,NRNP 6635 Psychopathology & Diagnostic Reasoning Final Exam
2026/2027 | 80 Verified Questions & Answers | Walden University
PMHNP Prep | 6 Core Domains | Instant Download .
INTRODUCTION
NRNP 6635: Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning is a core course in the Walden
University MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program . This
comprehensive final examination covers 4 core domains of advanced psychiatric practice,
preparing PMHNP candidates for clinical diagnostic reasoning and DSM-5-TR application.
The course emphasizes the development of advanced diagnostic reasoning skills essential for
psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners. Students learn to apply the DSM-5-TR diagnostic
criteria systematically while considering cultural, developmental, and biological factors that
influence mental health presentations .
Domain Approximate Weight
Mood Disorders & Differential Diagnosis 25%
Anxiety, Trauma & Stressor-Related Disorders 25%
Psychotic & Neurodevelopmental Disorders 25%
Personality, Somatic & Complex Diagnostic Reasoning 25%
SECTION 1: MOOD DISORDERS & DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Question 1:
A patient presents with a 2-week history of depressed mood, anhedonia, insomnia, fatigue, and
feelings of worthlessness. Which of the following is required for a diagnosis of major depressive
disorder?
A) At least 3 symptoms present for 1 week
B) At least 5 symptoms present for 2 weeks, including depressed mood or anhedonia
C) At least 7 symptoms present for 1 month
D) At least 2 symptoms present for 6 months
, Correct Answer: B) At least 5 symptoms present for 2 weeks, including depressed mood or
anhedonia
Rationale: According to DSM-5-TR criteria, a major depressive episode requires five or more
symptoms present during the same 2-week period, representing a change from previous
functioning. At least one symptom must be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or
pleasure .
Question 2:
A 45-year-old patient reports decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, rapid speech, and
excessive involvement in risky activities for the past 5 days. The patient has a history of major
depressive episodes. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Major depressive disorder with mixed features
B) Bipolar I disorder
C) Bipolar II disorder
D) Cyclothymic disorder
Correct Answer: B) Bipolar I disorder
Rationale: The presence of a manic episode (decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, rapid
speech, risky behavior lasting at least 1 week or requiring hospitalization) confirms Bipolar I
disorder. A major depressive episode is not required for Bipolar I diagnosis, though most
patients experience one .
Question 3:
Which specifier is applied when a patient experiences four or more mood episodes within a 12-
month period?
A) Seasonal pattern
B) Rapid cycling
C) Mixed features
D) With psychotic features
Correct Answer: B) Rapid cycling
Rationale: Rapid cycling is defined as four or more mood episodes (mania, hypomania, or
major depression) during a 12-month period. This specifier can be applied to Bipolar I or
Bipolar II disorder .
Question 4:
A patient with recurrent depressive episodes reports that symptoms consistently begin in
November and remit in March each year. Which specifier is most appropriate?
A) With peripartum onset
B) With seasonal pattern
2026/2027 | 80 Verified Questions & Answers | Walden University
PMHNP Prep | 6 Core Domains | Instant Download .
INTRODUCTION
NRNP 6635: Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning is a core course in the Walden
University MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program . This
comprehensive final examination covers 4 core domains of advanced psychiatric practice,
preparing PMHNP candidates for clinical diagnostic reasoning and DSM-5-TR application.
The course emphasizes the development of advanced diagnostic reasoning skills essential for
psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners. Students learn to apply the DSM-5-TR diagnostic
criteria systematically while considering cultural, developmental, and biological factors that
influence mental health presentations .
Domain Approximate Weight
Mood Disorders & Differential Diagnosis 25%
Anxiety, Trauma & Stressor-Related Disorders 25%
Psychotic & Neurodevelopmental Disorders 25%
Personality, Somatic & Complex Diagnostic Reasoning 25%
SECTION 1: MOOD DISORDERS & DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Question 1:
A patient presents with a 2-week history of depressed mood, anhedonia, insomnia, fatigue, and
feelings of worthlessness. Which of the following is required for a diagnosis of major depressive
disorder?
A) At least 3 symptoms present for 1 week
B) At least 5 symptoms present for 2 weeks, including depressed mood or anhedonia
C) At least 7 symptoms present for 1 month
D) At least 2 symptoms present for 6 months
, Correct Answer: B) At least 5 symptoms present for 2 weeks, including depressed mood or
anhedonia
Rationale: According to DSM-5-TR criteria, a major depressive episode requires five or more
symptoms present during the same 2-week period, representing a change from previous
functioning. At least one symptom must be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or
pleasure .
Question 2:
A 45-year-old patient reports decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, rapid speech, and
excessive involvement in risky activities for the past 5 days. The patient has a history of major
depressive episodes. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Major depressive disorder with mixed features
B) Bipolar I disorder
C) Bipolar II disorder
D) Cyclothymic disorder
Correct Answer: B) Bipolar I disorder
Rationale: The presence of a manic episode (decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, rapid
speech, risky behavior lasting at least 1 week or requiring hospitalization) confirms Bipolar I
disorder. A major depressive episode is not required for Bipolar I diagnosis, though most
patients experience one .
Question 3:
Which specifier is applied when a patient experiences four or more mood episodes within a 12-
month period?
A) Seasonal pattern
B) Rapid cycling
C) Mixed features
D) With psychotic features
Correct Answer: B) Rapid cycling
Rationale: Rapid cycling is defined as four or more mood episodes (mania, hypomania, or
major depression) during a 12-month period. This specifier can be applied to Bipolar I or
Bipolar II disorder .
Question 4:
A patient with recurrent depressive episodes reports that symptoms consistently begin in
November and remit in March each year. Which specifier is most appropriate?
A) With peripartum onset
B) With seasonal pattern
