A+ GRADED 1
Psychopathology and
Diagnostic Reasoning –
NRNP 6635, Walden
University, Final Exam
2025/2026 with Grade A
Answers
Instructions
• Read each question carefully and select the best answer from the four
options provided.
• Each question has one correct response.
• Review the rationales to enhance your understanding of psychopathology
and diagnostic reasoning.
• Use this exam as a comprehensive review to prepare for the NRNP 6635
Secti
final exam.
• Ensure answers align with DSM-5-TR criteria and 2025/2026 psychiatric
.
, 2
A 28-year-old female presents with low mood, anhedonia, insomnia, and
suicidal ideation for 3 weeks following a divorce. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
B. Major depressive disorder (MDD)
C. Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
D. Bipolar II disorder
B. Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Rationale: Per DSM-5-TR, MDD is diagnosed with ≥5 symptoms
(including low mood and anhedonia) for ≥2 weeks, causing
significant distress. Suicidal ideation and insomnia meet criteria.
Adjustment disorder requires milder symptoms tied to a stressor,
resolving within 6 months. Dysthymia requires ≥2 years of
symptoms. Bipolar II includes hypomania, not reported.
Question 2
A 35-year-old male reports excessive worry about finances, health, and
family for 7 months, with irritability and difficulty concentrating. What
is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
B. Panic disorder
C. Social anxiety disorder
D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
A. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Rationale: GAD (DSM-5-TR) involves excessive worry across
multiple domains for ≥6 months, with symptoms like irritability and
poor concentration. Panic disorder requires recurrent panic attacks,
, 3
social anxiety focuses on social scrutiny, and OCD involves
obsessions/compulsions, not described.
Question 3
A 19-year-old female reports unstable relationships, impulsivity, and
self-harm behaviors. She feels chronically empty. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Histrionic personality disorder
B. Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
C. Narcissistic personality disorder
D. Avoidant personality disorder
B. Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Rationale: BPD (DSM-5-TR) is characterized by unstable
relationships, impulsivity, self-harm, and feelings of emptiness.
Histrionic PD involves attention-seeking, narcissistic PD
grandiosity, and avoidant PD social withdrawal due to fear of
rejection, none of which fully fit.
Question 4
A 22-year-old male presents with auditory hallucinations and delusions
of persecution for 8 months, with social withdrawal. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Schizophreniform disorder
B. Schizophrenia
C. Brief psychotic disorder
D. Delusional disorder
B. Schizophrenia
Rationale: Schizophrenia (DSM-5-TR) requires ≥2 symptoms
Psychopathology and
Diagnostic Reasoning –
NRNP 6635, Walden
University, Final Exam
2025/2026 with Grade A
Answers
Instructions
• Read each question carefully and select the best answer from the four
options provided.
• Each question has one correct response.
• Review the rationales to enhance your understanding of psychopathology
and diagnostic reasoning.
• Use this exam as a comprehensive review to prepare for the NRNP 6635
Secti
final exam.
• Ensure answers align with DSM-5-TR criteria and 2025/2026 psychiatric
.
, 2
A 28-year-old female presents with low mood, anhedonia, insomnia, and
suicidal ideation for 3 weeks following a divorce. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
B. Major depressive disorder (MDD)
C. Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
D. Bipolar II disorder
B. Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Rationale: Per DSM-5-TR, MDD is diagnosed with ≥5 symptoms
(including low mood and anhedonia) for ≥2 weeks, causing
significant distress. Suicidal ideation and insomnia meet criteria.
Adjustment disorder requires milder symptoms tied to a stressor,
resolving within 6 months. Dysthymia requires ≥2 years of
symptoms. Bipolar II includes hypomania, not reported.
Question 2
A 35-year-old male reports excessive worry about finances, health, and
family for 7 months, with irritability and difficulty concentrating. What
is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
B. Panic disorder
C. Social anxiety disorder
D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
A. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Rationale: GAD (DSM-5-TR) involves excessive worry across
multiple domains for ≥6 months, with symptoms like irritability and
poor concentration. Panic disorder requires recurrent panic attacks,
, 3
social anxiety focuses on social scrutiny, and OCD involves
obsessions/compulsions, not described.
Question 3
A 19-year-old female reports unstable relationships, impulsivity, and
self-harm behaviors. She feels chronically empty. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Histrionic personality disorder
B. Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
C. Narcissistic personality disorder
D. Avoidant personality disorder
B. Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Rationale: BPD (DSM-5-TR) is characterized by unstable
relationships, impulsivity, self-harm, and feelings of emptiness.
Histrionic PD involves attention-seeking, narcissistic PD
grandiosity, and avoidant PD social withdrawal due to fear of
rejection, none of which fully fit.
Question 4
A 22-year-old male presents with auditory hallucinations and delusions
of persecution for 8 months, with social withdrawal. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Schizophreniform disorder
B. Schizophrenia
C. Brief psychotic disorder
D. Delusional disorder
B. Schizophrenia
Rationale: Schizophrenia (DSM-5-TR) requires ≥2 symptoms
