NURS 547 Exam 1: Questions & Answers
Differential Diagnosis and DSM Basics, Psychiatric Review of Systems (ROS),
Mental Status Exam (MSE), Research Variables and Theory, Nursing Research
and History, Therapeutic Interventions and Clinical Indicators
Section 1: Differential Diagnosis and DSM Basics
1. What is the first step in the six-step differential diagnosis process?
A. Rule out Etiology due to General Medical Condition
B. Rule out Substance Abuse Etiology
C. Determine the Specific Primary Disorder
D. Rule out Factitious Disorder
Correct Answer: B
2. According to the DSM-IV-TR multiaxial system, which axis is used for
reporting Personality Disorders and Mental Retardation?
A. Axis I
B. Axis II
C. Axis III
D. Axis IV
Correct Answer: B
3. In the DSM-IV-TR, Axis V is used to report which of the following?
A. Medical Conditions
B. Psychosocial and environmental problems
C. Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale
D. Clinical Disorders
Correct Answer: C
, 4. A "mental disorder" is conceptualized as a clinically significant behavioral
or psychological syndrome associated with which of the following?
A. Mere non-conformity to social norms
B. Present distress, disability, or significantly increased risk of suffering
C. Results of a specific psychological test
D. Biological markers only
Correct Answer: B
5. Is the DSM system primarily considered categorical or dimensional, and
are the disorders within it homogeneous or heterogeneous?
A. Categorical; Heterogeneous
B. Dimensional; Homogeneous
C. Categorical; Homogeneous
D. Dimensional; Heterogeneous
Correct Answer: A
6. Can a clinician rely solely on a psychological test to arrive at a DSM
diagnosis?
A. Yes, if the test is validated.
B. No, because tests do not cover all specific DSM criteria.
C. Yes, for Axis I disorders only.
D. No, unless the patient is a child.
Correct Answer: B
7. What is the final step (Step VI) of the differential diagnosis process?
A. Establish the Boundary with no Mental Disorder
B. Rule out Substance Abuse Etiology
Differential Diagnosis and DSM Basics, Psychiatric Review of Systems (ROS),
Mental Status Exam (MSE), Research Variables and Theory, Nursing Research
and History, Therapeutic Interventions and Clinical Indicators
Section 1: Differential Diagnosis and DSM Basics
1. What is the first step in the six-step differential diagnosis process?
A. Rule out Etiology due to General Medical Condition
B. Rule out Substance Abuse Etiology
C. Determine the Specific Primary Disorder
D. Rule out Factitious Disorder
Correct Answer: B
2. According to the DSM-IV-TR multiaxial system, which axis is used for
reporting Personality Disorders and Mental Retardation?
A. Axis I
B. Axis II
C. Axis III
D. Axis IV
Correct Answer: B
3. In the DSM-IV-TR, Axis V is used to report which of the following?
A. Medical Conditions
B. Psychosocial and environmental problems
C. Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale
D. Clinical Disorders
Correct Answer: C
, 4. A "mental disorder" is conceptualized as a clinically significant behavioral
or psychological syndrome associated with which of the following?
A. Mere non-conformity to social norms
B. Present distress, disability, or significantly increased risk of suffering
C. Results of a specific psychological test
D. Biological markers only
Correct Answer: B
5. Is the DSM system primarily considered categorical or dimensional, and
are the disorders within it homogeneous or heterogeneous?
A. Categorical; Heterogeneous
B. Dimensional; Homogeneous
C. Categorical; Homogeneous
D. Dimensional; Heterogeneous
Correct Answer: A
6. Can a clinician rely solely on a psychological test to arrive at a DSM
diagnosis?
A. Yes, if the test is validated.
B. No, because tests do not cover all specific DSM criteria.
C. Yes, for Axis I disorders only.
D. No, unless the patient is a child.
Correct Answer: B
7. What is the final step (Step VI) of the differential diagnosis process?
A. Establish the Boundary with no Mental Disorder
B. Rule out Substance Abuse Etiology
