NRNP 6635 Exam 1 V1 | NRNP 6635
Psychopathology and Diagnostic
Reasoning | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NRNP6635 Exam 1) | Walden University
1. According to the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration required for the diagnosis of Major
Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
A. 1 week
B. 2 weeks
C. 1 month
D. 6 months
Answer: B
Rationale: To meet the diagnostic criteria for MDD, symptoms must be present during the
same 2-week period. This duration represents a change from previous functioning. At least
one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.
2. A patient presents with symptoms of schizophrenia that have lasted for 4 months but less
than 6 months. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Brief Psychotic Disorder
B. Schizophrenia
C. Schizophreniform Disorder
,D. Schizoaffective Disorder
Answer: C
Rationale: Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by the same symptoms as
schizophrenia but with a shorter duration. The symptoms must last at least 1 month but
less than 6 months. If the symptoms persist beyond 6 months, the diagnosis is usually
updated to schizophrenia.
3. In a Mental Status Exam (MSE), the clinician notes that the patient is jumping from one
idea to another with only marginal connections between them. This is best described as:
A. Circumstantiality
B. Tangentiality
C. Flight of ideas
D. Word salad
Answer: C
Rationale: Flight of ideas is a rapid shifting of ideas with only superficial connections
between them, often seen in manic episodes. Circumstantiality involves providing
excessive detail but eventually returning to the point. Tangentiality involves moving away
from the topic and never returning to it.
4. Which of the following is a core requirement for a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder?
A. A history of at least one major depressive episode
, B. A history of at least one hypomanic episode
C. A history of substance-induced mania
D. A history of at least one manic episode
Answer: D
Rationale: Bipolar I Disorder requires the occurrence of at least one manic episode in the
patient’s lifetime. While depressive episodes are common, they are not strictly required for
a Bipolar I diagnosis. This distinguishes it from Bipolar II, which requires both hypomania
and a major depressive episode.
5. To diagnose Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), excessive anxiety and worry must occur
more days than not for at least:
A. 1 month
B. 3 months
C. 6 months
D. 12 months
Answer: C
Rationale: The DSM-5 specifies that the duration for GAD must be at least 6 months
regarding several events or activities. The individual must find it difficult to control the
worry. This chronic timeframe distinguishes GAD from more acute or situation-specific
anxiety disorders.
Psychopathology and Diagnostic
Reasoning | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NRNP6635 Exam 1) | Walden University
1. According to the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration required for the diagnosis of Major
Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
A. 1 week
B. 2 weeks
C. 1 month
D. 6 months
Answer: B
Rationale: To meet the diagnostic criteria for MDD, symptoms must be present during the
same 2-week period. This duration represents a change from previous functioning. At least
one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.
2. A patient presents with symptoms of schizophrenia that have lasted for 4 months but less
than 6 months. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Brief Psychotic Disorder
B. Schizophrenia
C. Schizophreniform Disorder
,D. Schizoaffective Disorder
Answer: C
Rationale: Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by the same symptoms as
schizophrenia but with a shorter duration. The symptoms must last at least 1 month but
less than 6 months. If the symptoms persist beyond 6 months, the diagnosis is usually
updated to schizophrenia.
3. In a Mental Status Exam (MSE), the clinician notes that the patient is jumping from one
idea to another with only marginal connections between them. This is best described as:
A. Circumstantiality
B. Tangentiality
C. Flight of ideas
D. Word salad
Answer: C
Rationale: Flight of ideas is a rapid shifting of ideas with only superficial connections
between them, often seen in manic episodes. Circumstantiality involves providing
excessive detail but eventually returning to the point. Tangentiality involves moving away
from the topic and never returning to it.
4. Which of the following is a core requirement for a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder?
A. A history of at least one major depressive episode
, B. A history of at least one hypomanic episode
C. A history of substance-induced mania
D. A history of at least one manic episode
Answer: D
Rationale: Bipolar I Disorder requires the occurrence of at least one manic episode in the
patient’s lifetime. While depressive episodes are common, they are not strictly required for
a Bipolar I diagnosis. This distinguishes it from Bipolar II, which requires both hypomania
and a major depressive episode.
5. To diagnose Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), excessive anxiety and worry must occur
more days than not for at least:
A. 1 month
B. 3 months
C. 6 months
D. 12 months
Answer: C
Rationale: The DSM-5 specifies that the duration for GAD must be at least 6 months
regarding several events or activities. The individual must find it difficult to control the
worry. This chronic timeframe distinguishes GAD from more acute or situation-specific
anxiety disorders.
