NRNP 6665 PMHNP FINAL EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. A 9-year-old child presents with frequent outbursts of temper that are grossly out of
proportion to the situation. These occur at least three times a week across multiple settings.
Between outbursts, the child is persistently irritable. According to DSM-5, what is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
D. Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DMDD was added to DSM-5 to address concerns about
overdiagnosis of Bipolar Disorder in children. It is characterized by chronic, severe
persistent irritability and frequent temper outbursts. Symptoms must begin before age 10
and the diagnosis should not be made for the first time before age 6 or after age 18.
,2. Which FDA-approved medication for ADHD is a non-stimulant selective norepinephrine
reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)?
A. Lisdexamfetamine
B. Methylphenidate
C. Guanfacine
D. Atomoxetine
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that works as a
selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Guanfacine is an alpha-2A adrenergic agonist,
while Lisdexamfetamine and Methylphenidate are stimulants.
3. In the treatment of adolescent depression, which SSRI is the only one FDA-approved for
children age 8 and older?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Escitalopram
C. Sertraline
D. Paroxetine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Fluoxetine (Prozac) is the first-line SSRI for pediatric depression
and is FDA-approved for ages 8 and up. Escitalopram is approved for ages 12 and up.
, 4. A 14-year-old is brought in for an evaluation due to legal issues involving theft and physical
aggression toward peers and animals. The patient shows a lack of remorse. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
B. Adjustment Disorder with Disturbance of Conduct
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Conduct Disorder
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Conduct Disorder involves a repetitive and persistent pattern of
behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are
violated, including aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, and theft.
Antisocial Personality Disorder cannot be diagnosed until age 18.
5. Which of the following is a primary characteristic required for a diagnosis of Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to the DSM-5?
A. Significant delay in language development
B. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple
contexts
C. Intellectual disability with an IQ below 70
D. Hyperactivity and impulsivity
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. A 9-year-old child presents with frequent outbursts of temper that are grossly out of
proportion to the situation. These occur at least three times a week across multiple settings.
Between outbursts, the child is persistently irritable. According to DSM-5, what is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
D. Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DMDD was added to DSM-5 to address concerns about
overdiagnosis of Bipolar Disorder in children. It is characterized by chronic, severe
persistent irritability and frequent temper outbursts. Symptoms must begin before age 10
and the diagnosis should not be made for the first time before age 6 or after age 18.
,2. Which FDA-approved medication for ADHD is a non-stimulant selective norepinephrine
reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)?
A. Lisdexamfetamine
B. Methylphenidate
C. Guanfacine
D. Atomoxetine
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that works as a
selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Guanfacine is an alpha-2A adrenergic agonist,
while Lisdexamfetamine and Methylphenidate are stimulants.
3. In the treatment of adolescent depression, which SSRI is the only one FDA-approved for
children age 8 and older?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Escitalopram
C. Sertraline
D. Paroxetine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Fluoxetine (Prozac) is the first-line SSRI for pediatric depression
and is FDA-approved for ages 8 and up. Escitalopram is approved for ages 12 and up.
, 4. A 14-year-old is brought in for an evaluation due to legal issues involving theft and physical
aggression toward peers and animals. The patient shows a lack of remorse. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
B. Adjustment Disorder with Disturbance of Conduct
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Conduct Disorder
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Conduct Disorder involves a repetitive and persistent pattern of
behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are
violated, including aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, and theft.
Antisocial Personality Disorder cannot be diagnosed until age 18.
5. Which of the following is a primary characteristic required for a diagnosis of Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to the DSM-5?
A. Significant delay in language development
B. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple
contexts
C. Intellectual disability with an IQ below 70
D. Hyperactivity and impulsivity
