NR547 PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH
NURSE PRACTITIONER FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 24-year-old male presents with auditory hallucinations and paranoia that have persisted
for two months. He also experiences social withdrawal and poor hygiene. What is the most
likely diagnosis according to DSM-5-TR?
A. Schizoaffective disorder
B. Schizophreniform disorder
C. Schizophrenia
D. Brief psychotic disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed when symptoms of
schizophrenia are present for at least one month but less than six months. Brief psychotic
disorder is less than a month, and Schizophrenia requires at least six months of symptoms.
,2. In differentiating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) from Normal Grief, which of the
following characteristics is more indicative of MDD?
A. Presence of ‘waves’ of grief triggered by reminders
B. Self-esteem remains relatively intact
C. Thoughts of death focused on joining the deceased
D. Persistent dysphoria and inability to anticipate happiness
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In MDD, the depressed mood is persistent and not tied to
specific reminders, and there is a pervasive inability to feel pleasure. In grief, self-esteem is
usually preserved, and the pain comes in waves.
3. A patient exhibits a pattern of unstable relationships, intense anger, and recurrent suicidal
behavior. During the interview, the patient oscillates between devaluing and idealizing the
provider. This behavior is known as:
A. Splitting
B. Projection
C. Reaction formation
D. Transference
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a hallmark defense mechanism in Borderline
Personality Disorder where individuals view others as entirely good or entirely bad, failing
to integrate positive and negative qualities.
4. To meet the criteria for Bipolar II disorder, a patient must have experienced at least one
episode of hypomania and at least one episode of:
A. Psychosis
B. Major Depression
C. Mania
D. Cyclothymia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode AND at least
one major depressive episode. If there is ever a full manic episode, the diagnosis changes to
Bipolar I.
5. A 9-year-old child presents with persistent irritability and frequent outbursts of temper
that are out of proportion to the situation, occurring 3-4 times a week across multiple
settings. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
B. Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
NURSE PRACTITIONER FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 24-year-old male presents with auditory hallucinations and paranoia that have persisted
for two months. He also experiences social withdrawal and poor hygiene. What is the most
likely diagnosis according to DSM-5-TR?
A. Schizoaffective disorder
B. Schizophreniform disorder
C. Schizophrenia
D. Brief psychotic disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed when symptoms of
schizophrenia are present for at least one month but less than six months. Brief psychotic
disorder is less than a month, and Schizophrenia requires at least six months of symptoms.
,2. In differentiating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) from Normal Grief, which of the
following characteristics is more indicative of MDD?
A. Presence of ‘waves’ of grief triggered by reminders
B. Self-esteem remains relatively intact
C. Thoughts of death focused on joining the deceased
D. Persistent dysphoria and inability to anticipate happiness
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In MDD, the depressed mood is persistent and not tied to
specific reminders, and there is a pervasive inability to feel pleasure. In grief, self-esteem is
usually preserved, and the pain comes in waves.
3. A patient exhibits a pattern of unstable relationships, intense anger, and recurrent suicidal
behavior. During the interview, the patient oscillates between devaluing and idealizing the
provider. This behavior is known as:
A. Splitting
B. Projection
C. Reaction formation
D. Transference
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a hallmark defense mechanism in Borderline
Personality Disorder where individuals view others as entirely good or entirely bad, failing
to integrate positive and negative qualities.
4. To meet the criteria for Bipolar II disorder, a patient must have experienced at least one
episode of hypomania and at least one episode of:
A. Psychosis
B. Major Depression
C. Mania
D. Cyclothymia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode AND at least
one major depressive episode. If there is ever a full manic episode, the diagnosis changes to
Bipolar I.
5. A 9-year-old child presents with persistent irritability and frequent outbursts of temper
that are out of proportion to the situation, occurring 3-4 times a week across multiple
settings. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
B. Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
