D344 NURS 6437
The Assessment & Diagnostic Process of
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Practice
Proctored Final Assessment Review
(With Solutions)
2026
1
, Multiple Choice (12 Questions)
1. Case: A patient presents with auditory hallucinations and
disorganized speech.
Q: Which DSM-5 criterion supports schizophrenia diagnosis?
• A. Presence of at least two core symptoms for ≥1 month
• B. Mood disturbance for ≥2 weeks
• C. Cognitive decline for ≥6 months
• D. Substance use within 1 month
Answer: A
Rationale: Schizophrenia requires ≥2 symptoms (delusions,
hallucinations, disorganized speech, etc.) for ≥1 month.
2. Case: A PMHNP evaluates a patient with panic attacks.
Q: Which diagnostic tool is most appropriate?
• A. PHQ-9
• B. GAD-7
• C. Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS)
• D. MMSE
Answer: C
Rationale: PDSS specifically assesses panic disorder severity.
3. Case: A patient presents with depressed mood and anhedonia
for 2 weeks.
Q: Which diagnosis is most likely?
• A. Major depressive disorder
• B. Persistent depressive disorder
• C. Bipolar II disorder
• D. Adjustment disorder
Answer: A
Rationale: MDD requires ≥2 weeks of depressed
mood/anhedonia plus other symptoms.
2
, 4. Case: A PMHNP suspects delirium in an elderly patient.
Q: Which feature differentiates delirium from dementia?
• A. Gradual onset
• B. Fluctuating course and inattention
• C. Progressive decline
• D. Irreversible impairment
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium is acute, fluctuating, with inattention.
5. Case: A patient reports excessive worry for >6 months.
Q: Which diagnosis is most consistent?
• A. Panic disorder
• B. Generalized anxiety disorder
• C. PTSD
• D. OCD
Answer: B
Rationale: GAD requires excessive worry for ≥6 months.
6. Case: A PMHNP evaluates a patient with memory impairment.
Q: Which tool best screens cognitive function?
• A. Beck Depression Inventory
• B. Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
• C. Hamilton Anxiety Scale
• D. Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
Answer: B
Rationale: MMSE screens cognition.
7. Case: A patient presents with manic symptoms lasting 5 days.
Q: Which diagnosis is most likely?
• A. Bipolar I disorder
• B. Bipolar II disorder
• C. Cyclothymic disorder
• D. Schizoaffective disorder
3
The Assessment & Diagnostic Process of
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Practice
Proctored Final Assessment Review
(With Solutions)
2026
1
, Multiple Choice (12 Questions)
1. Case: A patient presents with auditory hallucinations and
disorganized speech.
Q: Which DSM-5 criterion supports schizophrenia diagnosis?
• A. Presence of at least two core symptoms for ≥1 month
• B. Mood disturbance for ≥2 weeks
• C. Cognitive decline for ≥6 months
• D. Substance use within 1 month
Answer: A
Rationale: Schizophrenia requires ≥2 symptoms (delusions,
hallucinations, disorganized speech, etc.) for ≥1 month.
2. Case: A PMHNP evaluates a patient with panic attacks.
Q: Which diagnostic tool is most appropriate?
• A. PHQ-9
• B. GAD-7
• C. Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS)
• D. MMSE
Answer: C
Rationale: PDSS specifically assesses panic disorder severity.
3. Case: A patient presents with depressed mood and anhedonia
for 2 weeks.
Q: Which diagnosis is most likely?
• A. Major depressive disorder
• B. Persistent depressive disorder
• C. Bipolar II disorder
• D. Adjustment disorder
Answer: A
Rationale: MDD requires ≥2 weeks of depressed
mood/anhedonia plus other symptoms.
2
, 4. Case: A PMHNP suspects delirium in an elderly patient.
Q: Which feature differentiates delirium from dementia?
• A. Gradual onset
• B. Fluctuating course and inattention
• C. Progressive decline
• D. Irreversible impairment
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium is acute, fluctuating, with inattention.
5. Case: A patient reports excessive worry for >6 months.
Q: Which diagnosis is most consistent?
• A. Panic disorder
• B. Generalized anxiety disorder
• C. PTSD
• D. OCD
Answer: B
Rationale: GAD requires excessive worry for ≥6 months.
6. Case: A PMHNP evaluates a patient with memory impairment.
Q: Which tool best screens cognitive function?
• A. Beck Depression Inventory
• B. Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
• C. Hamilton Anxiety Scale
• D. Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
Answer: B
Rationale: MMSE screens cognition.
7. Case: A patient presents with manic symptoms lasting 5 days.
Q: Which diagnosis is most likely?
• A. Bipolar I disorder
• B. Bipolar II disorder
• C. Cyclothymic disorder
• D. Schizoaffective disorder
3
