideation in youth.
4. An 80-year-old patient presents with symptoms of depression but also demonstrates
significant memory impairment. What is the clinical term for a reversible cognitive
impairment caused by depression in the elderly?
A. Pseudodementia
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Delirium
D. Aphasia
Answer: A
Rationale: Pseudodementia refers to a condition where clinical depression in the elderly
mimics the cognitive deficits of dementia. Unlike progressive neurodegenerative disorders,
these cognitive symptoms often improve significantly once the underlying depression is
effectively treated. Differentiating between the two is vital to prevent unnecessary long-
term care placement.
, 5. Which of the following behaviors is most characteristic of Conduct Disorder rather than
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?
A. Physical aggression toward animals
B. Losing one’s temper easily
C. Arguing with authority figures
D. Deliberately annoying others
Answer: A
Rationale: Conduct Disorder involves a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in
which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are violated.
Physical aggression, cruelty to animals, and destruction of property are key indicators that
distinguish it from the less severe ODD. Early identification is crucial as Conduct Disorder
can be a precursor to Antisocial Personality Disorder in adulthood.
6. A PMHNP is considering starting an adolescent on Lithium for Bipolar I Disorder. What is
the target therapeutic serum level for an acute manic episode in this population?
A. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
B. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.0 - 2.5 mEq/L
Answer: A
