NR547 Week 8 Exam V3 | NR547
Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric-
Mental Health across the Lifespan
Practicum | Q&A with Rationale (NR547
Week 8 Exam) | Chamberlain University
1. Which of the following is a primary diagnostic requirement for Schizoaffective Disorder
according to the DSM-5-TR?
A. Delusions or hallucinations for 2 or more weeks in the absence of a major mood episode.
B. Psychotic symptoms occurring exclusively during mood episodes.
C. A continuous period of illness where there is only a major depressive episode.
D. Symptoms of mania that occur for less than one week.
Answer: A
Rationale: Schizoaffective disorder requires a period of at least two weeks where
psychotic symptoms are present without prominent mood symptoms. This criterion helps
differentiate it from Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features. Accurate
diagnosis is essential as it dictates the pharmacological management strategy involving
both antipsychotics and mood stabilizers.
2. A 72-year-old patient presents with acute onset of confusion, fluctuating consciousness,
and visual hallucinations. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Major Neurocognitive Disorder
,B. Depressive Pseudodementia
C. Late-onset Schizophrenia
D. Delirium
Answer: D
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute change in mental status and fluctuating
levels of consciousness, often triggered by an underlying medical condition. Major
Neurocognitive Disorder usually involves a progressive, slow decline rather than an acute
onset. Clinicians must prioritize identifying the medical cause of delirium to prevent
permanent cognitive impairment or death.
3. The PHQ-9 is a widely used screening tool for depression. A score of 15-19 indicates which
level of severity?
A. Mild depression
B. Moderately severe depression
C. Moderate depression
D. Severe depression
Answer: B
Rationale: A PHQ-9 score between 15 and 19 signifies moderately severe depression,
requiring immediate clinical intervention. Scores of 20 or higher are classified as severe
, depression. Standardized tools like the PHQ-9 ensure objective monitoring of symptom
progression and treatment efficacy over time.
4. When assessing a child for ADHD, symptoms must be present before what age to meet
DSM-5-TR criteria?
A. Age 12
B. Age 5
C. Age 7
D. Age 18
Answer: A
Rationale: The DSM-5-TR specifies that several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive
symptoms must be present prior to age 12. This requirement helps distinguish ADHD from
other conditions that might manifest later in adolescence due to environmental stressors.
Documentation of early onset is a critical component of a comprehensive
neurodevelopmental evaluation.
5. A patient reports a persistent fear of being scrutinized or negatively evaluated by others in
social situations. This is indicative of:
A. Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Agoraphobia
C. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric-
Mental Health across the Lifespan
Practicum | Q&A with Rationale (NR547
Week 8 Exam) | Chamberlain University
1. Which of the following is a primary diagnostic requirement for Schizoaffective Disorder
according to the DSM-5-TR?
A. Delusions or hallucinations for 2 or more weeks in the absence of a major mood episode.
B. Psychotic symptoms occurring exclusively during mood episodes.
C. A continuous period of illness where there is only a major depressive episode.
D. Symptoms of mania that occur for less than one week.
Answer: A
Rationale: Schizoaffective disorder requires a period of at least two weeks where
psychotic symptoms are present without prominent mood symptoms. This criterion helps
differentiate it from Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features. Accurate
diagnosis is essential as it dictates the pharmacological management strategy involving
both antipsychotics and mood stabilizers.
2. A 72-year-old patient presents with acute onset of confusion, fluctuating consciousness,
and visual hallucinations. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Major Neurocognitive Disorder
,B. Depressive Pseudodementia
C. Late-onset Schizophrenia
D. Delirium
Answer: D
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute change in mental status and fluctuating
levels of consciousness, often triggered by an underlying medical condition. Major
Neurocognitive Disorder usually involves a progressive, slow decline rather than an acute
onset. Clinicians must prioritize identifying the medical cause of delirium to prevent
permanent cognitive impairment or death.
3. The PHQ-9 is a widely used screening tool for depression. A score of 15-19 indicates which
level of severity?
A. Mild depression
B. Moderately severe depression
C. Moderate depression
D. Severe depression
Answer: B
Rationale: A PHQ-9 score between 15 and 19 signifies moderately severe depression,
requiring immediate clinical intervention. Scores of 20 or higher are classified as severe
, depression. Standardized tools like the PHQ-9 ensure objective monitoring of symptom
progression and treatment efficacy over time.
4. When assessing a child for ADHD, symptoms must be present before what age to meet
DSM-5-TR criteria?
A. Age 12
B. Age 5
C. Age 7
D. Age 18
Answer: A
Rationale: The DSM-5-TR specifies that several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive
symptoms must be present prior to age 12. This requirement helps distinguish ADHD from
other conditions that might manifest later in adolescence due to environmental stressors.
Documentation of early onset is a critical component of a comprehensive
neurodevelopmental evaluation.
5. A patient reports a persistent fear of being scrutinized or negatively evaluated by others in
social situations. This is indicative of:
A. Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Agoraphobia
C. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
