NRNP 6665 PMHNP LIFESPAN I
MIDTERM EXAM PREPARATION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which developmental theorist emphasized the concept of ‘Zone of Proximal Development’
(ZPD), which is critical when assessing a child’s learning potential in a psychiatric setting?
A. Jean Piaget
B. Erik Erikson
C. Lev Vygotsky
D. Lawrence Kohlberg
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lev Vygotsky developed the concept of the Zone of Proximal
Development, which describes the difference between what a learner can do without help
and what they can do with guidance.
,2. A 15-year-old male is brought to the clinic by his parents due to extreme irritability and
frequent temper outbursts that occur 3-4 times a week. The symptoms have been present for
14 months. Which diagnosis is most appropriate per DSM-5-TR?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: DMDD is characterized by chronic, severe persistent irritability
and frequent temper outbursts in children and adolescents, with symptoms starting before
age 10.
3. When initiating a stimulant medication for an 8-year-old with ADHD, which cardiovascular
monitoring is required according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and AACAP
guidelines in a patient with no known cardiac history?
A. Baseline EKG for all patients
B. Annual echocardiogram
C. Holter monitoring for 24 hours
D. Baseline heart rate and blood pressure monitoring
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: For children without a family history of cardiac issues or
personal cardiac symptoms, baseline BP and HR are the standard requirements; EKGs are
not routinely required unless a risk factor is identified.
4. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, a child who is 4 years old is
navigating which conflict?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Trust vs. Mistrust
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Initiative vs. Guilt occurs during the preschool years (3–5 years).
During this stage, children begin to assert their power and control over the world through
directing play and other social interaction.
5. Which of the following SSRIs is the only one FDA-approved for the treatment of Major
Depressive Disorder in children age 8 and older?
A. Sertraline (Zoloft)
B. Paroxetine (Paxil)
C. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
D. Citalopram (Celexa)
MIDTERM EXAM PREPARATION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which developmental theorist emphasized the concept of ‘Zone of Proximal Development’
(ZPD), which is critical when assessing a child’s learning potential in a psychiatric setting?
A. Jean Piaget
B. Erik Erikson
C. Lev Vygotsky
D. Lawrence Kohlberg
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lev Vygotsky developed the concept of the Zone of Proximal
Development, which describes the difference between what a learner can do without help
and what they can do with guidance.
,2. A 15-year-old male is brought to the clinic by his parents due to extreme irritability and
frequent temper outbursts that occur 3-4 times a week. The symptoms have been present for
14 months. Which diagnosis is most appropriate per DSM-5-TR?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: DMDD is characterized by chronic, severe persistent irritability
and frequent temper outbursts in children and adolescents, with symptoms starting before
age 10.
3. When initiating a stimulant medication for an 8-year-old with ADHD, which cardiovascular
monitoring is required according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and AACAP
guidelines in a patient with no known cardiac history?
A. Baseline EKG for all patients
B. Annual echocardiogram
C. Holter monitoring for 24 hours
D. Baseline heart rate and blood pressure monitoring
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: For children without a family history of cardiac issues or
personal cardiac symptoms, baseline BP and HR are the standard requirements; EKGs are
not routinely required unless a risk factor is identified.
4. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, a child who is 4 years old is
navigating which conflict?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Trust vs. Mistrust
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Initiative vs. Guilt occurs during the preschool years (3–5 years).
During this stage, children begin to assert their power and control over the world through
directing play and other social interaction.
5. Which of the following SSRIs is the only one FDA-approved for the treatment of Major
Depressive Disorder in children age 8 and older?
A. Sertraline (Zoloft)
B. Paroxetine (Paxil)
C. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
D. Citalopram (Celexa)
