NR 606
NR-606 Final Exam Study Questions
with Correct Answers 2026
What is the DSM-5 definition of ADHD?
A persistent pattern of selective attention and/or hyperactivity and or
impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. The patient
should usually have 6 or more symptoms of selective attention, hyperactivity
and impulsivity for 6 months or longer.
Symptoms interfere with social, academic, or occupational functioning
symptoms are present in two or more setting
What are some s/s of selective attention (refers to the ability to focus on
specific information or stimuli while actively filtering out irrelevant
distractions, essentially choosing what to pay attention to) within children
with ADHD?
lack of attention to detail, carelesnessness, not listening, losing things,
diverting attention, forgetfulness.
What are some s/s of impulsivity?
Not waiting your turn, blurting things out, interrupting, excessive talking
What are some s/s of hyperactivity?
trouble playing quietly, leaving ones set, running/climbing, fidgeting
What are some s/s of lack of sustained attention?
1|Page
,NR 606
poor problem solving, difficulty completing tasks, disorganization, difficulty
sustaining mental effort
When is ADHD usually diagnosed and what gender does it mainly affect?
It is diagnosed within early childhood to adolescents.
ADHD has a 2:1 male to female ratio.
What is the importance of early ADHD diagnosis and treatment?
ADHD symptoms may be mild or so severe and persistent that they interfere
with virtually all aspects of a person's life.
Without early identification and proper treatment, ADHD can cause
disruptions in academic performance, family stress, difficulties in social
relationships, and accidental injuries.
What are the lasting consequences of non-treatment of ADHD in children?
Children with ADHD may experience delays in speech, motor, and social
development. They often demonstrate reduced behavioral inhibition,
emotional dys-regulation or impulsivity, and negative emotionality. Some
children with ADHD have challenges with working memory.
ADHD typically presents with_________ IN EARLY CHILDHOOD.
HYPERACTIVITY
What is the difficult about diagnosing ADHD in children under the age of 4?
It can be hard to distinguish actually ADHD symptoms from normal
neurotypical children.
2|Page
,NR 606
_______ FEATURES become more prominent in PRESCHOOL and
ELEMENTARY school, which is when ADHD is most often diagnosed.
Inattentive.
Young children can experience developmental delays and may engage in
behaviors that are less mature than their peers.
In adolescence, signs of hyperactivity become less common, but some
adolescents experience a worsening of the condition with development of
_______ behaviors.
Anti-social
Teens with ADHD are at risk for poor academic performance, problems with
driving, difficulties with social situations, risky sexual behavior, and
substance abuse.- Particularly untreated
As clients reach adolescence, hyperactive symptoms may decline and become
less apparent to others, but adolescents and adults with ADHD may still
struggle with executive function, attention, and working memory, which can
create problems with day-to-day functioning, performance at work, and
relationships.
How would you as a PMHNP screen or diagnose ADHD?
To make an informed diagnosis, it is essential to gather data from multiple
sources, including the client, parents, and teachers of children and
adolescents. Several instruments are available, either free or for a fee, to
assist in diagnosis, as well as to monitor changes in symptoms during
3|Page
, NR 606
treatment.
You can use the Vanderbilt scale- FREE
Connor Scale- not free
What are some co-morbidities of ADHD?
Substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD, Bipolar
Common co-occurring conditions include learning disabilities, conduct
disorders, tics, anxiety, depression, and language disorders; adolescents are at
increased risk of substance use disorders.
Consideration must be given to whether the presenting symptoms are
attributed to ADHD, another disorder, or to both disorders to make an
accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
How is treatment typically handled when a child has ADHD AND a co-
existing mental health ailment?
Children with co-occurring conditions are often treated first for ADHD and
then for comorbidities, as treating ADHD symptoms first may help reduce
overall stress levels and provide a clearer picture of the comorbid symptoms
What is the first-line treatment for ADHD?
A stimulant medication.
A non-stimulant is used if a stimulant is contraindicated or if a stimulant is
not effective.
4|Page
NR-606 Final Exam Study Questions
with Correct Answers 2026
What is the DSM-5 definition of ADHD?
A persistent pattern of selective attention and/or hyperactivity and or
impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. The patient
should usually have 6 or more symptoms of selective attention, hyperactivity
and impulsivity for 6 months or longer.
Symptoms interfere with social, academic, or occupational functioning
symptoms are present in two or more setting
What are some s/s of selective attention (refers to the ability to focus on
specific information or stimuli while actively filtering out irrelevant
distractions, essentially choosing what to pay attention to) within children
with ADHD?
lack of attention to detail, carelesnessness, not listening, losing things,
diverting attention, forgetfulness.
What are some s/s of impulsivity?
Not waiting your turn, blurting things out, interrupting, excessive talking
What are some s/s of hyperactivity?
trouble playing quietly, leaving ones set, running/climbing, fidgeting
What are some s/s of lack of sustained attention?
1|Page
,NR 606
poor problem solving, difficulty completing tasks, disorganization, difficulty
sustaining mental effort
When is ADHD usually diagnosed and what gender does it mainly affect?
It is diagnosed within early childhood to adolescents.
ADHD has a 2:1 male to female ratio.
What is the importance of early ADHD diagnosis and treatment?
ADHD symptoms may be mild or so severe and persistent that they interfere
with virtually all aspects of a person's life.
Without early identification and proper treatment, ADHD can cause
disruptions in academic performance, family stress, difficulties in social
relationships, and accidental injuries.
What are the lasting consequences of non-treatment of ADHD in children?
Children with ADHD may experience delays in speech, motor, and social
development. They often demonstrate reduced behavioral inhibition,
emotional dys-regulation or impulsivity, and negative emotionality. Some
children with ADHD have challenges with working memory.
ADHD typically presents with_________ IN EARLY CHILDHOOD.
HYPERACTIVITY
What is the difficult about diagnosing ADHD in children under the age of 4?
It can be hard to distinguish actually ADHD symptoms from normal
neurotypical children.
2|Page
,NR 606
_______ FEATURES become more prominent in PRESCHOOL and
ELEMENTARY school, which is when ADHD is most often diagnosed.
Inattentive.
Young children can experience developmental delays and may engage in
behaviors that are less mature than their peers.
In adolescence, signs of hyperactivity become less common, but some
adolescents experience a worsening of the condition with development of
_______ behaviors.
Anti-social
Teens with ADHD are at risk for poor academic performance, problems with
driving, difficulties with social situations, risky sexual behavior, and
substance abuse.- Particularly untreated
As clients reach adolescence, hyperactive symptoms may decline and become
less apparent to others, but adolescents and adults with ADHD may still
struggle with executive function, attention, and working memory, which can
create problems with day-to-day functioning, performance at work, and
relationships.
How would you as a PMHNP screen or diagnose ADHD?
To make an informed diagnosis, it is essential to gather data from multiple
sources, including the client, parents, and teachers of children and
adolescents. Several instruments are available, either free or for a fee, to
assist in diagnosis, as well as to monitor changes in symptoms during
3|Page
, NR 606
treatment.
You can use the Vanderbilt scale- FREE
Connor Scale- not free
What are some co-morbidities of ADHD?
Substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD, Bipolar
Common co-occurring conditions include learning disabilities, conduct
disorders, tics, anxiety, depression, and language disorders; adolescents are at
increased risk of substance use disorders.
Consideration must be given to whether the presenting symptoms are
attributed to ADHD, another disorder, or to both disorders to make an
accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
How is treatment typically handled when a child has ADHD AND a co-
existing mental health ailment?
Children with co-occurring conditions are often treated first for ADHD and
then for comorbidities, as treating ADHD symptoms first may help reduce
overall stress levels and provide a clearer picture of the comorbid symptoms
What is the first-line treatment for ADHD?
A stimulant medication.
A non-stimulant is used if a stimulant is contraindicated or if a stimulant is
not effective.
4|Page
