NR 547 MIDTERM EXAM Test Bank:
Questions with Correct Answers and
Detailed Explanations.
This comprehensive practice exam is based on the NR 547 Differential Diagnosis in
Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Lifespan Practicum curriculum at Chamberlain
University for the 2026-2027 academic year.
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS &
PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT
Question 1
What is the initial step in formulating a differential diagnosis in psychiatric-mental
health?
A) Ordering all available laboratory tests
B) Taking a comprehensive psychiatric history and conducting a mental status
examination
C) Referring the patient to a specialist
D) Starting medication immediately
Correct Answer: B
,Question 2
What is the "initial hypothesis" in the diagnostic process?
A) The final diagnosis
B) A working list of potential problems associated with the chief complaint
C) The treatment plan
D) The patient's preferred diagnosis
Correct Answer: B
Question 3
The DSM-5-TR provides guidance for:
A) Treatment planning only
B) Identifying psychiatric diagnoses
C) Medication dosing
D) Hospital admission criteria
Correct Answer: B
Question 4
What is the SNAPPS method used for in clinical education?
A) Prescribing medications
B) Summarizing findings and narrowing the differential diagnosis
,C) Conducting laboratory tests
D) Patient intake procedures
Correct Answer: B
Question 5
What is the purpose of screening tools and psychiatric rating scales?
A) To replace clinical interviews
B) To identify symptoms, assess severity, and evaluate treatment response
C) To diagnose psychiatric disorders definitively
D) To determine medication dosages
Correct Answer: B
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of diagnostic testing when diagnosing mental health
disorders?
A) To confirm the psychiatric diagnosis
B) To rule out physical conditions that may cause psychiatric symptoms
C) To determine insurance coverage
D) To establish treatment duration
Correct Answer: B
, Question 7
Which of the following is included in the Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
A) Only red blood cells
B) Red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets
C) Only white blood cells
D) Thyroid hormones
Correct Answer: B
Question 8
A patient presents with fatigue and depressive symptoms. The PMHNP suspects anemia.
Which lab should be ordered?
A) Thyroid function tests
B) Complete Blood Count with iron studies
C) Vitamin D level
D) Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Correct Answer: B
Questions with Correct Answers and
Detailed Explanations.
This comprehensive practice exam is based on the NR 547 Differential Diagnosis in
Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Lifespan Practicum curriculum at Chamberlain
University for the 2026-2027 academic year.
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS &
PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT
Question 1
What is the initial step in formulating a differential diagnosis in psychiatric-mental
health?
A) Ordering all available laboratory tests
B) Taking a comprehensive psychiatric history and conducting a mental status
examination
C) Referring the patient to a specialist
D) Starting medication immediately
Correct Answer: B
,Question 2
What is the "initial hypothesis" in the diagnostic process?
A) The final diagnosis
B) A working list of potential problems associated with the chief complaint
C) The treatment plan
D) The patient's preferred diagnosis
Correct Answer: B
Question 3
The DSM-5-TR provides guidance for:
A) Treatment planning only
B) Identifying psychiatric diagnoses
C) Medication dosing
D) Hospital admission criteria
Correct Answer: B
Question 4
What is the SNAPPS method used for in clinical education?
A) Prescribing medications
B) Summarizing findings and narrowing the differential diagnosis
,C) Conducting laboratory tests
D) Patient intake procedures
Correct Answer: B
Question 5
What is the purpose of screening tools and psychiatric rating scales?
A) To replace clinical interviews
B) To identify symptoms, assess severity, and evaluate treatment response
C) To diagnose psychiatric disorders definitively
D) To determine medication dosages
Correct Answer: B
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of diagnostic testing when diagnosing mental health
disorders?
A) To confirm the psychiatric diagnosis
B) To rule out physical conditions that may cause psychiatric symptoms
C) To determine insurance coverage
D) To establish treatment duration
Correct Answer: B
, Question 7
Which of the following is included in the Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
A) Only red blood cells
B) Red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets
C) Only white blood cells
D) Thyroid hormones
Correct Answer: B
Question 8
A patient presents with fatigue and depressive symptoms. The PMHNP suspects anemia.
Which lab should be ordered?
A) Thyroid function tests
B) Complete Blood Count with iron studies
C) Vitamin D level
D) Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Correct Answer: B
