NR 547 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS MIDTERM 2026/2027 | COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL QUE…
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NR 547 Differential
Diagnosis Midterm
2026/2027 | Comprehensive
Clinical Questions &
Answers | Updated Exam
Review
Verified Answers Exam Ready 187 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive review document contains 187 differential diagnosis questions with
pre-provided correct answers and rationales, focusing on advanced psychiatric nursing. It
is suitable for in-depth study, exam review, and certification preparation for the NR 547
course.
TOPICS
• Foundational Assessment • Psychopharmacology: Anxiety &
Related
• Laboratory & Diagnostic Studies • Clinical Application of Labs
• Holistic & Social Factors • Anxiety Disorders: Overview & GAD
• Anxiety Disorders: Specific Types • Psychosis: Overview & Schizophrenia
• Psychosis: Specific Disorders & Cases • Psychopharmacology: Psychosis
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 187
Differential Dx
RESPONSE
Diagnostic reasoning is the process of questioning one's thinking to determine if all possible
avenues have been explored and if the conclusions that are drawn are based on evidence. This
is a critical step for providers who are trying to uncover a cause, or diagnosis, for their clients'
signs and symptoms. The provider's initial hypothesis is known as the differential diagnosis.
The differential diagnosis, or differential, is a working list of potential problems that can be
associated with the initial or chief complaint. Establishing a differential diagnosis is a critical
step in providing safe, quality care. This evolving process of clinical reasoning and decision
making involves examining the client's presentation, clinical data, and when appropriate,
screening and diagnostic test results to distinguish one disease from another and arrive at the
correct diagnosis. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-
TR)provides guidance for identifying psychiatric diagnosest
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 187
History of Present Illness
RESPONSE
How long have you been feeling this way?
Did something happen in your life that may have triggered these emotions?
How is this current situation impacting your life?
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 187
The Psychiatric History
RESPONSE
Have you ever been hospitalized for any mental health issues?
Have you ever had counseling or psychotherapy?
Have you ever taken medications for your mental health in the past?
Are you currently on any medications for mental health or sleep?
Page 2
, Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 187
Medical History/Screening for General Medical Conditions
RESPONSE
Do you have a primary care provider?
Do you have any medical illnesses?
Are you currently taking any medications or herbal supplements?
Do you have any allergies to medications?
Have you ever been hospitalized for any reason?
Have you ever had surgery?
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 187
Family Psychiatric History
RESPONSE
Has any relative of yours ever been hospitalized for a mental health issue?
Has any blood relative of yours ever been diagnosed with a mental health issue?
Has any blood relative of yours had a history of seizures or dementia/Alzheimer's?
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 187
Social and Developmental History
RESPONSE
Tell me a little bit about your childhood and how you grew up.
How was your experience in school when you were younger? Did you enjoy school?
How do you support yourself with your finances?
Do you have a good support system? Are you currently in a relationship? Where do you live?
Who do you live with?
What do you do in your free time? What activities do you enjoy?
Page 3
, Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 187
Apply the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Suicide Risk Screening Tool (Links to an
external site.) to the scenario below.
A 52-year-old client presents to the emergency department following a car accident. The
emergency department (ED) physician is concerned that the client may have intentionally
crashed her car and requests a stat PMHNP consult. In speaking with the PMHNP, the client
describes persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. She states that she often
wonders if her husband would be happier if she wasn't around anymore since she's never
happy and sometimes thinks about what it would be like to just take a handful of sleeping
pills and go to sleep forever. The client reports a previous suicide attempt when she was 16
but denies that she is considering killing herself right now.
Based on the client's ASQ score, what is the most appropriate response?
A) No action is necessary as the client is not currently considering suicide.
B)Provide a brief suicide safety assessment.
C)Alert the client's primary care physician.
D)Provide a STAT safety and full mental health evaluation.
RESPONSE
B)Provide a brief suicide safety assessment.
Rationale: While the client's responses do not indicate a need for a stat full safety and mental
health evaluation, the client requires a brief suicide safety assessment to determine whether a
full mental health evaluation in necessary. It is also important to notify the client's physician or
the clinician responsible for the client's care.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 187
A commonly used method is the "SNAPPS" method, which follows a mnemonic consisting of
six steps. This method is often used for client presentations to preceptors. The six steps
includ
RESPONSE
1.Summarize the history and findings
2.Narrow the differential diagnosis to two or three possibilities
3.Analyze the differential by comparing and contrasting the possibilities
4.Probe the preceptor by asking questions about alternative approaches or uncertainties
5.Plan the management of the client's health issues
6.Select an issue from the case for self-directed learning
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NR 547 Differential
Diagnosis Midterm
2026/2027 | Comprehensive
Clinical Questions &
Answers | Updated Exam
Review
Verified Answers Exam Ready 187 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive review document contains 187 differential diagnosis questions with
pre-provided correct answers and rationales, focusing on advanced psychiatric nursing. It
is suitable for in-depth study, exam review, and certification preparation for the NR 547
course.
TOPICS
• Foundational Assessment • Psychopharmacology: Anxiety &
Related
• Laboratory & Diagnostic Studies • Clinical Application of Labs
• Holistic & Social Factors • Anxiety Disorders: Overview & GAD
• Anxiety Disorders: Specific Types • Psychosis: Overview & Schizophrenia
• Psychosis: Specific Disorders & Cases • Psychopharmacology: Psychosis
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 187
Differential Dx
RESPONSE
Diagnostic reasoning is the process of questioning one's thinking to determine if all possible
avenues have been explored and if the conclusions that are drawn are based on evidence. This
is a critical step for providers who are trying to uncover a cause, or diagnosis, for their clients'
signs and symptoms. The provider's initial hypothesis is known as the differential diagnosis.
The differential diagnosis, or differential, is a working list of potential problems that can be
associated with the initial or chief complaint. Establishing a differential diagnosis is a critical
step in providing safe, quality care. This evolving process of clinical reasoning and decision
making involves examining the client's presentation, clinical data, and when appropriate,
screening and diagnostic test results to distinguish one disease from another and arrive at the
correct diagnosis. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-
TR)provides guidance for identifying psychiatric diagnosest
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 187
History of Present Illness
RESPONSE
How long have you been feeling this way?
Did something happen in your life that may have triggered these emotions?
How is this current situation impacting your life?
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 187
The Psychiatric History
RESPONSE
Have you ever been hospitalized for any mental health issues?
Have you ever had counseling or psychotherapy?
Have you ever taken medications for your mental health in the past?
Are you currently on any medications for mental health or sleep?
Page 2
, Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 187
Medical History/Screening for General Medical Conditions
RESPONSE
Do you have a primary care provider?
Do you have any medical illnesses?
Are you currently taking any medications or herbal supplements?
Do you have any allergies to medications?
Have you ever been hospitalized for any reason?
Have you ever had surgery?
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 187
Family Psychiatric History
RESPONSE
Has any relative of yours ever been hospitalized for a mental health issue?
Has any blood relative of yours ever been diagnosed with a mental health issue?
Has any blood relative of yours had a history of seizures or dementia/Alzheimer's?
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 187
Social and Developmental History
RESPONSE
Tell me a little bit about your childhood and how you grew up.
How was your experience in school when you were younger? Did you enjoy school?
How do you support yourself with your finances?
Do you have a good support system? Are you currently in a relationship? Where do you live?
Who do you live with?
What do you do in your free time? What activities do you enjoy?
Page 3
, Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 187
Apply the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Suicide Risk Screening Tool (Links to an
external site.) to the scenario below.
A 52-year-old client presents to the emergency department following a car accident. The
emergency department (ED) physician is concerned that the client may have intentionally
crashed her car and requests a stat PMHNP consult. In speaking with the PMHNP, the client
describes persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. She states that she often
wonders if her husband would be happier if she wasn't around anymore since she's never
happy and sometimes thinks about what it would be like to just take a handful of sleeping
pills and go to sleep forever. The client reports a previous suicide attempt when she was 16
but denies that she is considering killing herself right now.
Based on the client's ASQ score, what is the most appropriate response?
A) No action is necessary as the client is not currently considering suicide.
B)Provide a brief suicide safety assessment.
C)Alert the client's primary care physician.
D)Provide a STAT safety and full mental health evaluation.
RESPONSE
B)Provide a brief suicide safety assessment.
Rationale: While the client's responses do not indicate a need for a stat full safety and mental
health evaluation, the client requires a brief suicide safety assessment to determine whether a
full mental health evaluation in necessary. It is also important to notify the client's physician or
the clinician responsible for the client's care.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 187
A commonly used method is the "SNAPPS" method, which follows a mnemonic consisting of
six steps. This method is often used for client presentations to preceptors. The six steps
includ
RESPONSE
1.Summarize the history and findings
2.Narrow the differential diagnosis to two or three possibilities
3.Analyze the differential by comparing and contrasting the possibilities
4.Probe the preceptor by asking questions about alternative approaches or uncertainties
5.Plan the management of the client's health issues
6.Select an issue from the case for self-directed learning
Page 4
