NR547 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN
PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH
WEEK 4 EXAM V1 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. When conducting a differential diagnosis for a patient presenting with depressive
symptoms, which laboratory test is most essential to rule out a common medical mimic?
A. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
B. Serum Electrolytes
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Blood Glucose Level
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypothyroidism often presents with symptoms identical to
depression, such as fatigue, weight gain, and low mood, making TSH a critical screening lab.
2. A 24-year-old patient reports a 3-year history of low mood, low energy, and poor
concentration most days, but does not meet full criteria for a Major Depressive Episode.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Major Depressive Disorder
,B. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Persistent Depressive Disorder is characterized by a depressed
mood for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least 2 years in adults.
3. Which screening tool is specifically designed to identify symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in a
primary care or psychiatric setting?
A. PHQ-9
B. GAD-7
C. HAM-D
D. MDQ (Mood Disorder Questionnaire)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a validated
screening instrument specifically for Bipolar Spectrum Disorders.
4. A 9-year-old child presents with chronic, severe irritability and frequent temper outbursts
that are out of proportion to the situation. What diagnosis should the PMHNP consider?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
B. Bipolar I Disorder
, C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
D. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DMDD is characterized by severe recurrent temper outbursts
and a persistently irritable or angry mood between outbursts, diagnosed between ages 6
and 18.
5. Which of the following is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory Hallucinations
B. Delusions of Grandeur
C. Anhedonia
D. Disorganized Speech
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Negative symptoms involve a loss of normal function, such as
anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), alogia, and avolition, whereas hallucinations and
delusions are positive symptoms.
6. To diagnose a patient with Bipolar II Disorder, which of the following must be met?
A. At least one manic episode and one major depressive episode.
B. At least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode.
C. Multiple periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms for 2 years.
PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH
WEEK 4 EXAM V1 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. When conducting a differential diagnosis for a patient presenting with depressive
symptoms, which laboratory test is most essential to rule out a common medical mimic?
A. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
B. Serum Electrolytes
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Blood Glucose Level
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypothyroidism often presents with symptoms identical to
depression, such as fatigue, weight gain, and low mood, making TSH a critical screening lab.
2. A 24-year-old patient reports a 3-year history of low mood, low energy, and poor
concentration most days, but does not meet full criteria for a Major Depressive Episode.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Major Depressive Disorder
,B. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Persistent Depressive Disorder is characterized by a depressed
mood for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least 2 years in adults.
3. Which screening tool is specifically designed to identify symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in a
primary care or psychiatric setting?
A. PHQ-9
B. GAD-7
C. HAM-D
D. MDQ (Mood Disorder Questionnaire)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a validated
screening instrument specifically for Bipolar Spectrum Disorders.
4. A 9-year-old child presents with chronic, severe irritability and frequent temper outbursts
that are out of proportion to the situation. What diagnosis should the PMHNP consider?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
B. Bipolar I Disorder
, C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
D. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DMDD is characterized by severe recurrent temper outbursts
and a persistently irritable or angry mood between outbursts, diagnosed between ages 6
and 18.
5. Which of the following is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory Hallucinations
B. Delusions of Grandeur
C. Anhedonia
D. Disorganized Speech
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Negative symptoms involve a loss of normal function, such as
anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), alogia, and avolition, whereas hallucinations and
delusions are positive symptoms.
6. To diagnose a patient with Bipolar II Disorder, which of the following must be met?
A. At least one manic episode and one major depressive episode.
B. At least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode.
C. Multiple periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms for 2 years.
