VERIFIED QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS | WALDEN UNIVERSITY |
MOST UPDATED VERSION
Question 1
Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD) in
adolescents?
A. Excessive risk-taking behavior
B. Persistent sad or irritable mood
C. Increased social engagement
D. Improved academic performance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per the DSM-5, a hallmark symptom of MDD in adolescents is a persistent sad or
irritable mood lasting at least two weeks, accompanied by other symptoms like anhedonia or
changes in sleep and appetite. Excessive risk-taking (A) is more associated with bipolar disorder
or impulse control issues, while increased social engagement (C) and improved academic
performance (D) are not typical of MDD.
Question 2
The Confusion Assessment Method Instrument (CAM) is used to assess which of the following
disorders?
A. Dementia
B. Delirium
C. Schizophrenia
D. Bipolar disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CAM is a standardized tool designed to identify delirium, characterized by acute
onset, fluctuating cognition, and impaired attention. It is not used for dementia (A), which has a
gradual onset, nor for schizophrenia (C) or bipolar disorder (D), which are assessed with
different tools.
,Question 3
A patient with schizophrenia and end-stage renal disease presents with hallucinations. This is an
example of which psychosomatic medicine issue?
A. Co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions
B. Psychiatric symptoms secondary to a medical condition
C. Medical complications of psychiatric treatment
D. Psychiatric symptoms as a reaction to medical treatment
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Schizophrenia and end-stage renal disease represent co-occurring medical and
psychiatric conditions, as the psychiatric symptoms are not directly caused by the medical
condition but coexist. Option B would apply if the hallucinations were directly due to renal
failure (e.g., uremic encephalopathy). Options C and D are unrelated to this scenario.
Question 4
Which medication is contraindicated in treating psychosis in Parkinson’s disease dementia?
A. Quetiapine
B. Pimavanserin
C. Clozapine
D. Haloperidol
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Haloperidol, a typical antipsychotic, is contraindicated in Parkinson’s disease
dementia due to its high risk of worsening parkinsonism via dopamine blockade. Quetiapine (A),
pimavanserin (B), and clozapine (C) are preferred for their lower impact on motor symptoms.
Question 5
Which of the following is a key feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children?
A. Recurrent fire-setting behavior
B. Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors
C. Social withdrawal and flat affect
D. Grandiose delusions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or
mental acts (compulsions) to reduce anxiety, per DSM-5. Fire-setting (A) is associated with
pyromania, social withdrawal and flat affect (C) with schizophrenia or depression, and grandiose
delusions (D) with bipolar disorder.
, Question 6
A 10-year-old child shows delayed gross motor skills and an IQ of 68. Which diagnosis should
be considered?
A. Developmental coordination disorder
B. Autism spectrum disorder
C. Intellectual disability
D. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An IQ of 68 indicates mild intellectual disability, which often includes delays in
motor milestones. Developmental coordination disorder (A) requires motor deficits without
intellectual impairment. Autism (B) involves social and communication deficits, and ADHD (D)
focuses on inattention and hyperactivity.
Question 7
Which of the following is a risk factor for neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?
A. Low-potency antipsychotics
B. Rapid dose escalation
C. Oral administration only
D. Gradual dose reduction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid dose escalation of antipsychotics, particularly high-potency ones, is a known
risk factor for NMS, a life-threatening condition. Low-potency antipsychotics (A) and oral
administration (C) are less associated, and gradual dose reduction (D) reduces risk.
Question 8
A patient reports a fascination with fire and recurrent deliberate fire-setting. This is consistent
with which disorder?
A. Conduct disorder
B. Pyromania
C. Antisocial personality disorder
D. Intermittent explosive disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pyromania involves a fascination with fire and deliberate fire-setting for pleasure, not
for secondary gain, per DSM-5. Conduct disorder (A) and antisocial personality disorder (C)