NRNP 6635 Exam 2 V3 | NRNP 6635
Psychopathology and Diagnostic
Reasoning | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NRNP6635 Exam 2) | Walden University
1. To meet DSM-5 criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in an adult
(age 17 and older), how many symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be
present?
A. 6 symptoms
B. At least 4 symptoms
C. At least 5 symptoms
D. 7 symptoms
Answer: C
Rationale: For adults aged 17 and older, the DSM-5 requires at least 5 symptoms in either
the inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity categories. This is a reduction from the 6
symptoms required for children. These symptoms must have been present for at least 6
months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level.
2. Which of the following is a primary difference between Schizoaffective Disorder and
Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features?
A. The presence of visual rather than auditory hallucinations.
,B. The severity of the depressive symptoms.
C. The presence of delusions or hallucinations for 2 weeks in the absence of a major mood
episode.
D. The age of onset of the first psychotic episode.
Answer: C
Rationale: Schizoaffective disorder requires a period of at least 2 weeks where psychotic
symptoms occur without prominent mood symptoms. In contrast, in Depressive Disorder
with Psychotic Features, the psychosis occurs exclusively during the mood episode. This
distinction is critical for accurate diagnostic reasoning and treatment planning.
3. A 9-year-old child presents with chronic, severe persistent irritability and frequent temper
outbursts that are grossly out of proportion to the situation. These symptoms occur at least
three times per week. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
D. Conduct Disorder
Answer: C
Rationale: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder was added to the DSM-5 to address
the over-diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children. It is characterized by severe temper
, outbursts and persistent irritability between outbursts. The diagnosis cannot be made
before age 6 or after age 18.
4. According to DSM-5, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a diagnosis
of Brief Psychotic Disorder?
A. At least 1 month but less than 6 months
B. At least 1 day but less than 1 month
C. More than 6 months
D. At least 2 weeks but less than 1 month
Answer: B
Rationale: Brief Psychotic Disorder is characterized by the sudden onset of at least one
positive psychotic symptom lasting between 1 day and 1 month. There must eventually be
a full return to the premorbid level of functioning. If symptoms persist beyond one month,
the diagnosis changes to Schizophreniform Disorder.
5. In diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder, the DSM-5 specifies that symptoms must be
present in which two domains?
A. Social communication/interaction and restricted/repetitive patterns of behavior
B. Social communication and cognitive delays
C. Language impairment and motor coordination deficits
D. Inattention and hyperactivity
Psychopathology and Diagnostic
Reasoning | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NRNP6635 Exam 2) | Walden University
1. To meet DSM-5 criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in an adult
(age 17 and older), how many symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be
present?
A. 6 symptoms
B. At least 4 symptoms
C. At least 5 symptoms
D. 7 symptoms
Answer: C
Rationale: For adults aged 17 and older, the DSM-5 requires at least 5 symptoms in either
the inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity categories. This is a reduction from the 6
symptoms required for children. These symptoms must have been present for at least 6
months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level.
2. Which of the following is a primary difference between Schizoaffective Disorder and
Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features?
A. The presence of visual rather than auditory hallucinations.
,B. The severity of the depressive symptoms.
C. The presence of delusions or hallucinations for 2 weeks in the absence of a major mood
episode.
D. The age of onset of the first psychotic episode.
Answer: C
Rationale: Schizoaffective disorder requires a period of at least 2 weeks where psychotic
symptoms occur without prominent mood symptoms. In contrast, in Depressive Disorder
with Psychotic Features, the psychosis occurs exclusively during the mood episode. This
distinction is critical for accurate diagnostic reasoning and treatment planning.
3. A 9-year-old child presents with chronic, severe persistent irritability and frequent temper
outbursts that are grossly out of proportion to the situation. These symptoms occur at least
three times per week. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
D. Conduct Disorder
Answer: C
Rationale: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder was added to the DSM-5 to address
the over-diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children. It is characterized by severe temper
, outbursts and persistent irritability between outbursts. The diagnosis cannot be made
before age 6 or after age 18.
4. According to DSM-5, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a diagnosis
of Brief Psychotic Disorder?
A. At least 1 month but less than 6 months
B. At least 1 day but less than 1 month
C. More than 6 months
D. At least 2 weeks but less than 1 month
Answer: B
Rationale: Brief Psychotic Disorder is characterized by the sudden onset of at least one
positive psychotic symptom lasting between 1 day and 1 month. There must eventually be
a full return to the premorbid level of functioning. If symptoms persist beyond one month,
the diagnosis changes to Schizophreniform Disorder.
5. In diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder, the DSM-5 specifies that symptoms must be
present in which two domains?
A. Social communication/interaction and restricted/repetitive patterns of behavior
B. Social communication and cognitive delays
C. Language impairment and motor coordination deficits
D. Inattention and hyperactivity
