NR605 DIAGNOSIS & MANAGEMENT IN
PMH PRACTICUM REVIEW (WEEKS 5-8)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 28-year-old female presents with a 2-week history of depressed mood, insomnia, and
feelings of worthlessness. She reports a history of a ‘high’ period 2 years ago where she did
not sleep for four days, spent $5,000 on clothes, and was hyper-verbal. Which diagnosis is
most appropriate?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Bipolar II Disorder
D. Cyclothymic Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The presence of a manic episode (lasting at least one week or
requiring hospitalization, characterized by decreased need for sleep and impulsivity)
confirms Bipolar I, regardless of current depressive symptoms.
,2. Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor for a patient newly started on Lithium
Carbonate?
A. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
B. Amylase and Lipase
C. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential
D. Serum Creatinine and GFR
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is exclusively excreted by the kidneys; therefore, renal
function (Creatinine/GFR) and thyroid function are the most critical baseline and ongoing
monitoring parameters.
3. A patient taking Phenelzine (an MAOI) presents to the emergency room with a blood
pressure of 210/120 mmHg and a severe ‘thunderclap’ headache. Which dietary indiscretion
is the most likely cause?
A. Large intake of green leafy vegetables
B. High-protein diet with red meat
C. Excessive intake of grapefruit juice
D. Consumption of aged cheeses and red wine
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Aged cheeses and red wine contain tyramine, which can cause a
hypertensive crisis in patients taking MAOIs due to the inhibition of tyramine breakdown.
4. According to the DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required to
diagnose Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. 1 month
B. 3 months
C. 12 months
D. 6 months
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: GAD requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days
than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities.
5. Which medication is FDA-approved for the treatment of nightmares specifically associated
with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
A. Clonazepam
B. Quetiapine
C. Prazosin
D. Venlafaxine
Answer: C
PMH PRACTICUM REVIEW (WEEKS 5-8)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 28-year-old female presents with a 2-week history of depressed mood, insomnia, and
feelings of worthlessness. She reports a history of a ‘high’ period 2 years ago where she did
not sleep for four days, spent $5,000 on clothes, and was hyper-verbal. Which diagnosis is
most appropriate?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Bipolar II Disorder
D. Cyclothymic Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The presence of a manic episode (lasting at least one week or
requiring hospitalization, characterized by decreased need for sleep and impulsivity)
confirms Bipolar I, regardless of current depressive symptoms.
,2. Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor for a patient newly started on Lithium
Carbonate?
A. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
B. Amylase and Lipase
C. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential
D. Serum Creatinine and GFR
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is exclusively excreted by the kidneys; therefore, renal
function (Creatinine/GFR) and thyroid function are the most critical baseline and ongoing
monitoring parameters.
3. A patient taking Phenelzine (an MAOI) presents to the emergency room with a blood
pressure of 210/120 mmHg and a severe ‘thunderclap’ headache. Which dietary indiscretion
is the most likely cause?
A. Large intake of green leafy vegetables
B. High-protein diet with red meat
C. Excessive intake of grapefruit juice
D. Consumption of aged cheeses and red wine
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Aged cheeses and red wine contain tyramine, which can cause a
hypertensive crisis in patients taking MAOIs due to the inhibition of tyramine breakdown.
4. According to the DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required to
diagnose Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. 1 month
B. 3 months
C. 12 months
D. 6 months
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: GAD requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days
than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities.
5. Which medication is FDA-approved for the treatment of nightmares specifically associated
with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
A. Clonazepam
B. Quetiapine
C. Prazosin
D. Venlafaxine
Answer: C
