A+ GRADED 1
NRNP 6635 Psychopathology
and Diagnostic Reasoning –
Midterm Exam Study Guide –
Walden University (2025/2026)
complete exam preparation
material
Instructions
This study guide is designed to prepare you for the NRNP6635 Midterm
Exam, focusing on Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning. The guide
includes 50 updated multiple-choice questions covering key concepts from th
course, aligned with DSM-5-TR criteria and clinical practice guidelines for
2025/2026. Each question offers four answer options (A–D), with the correct
answer highlighted in blue. Expert rationales explain the correct choice and
Secti
why other options are incorrect, ensuring a deep understanding of psychiatri
differentials across the lifespan. Review these questions carefully, focusing on
diagnostic reasoning and clinical application, to excel in your exam.
, 2
1. A 32-year-old female presents with persistent sadness, anhedonia, and
insomnia for 3 weeks, triggered by job loss. She denies suicidal ideation. What
is the most likely diagnosis, differentiating from Major Depressive Disorder
(MDD)? A. Persistent Depressive Disorder B. Adjustment Disorder with
Depressed Mood C. Bipolar II Disorder D. Cyclothymic Disorder
Rationale: Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood is diagnosed when
emotional symptoms arise within 3 months of a stressor and resolve within 6
months, not meeting full MDD criteria (5+ symptoms for 2 weeks). MDD requires
more severe, persistent symptoms; Persistent Depressive Disorder is chronic (>2
years); Bipolar II and Cyclothymic involve hypomania, absent here (DSM-5-TR).
2. A 45-year-old male reports auditory hallucinations commanding self-harm
and social withdrawal for 8 months. No substance use. What differentiates
this from Schizophreniform Disorder? A. Brief Psychotic Disorder B.
Schizophrenia C. Delusional Disorder D. Schizoaffective Disorder
Rationale: Schizophrenia requires symptoms like hallucinations for ≥6 months,
with ≥1 month of active symptoms. Schizophreniform lasts 1–6 months; Brief
Psychotic <1 month; Delusional lacks prominent hallucinations; Schizoaffective
requires mood episodes, absent here (DSM-5-TR).
3. A 28-year-old female experiences sudden chest pain, palpitations, and fear
of dying, occurring unexpectedly twice weekly for 2 months. What is the
primary diagnosis, ruling out Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? A. Social
Anxiety Disorder B. Panic Disorder C. Specific Phobia D. Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD)
Rationale: Panic Disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with
persistent worry, unlike GAD’s chronic, diffuse anxiety without discrete attacks.
Social Anxiety focuses on scrutiny; Specific Phobia is cued; PTSD requires trauma
(DSM-5-TR).
4. A 60-year-old male has memory loss, disorientation, and difficulty with
daily tasks for 1 year, progressing gradually. No focal neurological signs.
NRNP 6635 Psychopathology
and Diagnostic Reasoning –
Midterm Exam Study Guide –
Walden University (2025/2026)
complete exam preparation
material
Instructions
This study guide is designed to prepare you for the NRNP6635 Midterm
Exam, focusing on Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning. The guide
includes 50 updated multiple-choice questions covering key concepts from th
course, aligned with DSM-5-TR criteria and clinical practice guidelines for
2025/2026. Each question offers four answer options (A–D), with the correct
answer highlighted in blue. Expert rationales explain the correct choice and
Secti
why other options are incorrect, ensuring a deep understanding of psychiatri
differentials across the lifespan. Review these questions carefully, focusing on
diagnostic reasoning and clinical application, to excel in your exam.
, 2
1. A 32-year-old female presents with persistent sadness, anhedonia, and
insomnia for 3 weeks, triggered by job loss. She denies suicidal ideation. What
is the most likely diagnosis, differentiating from Major Depressive Disorder
(MDD)? A. Persistent Depressive Disorder B. Adjustment Disorder with
Depressed Mood C. Bipolar II Disorder D. Cyclothymic Disorder
Rationale: Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood is diagnosed when
emotional symptoms arise within 3 months of a stressor and resolve within 6
months, not meeting full MDD criteria (5+ symptoms for 2 weeks). MDD requires
more severe, persistent symptoms; Persistent Depressive Disorder is chronic (>2
years); Bipolar II and Cyclothymic involve hypomania, absent here (DSM-5-TR).
2. A 45-year-old male reports auditory hallucinations commanding self-harm
and social withdrawal for 8 months. No substance use. What differentiates
this from Schizophreniform Disorder? A. Brief Psychotic Disorder B.
Schizophrenia C. Delusional Disorder D. Schizoaffective Disorder
Rationale: Schizophrenia requires symptoms like hallucinations for ≥6 months,
with ≥1 month of active symptoms. Schizophreniform lasts 1–6 months; Brief
Psychotic <1 month; Delusional lacks prominent hallucinations; Schizoaffective
requires mood episodes, absent here (DSM-5-TR).
3. A 28-year-old female experiences sudden chest pain, palpitations, and fear
of dying, occurring unexpectedly twice weekly for 2 months. What is the
primary diagnosis, ruling out Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? A. Social
Anxiety Disorder B. Panic Disorder C. Specific Phobia D. Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD)
Rationale: Panic Disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with
persistent worry, unlike GAD’s chronic, diffuse anxiety without discrete attacks.
Social Anxiety focuses on scrutiny; Specific Phobia is cued; PTSD requires trauma
(DSM-5-TR).
4. A 60-year-old male has memory loss, disorientation, and difficulty with
daily tasks for 1 year, progressing gradually. No focal neurological signs.
