NRNP 6635 Exam 2 V1 | NRNP 6635
Psychopathology and Diagnostic
Reasoning | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NRNP6635 Exam 2) | Walden University
1. A 24-year-old patient presents with a persistent depressed mood for the majority of days
over the last three years. She reports low energy and feelings of hopelessness but denies any
manic episodes or significant functional impairment. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Major Depressive Disorder
B. Cyclothymic Disorder
C. Persistent Depressive Disorder
D. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
Answer: C
Rationale: Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) requires a depressed mood
occurring more days than not for at least two years in adults. The patient lacks the severity
for a Major Depressive Disorder diagnosis and has not experienced the mood swings
associated with Cyclothymic Disorder. The PMHNP must ensure the symptoms are not
better explained by a substance or another medical condition.
2. To meet the DSM-5-TR criteria for a Manic Episode, the abnormally elevated or irritable
mood must last for at least what duration?
A. 1 week
,B. 4 consecutive days
C. 2 weeks
D. 1 month
Answer: A
Rationale: A manic episode is defined by a distinct period of elevated mood and increased
energy lasting at least one week, present most of the day, nearly every day. If
hospitalization is required, the duration criteria is met regardless of the length of time. This
differs from a hypomanic episode, which only requires a four-day minimum duration.
3. A patient reports intense fear and physiological arousal when in public spaces where
escape might be difficult, such as bridges or large crowds. This behavior has led to significant
avoidance. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?
A. Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Panic Disorder
C. Specific Phobia
D. Agoraphobia
Answer: D
Rationale: Agoraphobia involves marked fear or anxiety about two or more specific
situations such as using public transport, being in open spaces, or being in a crowd. The
core fear is that escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of panic-like
, symptoms. Social Anxiety Disorder differs as it focuses specifically on the fear of scrutiny
by others.
4. According to the DSM-5-TR, the symptoms of Schizophrenia must persist for at least how
many months, including the prodromal and residual phases?
A. 6 months
B. 3 months
C. 1 month
D. 12 months
Answer: A
Rationale: A diagnosis of Schizophrenia requires continuous signs of the disturbance for at
least six months. This period must include at least one month of active-phase symptoms
like delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech. If the duration is more than one
month but less than six, the diagnosis is Schizophreniform Disorder.
5. Which of the following is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory Hallucinations
B. Delusions of Grandeur
C. Diminished Emotional Expression
D. Disorganized Speech
Answer: C
Psychopathology and Diagnostic
Reasoning | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NRNP6635 Exam 2) | Walden University
1. A 24-year-old patient presents with a persistent depressed mood for the majority of days
over the last three years. She reports low energy and feelings of hopelessness but denies any
manic episodes or significant functional impairment. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Major Depressive Disorder
B. Cyclothymic Disorder
C. Persistent Depressive Disorder
D. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
Answer: C
Rationale: Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) requires a depressed mood
occurring more days than not for at least two years in adults. The patient lacks the severity
for a Major Depressive Disorder diagnosis and has not experienced the mood swings
associated with Cyclothymic Disorder. The PMHNP must ensure the symptoms are not
better explained by a substance or another medical condition.
2. To meet the DSM-5-TR criteria for a Manic Episode, the abnormally elevated or irritable
mood must last for at least what duration?
A. 1 week
,B. 4 consecutive days
C. 2 weeks
D. 1 month
Answer: A
Rationale: A manic episode is defined by a distinct period of elevated mood and increased
energy lasting at least one week, present most of the day, nearly every day. If
hospitalization is required, the duration criteria is met regardless of the length of time. This
differs from a hypomanic episode, which only requires a four-day minimum duration.
3. A patient reports intense fear and physiological arousal when in public spaces where
escape might be difficult, such as bridges or large crowds. This behavior has led to significant
avoidance. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?
A. Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Panic Disorder
C. Specific Phobia
D. Agoraphobia
Answer: D
Rationale: Agoraphobia involves marked fear or anxiety about two or more specific
situations such as using public transport, being in open spaces, or being in a crowd. The
core fear is that escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of panic-like
, symptoms. Social Anxiety Disorder differs as it focuses specifically on the fear of scrutiny
by others.
4. According to the DSM-5-TR, the symptoms of Schizophrenia must persist for at least how
many months, including the prodromal and residual phases?
A. 6 months
B. 3 months
C. 1 month
D. 12 months
Answer: A
Rationale: A diagnosis of Schizophrenia requires continuous signs of the disturbance for at
least six months. This period must include at least one month of active-phase symptoms
like delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech. If the duration is more than one
month but less than six, the diagnosis is Schizophreniform Disorder.
5. Which of the following is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory Hallucinations
B. Delusions of Grandeur
C. Diminished Emotional Expression
D. Disorganized Speech
Answer: C
