NR548 PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT -
ADVANCED CLINICAL REVIEW
(WEEKS 5-6) QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. When conducting a diagnostic assessment for Major Depressive Disorder, which symptom
must be present for at least two weeks to meet the primary DSM-5 criterion?
A. Significant weight loss or gain
B. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
C. Depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure
D. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: According to DSM-5, at least one of the core symptoms must be
either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia) for a minimum of two
weeks.
,2. A PMHNP is evaluating a patient for Bipolar II Disorder. Which of the following clinical
features distinguishes Bipolar II from Bipolar I?
A. The presence of at least one manic episode
B. A duration of symptoms lasting at least two years
C. The absence of any depressive episodes
D. The presence of at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode and one
major depressive episode, but there has never been a full manic episode (which would
signify Bipolar I).
3. A patient presents with a PHQ-9 score of 17. How should the PMHNP interpret this level of
depression severity?
A. Moderately severe depression
B. Moderate depression
C. Mild depression
D. Severe depression
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: PHQ-9 scores of 5-9 are mild, 10-14 are moderate, 15-19 are
moderately severe, and 20-27 are severe.
, 4. During a suicide risk assessment, which of the following is considered the strongest
predictor of a future suicide attempt?
A. Family history of depression
B. Current use of antidepressant medication
C. A history of previous suicide attempts
D. Recent job loss or financial stress
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A history of previous suicide attempts is the single strongest
predictor of future attempts and completed suicide.
5. In differentiating between Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder, which
feature is hallmark of GAD?
A. Sudden, unexpected surges of intense fear
B. Persistent concern about future panic attacks
C. Avoidance of social situations due to fear of scrutiny
D. Excessive worry about a variety of events or activities for at least 6 months
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: GAD is characterized by chronic, excessive worry about multiple
life domains for at least 6 months, whereas Panic Disorder centers on discrete panic attacks
and the fear of their recurrence.
ADVANCED CLINICAL REVIEW
(WEEKS 5-6) QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. When conducting a diagnostic assessment for Major Depressive Disorder, which symptom
must be present for at least two weeks to meet the primary DSM-5 criterion?
A. Significant weight loss or gain
B. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
C. Depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure
D. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: According to DSM-5, at least one of the core symptoms must be
either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia) for a minimum of two
weeks.
,2. A PMHNP is evaluating a patient for Bipolar II Disorder. Which of the following clinical
features distinguishes Bipolar II from Bipolar I?
A. The presence of at least one manic episode
B. A duration of symptoms lasting at least two years
C. The absence of any depressive episodes
D. The presence of at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode and one
major depressive episode, but there has never been a full manic episode (which would
signify Bipolar I).
3. A patient presents with a PHQ-9 score of 17. How should the PMHNP interpret this level of
depression severity?
A. Moderately severe depression
B. Moderate depression
C. Mild depression
D. Severe depression
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: PHQ-9 scores of 5-9 are mild, 10-14 are moderate, 15-19 are
moderately severe, and 20-27 are severe.
, 4. During a suicide risk assessment, which of the following is considered the strongest
predictor of a future suicide attempt?
A. Family history of depression
B. Current use of antidepressant medication
C. A history of previous suicide attempts
D. Recent job loss or financial stress
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A history of previous suicide attempts is the single strongest
predictor of future attempts and completed suicide.
5. In differentiating between Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder, which
feature is hallmark of GAD?
A. Sudden, unexpected surges of intense fear
B. Persistent concern about future panic attacks
C. Avoidance of social situations due to fear of scrutiny
D. Excessive worry about a variety of events or activities for at least 6 months
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: GAD is characterized by chronic, excessive worry about multiple
life domains for at least 6 months, whereas Panic Disorder centers on discrete panic attacks
and the fear of their recurrence.
