NRNP 6635 – Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning (Walden University, 2025/2026) | Midterm Exam Study Guide | Complete Exam Preparation Material

NRNP 6635 Psychopathology and Diagnostic
Reasoning – Midterm Exam Study Guide –
Walden University (2025/2026) Complete
Exam Preparation Material


Exam-Focused Multiple-Choice Questions
Section 1: Neurodevelopmental and Childhood Disorders (Questions 1-10)

Question 1: A 5-year-old child exhibits persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
impairing school performance. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
B. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
C. Autism Spectrum Disorder
D. Specific Learning Disorder
Correct Answer: B. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Rationale: ADHD requires ≥6 symptoms inattention/hyperactivity for ≥6 months, onset before
age 12, across settings. A conduct; C social; D academic only.



Question 2: A 3-year-old with delayed speech, poor eye contact, and repetitive behaviors has
what core feature?
A. Social communication deficits
B. Hyperactivity
C. Defiance
D. Enuresis
Correct Answer: A. Social communication deficits
Rationale: ASD triad: social, communication, restricted/repetitive. Assess with ADOS; early
intervention ABA.



Question 3: Separation Anxiety Disorder in children is characterized by:
A. Fear of separation exceeding developmental norms, onset before age 18
B. School refusal only
C. Stranger anxiety
D. Normal attachment

,Correct Answer: A. Fear of separation exceeding developmental norms, onset before age 18
Rationale: Requires ≥3 symptoms (distress, nightmares); CBT exposure.



Question 4: Enuresis (bedwetting) in a 7-year-old is diagnosed when:
A. Voiding ≥2x/week for 3 months, age ≥5
B. Diurnal only
C. Emotional
D. Organic
Correct Answer: A. Voiding ≥2x/week for 3 months, age ≥5
Rationale: Use desmopressin or alarm.



Question 5: Tourette's Disorder requires motor and vocal tics for:
A. ≥1 year, onset before age 18
B. 6 months
C. Chronic
D. Transient
Correct Answer: A. ≥1 year, onset before age 18
Rationale: Use haloperidol or CBIT.



Question 6: Reactive Attachment Disorder from:
A. Pathological care early
B. Genetics
C. Trauma later
D. Normal
Correct Answer: A. Pathological care early
Rationale: Inhibited/emotional withdrawn.



Question 7: Conduct Disorder specifier callous-unemotional:
A. Lack empathy, remorse
B. Hyperactive
C. Anxious
D. No
Correct Answer: A. Lack empathy, remorse
Rationale: Poor prognosis.

, Question 8: PDD-NOS now:
A. ASD spectrum
B. Separate
C. ADHD
D. No
Correct Answer: A. ASD spectrum
Rationale: Collapsed into ASD.



Question 9: Childhood anxiety generalized:
A. Excessive worry ≥6 months
B. Phobia
C. PTSD
D. No
Correct Answer: A. Excessive worry ≥6 months
Rationale: SSRI/CBT.



Question 10: DMDD:
A. Chronic irritability, tantrums
B. Bipolar
C. Depression
D. No
Correct Answer: A. Chronic irritability, tantrums
Rationale: Age 6-18.

Section 2: Mood and Anxiety Disorders (Questions 11-30)

Question 11: MDD criteria:
A. ≥5 symptoms 2 weeks, anhedonia/depressed mood
B. 1 week
C. Mania
D. No
Correct Answer: A. ≥5 symptoms 2 weeks, anhedonia/depressed mood
Rationale: SSRI first.



Question 12: Bipolar I:
A. Manic episode ≥7 days
B. Hypomania
C. Depression only
D. No