NR547 – Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric-
Mental Health Across the Lifespan Practicum
Practice Exam 2026/2027 | Practice Questions
& Study Guide | Complete Exam-Style
Questions with Correct Detailed Answers &
Rationales (Reliable Answers) | Latest Updated
Version | Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A 29-year-old patient reports excessive anxiety and worry about
finances, work performance, family health, and everyday
responsibilities. The worry has occurred more days than not for
the past 8 months and is difficult to control. The patient also
reports muscle tension, irritability, fatigue, and difficulty
sleeping. Which diagnosis is most consistent with this
presentation?
A. Panic disorder
B. Social anxiety disorder
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Adjustment disorder
,Answer: C. Generalized anxiety disorder
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized
by excessive anxiety and worry about multiple areas of life
occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. The worry is
difficult to control and is associated with symptoms such as
restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle
tension, and sleep disturbance. Panic disorder involves recurrent
unexpected panic attacks with persistent concern or behavioral
changes related to the attacks. Social anxiety disorder centers
on fear of social or performance situations, whereas adjustment
disorder requires an identifiable psychosocial stressor and does
not require the pervasive, excessive worry seen here.
Question 2
A 34-year-old patient experiences abrupt episodes of intense
fear accompanied by palpitations, sweating, trembling, chest
discomfort, shortness of breath, and fear of dying. The episodes
occur unexpectedly. Following several episodes, the patient has
spent the last 2 months worrying about having another attack
and has begun avoiding activities outside the home. Which
diagnosis is most likely?
A. Generalized anxiety disorder
B. Panic disorder
,C. Illness anxiety disorder
D. Specific phobia
Answer: B. Panic disorder
Rationale: Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent
unexpected panic attacks followed by persistent concern about
additional attacks or their consequences and/or significant
maladaptive behavioral changes. The symptoms described
represent a classic panic attack, while the subsequent
anticipatory anxiety and avoidance support the diagnosis of
panic disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent
worry across multiple domains rather than discrete unexpected
attacks. A specific phobia involves fear related to a particular
object or situation, while illness anxiety disorder centers on
preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness.
Question 3
A patient reports fear of speaking during meetings because of
concern that coworkers will judge the patient as incompetent.
The patient experiences blushing, trembling, and intense
anxiety whenever required to speak publicly and has begun
avoiding presentations. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Agoraphobia
B. Panic disorder
, C. Social anxiety disorder
D. Generalized anxiety disorder
Answer: C. Social anxiety disorder
Rationale: Social anxiety disorder involves marked fear or
anxiety about social situations in which the individual may be
scrutinized by others. The central concern is negative
evaluation, embarrassment, rejection, or humiliation. Avoidance
of presentations because of fear of judgment is highly
characteristic. Agoraphobia involves fear of situations where
escape may be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like
symptoms occur. Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive
worry across multiple areas rather than a primarily social-
evaluative fear.
Question 4
A 41-year-old patient reports recurrent intrusive thoughts
about contamination. To reduce distress, the patient washes
their hands repeatedly for several hours each day despite
recognizing that the behavior is excessive. Which diagnosis is
most consistent with these symptoms?
A. Illness anxiety disorder
B. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Mental Health Across the Lifespan Practicum
Practice Exam 2026/2027 | Practice Questions
& Study Guide | Complete Exam-Style
Questions with Correct Detailed Answers &
Rationales (Reliable Answers) | Latest Updated
Version | Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A 29-year-old patient reports excessive anxiety and worry about
finances, work performance, family health, and everyday
responsibilities. The worry has occurred more days than not for
the past 8 months and is difficult to control. The patient also
reports muscle tension, irritability, fatigue, and difficulty
sleeping. Which diagnosis is most consistent with this
presentation?
A. Panic disorder
B. Social anxiety disorder
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Adjustment disorder
,Answer: C. Generalized anxiety disorder
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized
by excessive anxiety and worry about multiple areas of life
occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. The worry is
difficult to control and is associated with symptoms such as
restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle
tension, and sleep disturbance. Panic disorder involves recurrent
unexpected panic attacks with persistent concern or behavioral
changes related to the attacks. Social anxiety disorder centers
on fear of social or performance situations, whereas adjustment
disorder requires an identifiable psychosocial stressor and does
not require the pervasive, excessive worry seen here.
Question 2
A 34-year-old patient experiences abrupt episodes of intense
fear accompanied by palpitations, sweating, trembling, chest
discomfort, shortness of breath, and fear of dying. The episodes
occur unexpectedly. Following several episodes, the patient has
spent the last 2 months worrying about having another attack
and has begun avoiding activities outside the home. Which
diagnosis is most likely?
A. Generalized anxiety disorder
B. Panic disorder
,C. Illness anxiety disorder
D. Specific phobia
Answer: B. Panic disorder
Rationale: Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent
unexpected panic attacks followed by persistent concern about
additional attacks or their consequences and/or significant
maladaptive behavioral changes. The symptoms described
represent a classic panic attack, while the subsequent
anticipatory anxiety and avoidance support the diagnosis of
panic disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent
worry across multiple domains rather than discrete unexpected
attacks. A specific phobia involves fear related to a particular
object or situation, while illness anxiety disorder centers on
preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness.
Question 3
A patient reports fear of speaking during meetings because of
concern that coworkers will judge the patient as incompetent.
The patient experiences blushing, trembling, and intense
anxiety whenever required to speak publicly and has begun
avoiding presentations. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Agoraphobia
B. Panic disorder
, C. Social anxiety disorder
D. Generalized anxiety disorder
Answer: C. Social anxiety disorder
Rationale: Social anxiety disorder involves marked fear or
anxiety about social situations in which the individual may be
scrutinized by others. The central concern is negative
evaluation, embarrassment, rejection, or humiliation. Avoidance
of presentations because of fear of judgment is highly
characteristic. Agoraphobia involves fear of situations where
escape may be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like
symptoms occur. Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive
worry across multiple areas rather than a primarily social-
evaluative fear.
Question 4
A 41-year-old patient reports recurrent intrusive thoughts
about contamination. To reduce distress, the patient washes
their hands repeatedly for several hours each day despite
recognizing that the behavior is excessive. Which diagnosis is
most consistent with these symptoms?
A. Illness anxiety disorder
B. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
