NR547 WEEK 4 EXAM - DIFFERENTIAL
DIAGNOSIS IN PMHNP. EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following is a primary diagnostic requirement for ADHD according to the
DSM-5-TR?
A. Symptoms must be present in at least one setting, such as home or school.
B. Several symptoms must have been present prior to age 12 years.
C. Symptoms must persist for at least 12 consecutive months.
D. The individual must demonstrate a deficit in intellectual functioning (IQ < 70).
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: According to DSM-5-TR criteria for ADHD, several inattentive or
hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must be present prior to age 12, and symptoms must be
present in two or more settings.
2. A 9-year-old child displays a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative behavior, and
vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Conduct Disorder
B. Intermittent Explosive Disorder
,C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
D. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: ODD is characterized by a pattern of angry/irritable mood,
argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months, evidenced by
at least four symptoms.
3. When differentiating between Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, which
feature is unique to Conduct Disorder?
A. Defiance of authority figures
B. Emotional dysregulation
C. Aggression toward people and animals or violation of others’ basic rights
D. Low frustration tolerance
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Conduct Disorder involves a more severe pattern of behavior
including aggression toward people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or
theft, or serious violations of rules/rights.
4. Which screening tool is specifically designed for the initial evaluation of ADHD in children
aged 6 to 12?
A. M-CHAT-R
, B. SCARED
C. PHQ-9 modified for Teens
D. Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales are commonly used to
help diagnose ADHD in children between the ages of 6 and 12.
5. An adolescent presents with persistent irritability and frequent episodes of extreme
behavioral dyscontrol. The PMHNP considers DMDD. What is a requirement for this
diagnosis?
A. Onset of symptoms must be after age 10.
B. Symptoms must only occur during a major depressive episode.
C. The diagnosis can be made for the first time before age 6.
D. Temper outbursts occur, on average, three or more times per week.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DMDD requires severe recurrent temper outbursts that are
grossly out of proportion, occurring three or more times per week, with the mood between
outbursts being persistently irritable or angry.
6. What is the mechanism of action for Atomoxetine (Strattera) in the treatment of ADHD?
A. Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist
DIAGNOSIS IN PMHNP. EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following is a primary diagnostic requirement for ADHD according to the
DSM-5-TR?
A. Symptoms must be present in at least one setting, such as home or school.
B. Several symptoms must have been present prior to age 12 years.
C. Symptoms must persist for at least 12 consecutive months.
D. The individual must demonstrate a deficit in intellectual functioning (IQ < 70).
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: According to DSM-5-TR criteria for ADHD, several inattentive or
hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must be present prior to age 12, and symptoms must be
present in two or more settings.
2. A 9-year-old child displays a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative behavior, and
vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Conduct Disorder
B. Intermittent Explosive Disorder
,C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
D. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: ODD is characterized by a pattern of angry/irritable mood,
argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months, evidenced by
at least four symptoms.
3. When differentiating between Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, which
feature is unique to Conduct Disorder?
A. Defiance of authority figures
B. Emotional dysregulation
C. Aggression toward people and animals or violation of others’ basic rights
D. Low frustration tolerance
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Conduct Disorder involves a more severe pattern of behavior
including aggression toward people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or
theft, or serious violations of rules/rights.
4. Which screening tool is specifically designed for the initial evaluation of ADHD in children
aged 6 to 12?
A. M-CHAT-R
, B. SCARED
C. PHQ-9 modified for Teens
D. Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales are commonly used to
help diagnose ADHD in children between the ages of 6 and 12.
5. An adolescent presents with persistent irritability and frequent episodes of extreme
behavioral dyscontrol. The PMHNP considers DMDD. What is a requirement for this
diagnosis?
A. Onset of symptoms must be after age 10.
B. Symptoms must only occur during a major depressive episode.
C. The diagnosis can be made for the first time before age 6.
D. Temper outbursts occur, on average, three or more times per week.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DMDD requires severe recurrent temper outbursts that are
grossly out of proportion, occurring three or more times per week, with the mood between
outbursts being persistently irritable or angry.
6. What is the mechanism of action for Atomoxetine (Strattera) in the treatment of ADHD?
A. Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist
