NR 547 – Differential Diagnosis in
Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the
Lifespan Practicum, Chamberlain
University, Midterm Exam 2025/2026
Review Weeks 1–4 with Verified Answers
Questions 1-10: Foundational Concepts & Assessment (Weeks 1-2)
Question: A 28-year-old female presents with fatigue, weight gain, and depressed mood. Lab
results show elevated TSH. What is the most likely differential diagnosis? Answer:
Hypothyroidism contributing to major depressive disorder (MDD). Rationale: Medical
conditions like hypothyroidism mimic MDD symptoms (fatigue, anhedonia); always rule
out organic causes first (DSM-5-TR, Section II; Sadock's Synopsis, Ch. 12; Week 1
differential process).
Question: In assessing a 65-year-old male for neurocognitive disorder (NCD), which tool is
most appropriate for initial screening? (Select all that apply) Answer: Mini-Mental State
Examination (MMSE); Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Rationale: MMSE
(score <24 suggests impairment) and MoCA (sensitive to mild NCD) screen cognition;
use across lifespan but adjust for education/culture (APA Practice Guidelines for NCD,
2023; Week 2 assessment tools).
Question: A 10-year-old child exhibits hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. What is
the first step in differential diagnosis? Answer: Conduct a comprehensive history
including developmental milestones and rule out sensory issues or trauma. Rationale:
ADHD diagnosis requires symptom persistence >6 months and impairment; differentials
include trauma or learning disorders (DSM-5-TR ADHD criteria; AACAP guidelines;
Week 3 child psych).
Question: What is the key difference between adjustment disorder and MDD in a 40-year-
old with recent job loss? Answer: Adjustment disorder symptoms resolve within 6
months of stressor; MDD persists regardless of stressor. Rationale: Adjustment disorder
tied to identifiable stressor (DSM-5-TR, 309.x); MDD lacks this link and has vegetative
symptoms (Week 1 mood disorders).
Question: For a 55-year-old female with anxiety and palpitations, what medical differential
must be ruled out first? Answer: Hyperthyroidism or cardiac arrhythmia. Rationale:
Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the
Lifespan Practicum, Chamberlain
University, Midterm Exam 2025/2026
Review Weeks 1–4 with Verified Answers
Questions 1-10: Foundational Concepts & Assessment (Weeks 1-2)
Question: A 28-year-old female presents with fatigue, weight gain, and depressed mood. Lab
results show elevated TSH. What is the most likely differential diagnosis? Answer:
Hypothyroidism contributing to major depressive disorder (MDD). Rationale: Medical
conditions like hypothyroidism mimic MDD symptoms (fatigue, anhedonia); always rule
out organic causes first (DSM-5-TR, Section II; Sadock's Synopsis, Ch. 12; Week 1
differential process).
Question: In assessing a 65-year-old male for neurocognitive disorder (NCD), which tool is
most appropriate for initial screening? (Select all that apply) Answer: Mini-Mental State
Examination (MMSE); Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Rationale: MMSE
(score <24 suggests impairment) and MoCA (sensitive to mild NCD) screen cognition;
use across lifespan but adjust for education/culture (APA Practice Guidelines for NCD,
2023; Week 2 assessment tools).
Question: A 10-year-old child exhibits hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. What is
the first step in differential diagnosis? Answer: Conduct a comprehensive history
including developmental milestones and rule out sensory issues or trauma. Rationale:
ADHD diagnosis requires symptom persistence >6 months and impairment; differentials
include trauma or learning disorders (DSM-5-TR ADHD criteria; AACAP guidelines;
Week 3 child psych).
Question: What is the key difference between adjustment disorder and MDD in a 40-year-
old with recent job loss? Answer: Adjustment disorder symptoms resolve within 6
months of stressor; MDD persists regardless of stressor. Rationale: Adjustment disorder
tied to identifiable stressor (DSM-5-TR, 309.x); MDD lacks this link and has vegetative
symptoms (Week 1 mood disorders).
Question: For a 55-year-old female with anxiety and palpitations, what medical differential
must be ruled out first? Answer: Hyperthyroidism or cardiac arrhythmia. Rationale:
