2024/2025 – 100% CORRECT VERIFIED
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | WALDEN
UNIVERSITY
Question 1
Which of the following is a hallmark feature of dissociative identity disorder (DID)?
A. Persistent auditory hallucinations
B. Presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states
C. Recurrent episodes of mania
D. Chronic motor tics
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct
identities or personality states that control a person’s behavior at different times. This is
accompanied by an inability to recall important personal information that is too extensive to be
explained by ordinary forgetfulness. Auditory hallucinations are more typical of schizophrenia,
mania is associated with bipolar disorder, and motor tics are seen in Tourette’s syndrome.
Question 2
A patient with a history of trauma presents with feelings of unreality and detachment from their
surroundings. This is most consistent with which disorder?
A. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
B. Depersonalization/derealization disorder
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Borderline personality disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Depersonalization/derealization disorder is characterized by persistent or recurrent
feelings of detachment from one’s body (depersonalization) or surroundings (derealization).
While PTSD may include dissociative symptoms, they are typically accompanied by intrusive
memories and hyperarousal. Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry, and
borderline personality disorder is marked by unstable relationships and impulsivity.
,Question 3
Which medication is most commonly used to treat acute agitation in a patient with
schizophrenia?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Lorazepam
C. Lithium
D. Aripiprazole
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, is commonly used for acute agitation in schizophrenia
due to its rapid sedative effects. Fluoxetine is an SSRI used for depression, lithium is primarily
for bipolar disorder, and aripiprazole is an antipsychotic for long-term management, not acute
agitation.
Question 4
The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is primarily used to assess which of the following
conditions?
A. Dementia
B. Delirium
C. Schizophrenia
D. Major depressive disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is a standardized tool used to identify
delirium, characterized by acute onset, fluctuating cognition, and inattention. Dementia has a
gradual onset, schizophrenia involves psychotic symptoms, and major depressive disorder is
primarily mood-based.
Question 5
A 28-year-old patient reports recurrent fire-setting behavior driven by a fascination with fire.
This is most consistent with which diagnosis?
A. Antisocial personality disorder
B. Pyromania
C. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
D. Conduct disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pyromania is an impulse control disorder characterized by deliberate and recurrent
fire-setting driven by fascination or pleasure, not for monetary gain or revenge. Antisocial
, personality disorder involves broader disregard for rules, OCD involves intrusive thoughts and
compulsions, and conduct disorder is seen in younger individuals with rule-breaking behaviors.
Question 6
Which of the following brain imaging findings is most commonly associated with autism
spectrum disorder (ASD)?
A. Decreased gray matter volume
B. Increased head size and brain volume
C. Reduced cerebellar volume
D. Hypoplasia of the corpus callosum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Autism spectrum disorder is often associated with increased head size
(macrocephaly) and brain volume, particularly in early childhood. Decreased gray matter is more
typical of schizophrenia, reduced cerebellar volume is linked to certain ataxias, and corpus
callosum hypoplasia is not a primary feature of ASD.
Question 7
A patient with a history of alcohol use disorder presents with acute confusion and ataxia. Which
condition is most likely?
A. Wernicke’s encephalopathy
B. Korsakoff’s syndrome
C. Delirium tremens
D. Hepatic encephalopathy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Wernicke’s encephalopathy, caused by thiamine deficiency in chronic alcohol use,
presents with acute confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. Korsakoff’s syndrome involves
memory deficits, delirium tremens includes severe withdrawal symptoms, and hepatic
encephalopathy is linked to liver failure.
Question 8
Which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for somatic symptom disorder?
A. Intentional falsification of symptoms
B. Absence of physical symptoms
C. Excessive thoughts or behaviors related to somatic symptoms
D. Psychotic symptoms related to health concerns