NR547 WEEK 4 EXAM V1 -
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN PMHNP
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(LATEST ), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. When differentiating between Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar II Disorder,
which clinical feature is most diagnostic of Bipolar II?
A. Presence of a full manic episode lasting at least 1 week
B. Presence of at least one hypomanic episode lasting 4 days
C. Chronic low-grade depression for at least two years
D. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II is defined by the occurrence of at least one hypomanic
episode (4+ days) and at least one major depressive episode. Manic episodes (1 week+)
would indicate Bipolar I.
2. Which screening tool is most appropriate for initially assessing the severity of depressive
symptoms in an adult outpatient setting?
A. PHQ-9
B. GAD-7
C. MDQ
,D. CAGE-AID
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is the gold standard
for screening and measuring the severity of depression in clinical practice.
3. In a patient presenting with acute psychosis, which medical condition should be ruled out
first due to its similar presentation to schizophrenia?
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Hypertension
D. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Neuropsychiatric SLE can present with psychosis, seizures, or
mood changes, making it a critical medical mimic for primary psychotic disorders.
4. A 24-year-old patient reports persistent worry about multiple events for 8 months, muscle
tension, and sleep disturbance. What is the most likely primary diagnosis?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
C. Social Anxiety Disorder
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about
various events for at least 6 months, accompanied by physical symptoms like muscle
tension.
5. What is the primary difference between Schizoaffective Disorder and MDD with Psychotic
Features?
A. The presence of visual hallucinations
B. The duration of mood symptoms
C. Psychotic symptoms occurring for 2 weeks in the absence of a major mood episode
D. The patient’s age at onset
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In Schizoaffective Disorder, delusions or hallucinations must be
present for at least 2 weeks without a major mood episode; in MDD with Psychotic
Features, psychosis occurs only during the mood episode.
6. Which neurotransmitter is most heavily implicated in the ‘reward’ pathway and the
development of substance use disorders?
A. Serotonin
B. Norepinephrine
C. Dopamine
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN PMHNP
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(LATEST ), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. When differentiating between Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar II Disorder,
which clinical feature is most diagnostic of Bipolar II?
A. Presence of a full manic episode lasting at least 1 week
B. Presence of at least one hypomanic episode lasting 4 days
C. Chronic low-grade depression for at least two years
D. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II is defined by the occurrence of at least one hypomanic
episode (4+ days) and at least one major depressive episode. Manic episodes (1 week+)
would indicate Bipolar I.
2. Which screening tool is most appropriate for initially assessing the severity of depressive
symptoms in an adult outpatient setting?
A. PHQ-9
B. GAD-7
C. MDQ
,D. CAGE-AID
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is the gold standard
for screening and measuring the severity of depression in clinical practice.
3. In a patient presenting with acute psychosis, which medical condition should be ruled out
first due to its similar presentation to schizophrenia?
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Hypertension
D. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Neuropsychiatric SLE can present with psychosis, seizures, or
mood changes, making it a critical medical mimic for primary psychotic disorders.
4. A 24-year-old patient reports persistent worry about multiple events for 8 months, muscle
tension, and sleep disturbance. What is the most likely primary diagnosis?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
C. Social Anxiety Disorder
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about
various events for at least 6 months, accompanied by physical symptoms like muscle
tension.
5. What is the primary difference between Schizoaffective Disorder and MDD with Psychotic
Features?
A. The presence of visual hallucinations
B. The duration of mood symptoms
C. Psychotic symptoms occurring for 2 weeks in the absence of a major mood episode
D. The patient’s age at onset
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In Schizoaffective Disorder, delusions or hallucinations must be
present for at least 2 weeks without a major mood episode; in MDD with Psychotic
Features, psychosis occurs only during the mood episode.
6. Which neurotransmitter is most heavily implicated in the ‘reward’ pathway and the
development of substance use disorders?
A. Serotonin
B. Norepinephrine
C. Dopamine
