NRNP6635 / NRNP 6635 Final Exam
2025/2026 – Grade A Verified Copy
Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning |
Walden University
Section 1: Foundations & Diagnostic Reasoning (30
Questions)
1. What mental function is most affected in mild cognitive impairment?
Recent memory
Rationale: Mild cognitive impairment primarily impairs short-term memory; long-term memory
and executive function are less affected.
2. What is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability in children?
Down syndrome
Rationale: Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is the leading genetic cause, affecting ~1 in 700 births;
cognitive and adaptive deficits are hallmarks.
3. Which neurotransmitter is most associated with ADHD?
Dopamine
Rationale: Dopamine dysregulation in prefrontal circuits contributes to inattention and
hyperactivity; stimulants enhance dopamine levels.
4. What is the drug of choice for psychosis in delirious patients?
Haloperidol
Rationale: Low-dose haloperidol (IM/IV) is effective for delirium-related psychosis due to
minimal anticholinergic effects; treat underlying cause (e.g., infection).
5. What characteristic is more prominent in childhood-onset schizophrenia than adult-
onset?
Social withdrawal
,Rationale: Childhood schizophrenia shows greater premorbid social deficits; adults often have
better baseline functioning.
6. Which personality disorder is characterized by continual crises and unpredictable
behavior?
Borderline
Rationale: Borderline PD involves emotional instability, impulsivity, and chaotic relationships;
often presents with self-harm or suicidality.
7. What factor best correlates with attempted and completed suicide?
Mental illness
Rationale: Over 90% of suicides are linked to psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar);
assess with C-SSRS for risk.
8. Which brain region shows the greatest anatomical abnormalities in schizophrenia?
Basal ganglia
Rationale: Basal ganglia abnormalities are linked to motor symptoms and dopamine
dysregulation in schizophrenia.
9. What is the onset time for symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
24-72 hours
Rationale: NMS, a reaction to antipsychotics, presents with rigidity, fever, and altered mental
status; treat with dantrolene/bromocriptine.
10. What rating scale is used for medication-induced movement disorders?
AIMS
Rationale: Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale monitors tardive dyskinesia in patients on
antipsychotics; assess annually.
11. What substance decreases antipsychotic blood concentrations but may improve
cognitive impairments in schizophrenia?
Nicotine
Rationale: Nicotine induces CYP1A2, reducing antipsychotic levels (e.g., clozapine); may
enhance cognition via nicotinic receptors.
, 12. Which drug is most likely to inhibit female orgasm?
SSRIs
Rationale: SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine) cause sexual dysfunction in 40-70% of patients via serotonin
modulation; bupropion is an alternative.
13. What is the onset time for tolerance to hallucinogens like LSD?
4-7 days
Rationale: LSD tolerance develops rapidly due to 5-HT2A receptor downregulation; resets after
3-4 days abstinence.
14. What is the most reliable method to diagnose schizophrenia?
Clinical interview
Rationale: Longitudinal history (symptoms ≥6 months) is key; no single test is definitive—rule
out medical/substance causes.
15. Which class of drugs is most effective for pain disorder?
Tricyclic antidepressants
Rationale: TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline) modulate pain via norepinephrine/serotonin; avoid opioids
due to dependence risk.
16. Which drug is effective for social anxiety in children?
Fluvoxamine
Rationale: Fluvoxamine (SSRI) is FDA-approved for pediatric social anxiety; start low, titrate
slowly, combine with CBT.
17. Select two imaging methods used to study anxiety disorders.
fMRI, PET
Rationale: fMRI detects amygdala hyperactivity; PET assesses GABA/serotonin activity in
anxiety.
18. What is the most effective treatment for adolescent depression?
CBT + Fluoxetine
2025/2026 – Grade A Verified Copy
Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning |
Walden University
Section 1: Foundations & Diagnostic Reasoning (30
Questions)
1. What mental function is most affected in mild cognitive impairment?
Recent memory
Rationale: Mild cognitive impairment primarily impairs short-term memory; long-term memory
and executive function are less affected.
2. What is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability in children?
Down syndrome
Rationale: Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is the leading genetic cause, affecting ~1 in 700 births;
cognitive and adaptive deficits are hallmarks.
3. Which neurotransmitter is most associated with ADHD?
Dopamine
Rationale: Dopamine dysregulation in prefrontal circuits contributes to inattention and
hyperactivity; stimulants enhance dopamine levels.
4. What is the drug of choice for psychosis in delirious patients?
Haloperidol
Rationale: Low-dose haloperidol (IM/IV) is effective for delirium-related psychosis due to
minimal anticholinergic effects; treat underlying cause (e.g., infection).
5. What characteristic is more prominent in childhood-onset schizophrenia than adult-
onset?
Social withdrawal
,Rationale: Childhood schizophrenia shows greater premorbid social deficits; adults often have
better baseline functioning.
6. Which personality disorder is characterized by continual crises and unpredictable
behavior?
Borderline
Rationale: Borderline PD involves emotional instability, impulsivity, and chaotic relationships;
often presents with self-harm or suicidality.
7. What factor best correlates with attempted and completed suicide?
Mental illness
Rationale: Over 90% of suicides are linked to psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar);
assess with C-SSRS for risk.
8. Which brain region shows the greatest anatomical abnormalities in schizophrenia?
Basal ganglia
Rationale: Basal ganglia abnormalities are linked to motor symptoms and dopamine
dysregulation in schizophrenia.
9. What is the onset time for symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
24-72 hours
Rationale: NMS, a reaction to antipsychotics, presents with rigidity, fever, and altered mental
status; treat with dantrolene/bromocriptine.
10. What rating scale is used for medication-induced movement disorders?
AIMS
Rationale: Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale monitors tardive dyskinesia in patients on
antipsychotics; assess annually.
11. What substance decreases antipsychotic blood concentrations but may improve
cognitive impairments in schizophrenia?
Nicotine
Rationale: Nicotine induces CYP1A2, reducing antipsychotic levels (e.g., clozapine); may
enhance cognition via nicotinic receptors.
, 12. Which drug is most likely to inhibit female orgasm?
SSRIs
Rationale: SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine) cause sexual dysfunction in 40-70% of patients via serotonin
modulation; bupropion is an alternative.
13. What is the onset time for tolerance to hallucinogens like LSD?
4-7 days
Rationale: LSD tolerance develops rapidly due to 5-HT2A receptor downregulation; resets after
3-4 days abstinence.
14. What is the most reliable method to diagnose schizophrenia?
Clinical interview
Rationale: Longitudinal history (symptoms ≥6 months) is key; no single test is definitive—rule
out medical/substance causes.
15. Which class of drugs is most effective for pain disorder?
Tricyclic antidepressants
Rationale: TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline) modulate pain via norepinephrine/serotonin; avoid opioids
due to dependence risk.
16. Which drug is effective for social anxiety in children?
Fluvoxamine
Rationale: Fluvoxamine (SSRI) is FDA-approved for pediatric social anxiety; start low, titrate
slowly, combine with CBT.
17. Select two imaging methods used to study anxiety disorders.
fMRI, PET
Rationale: fMRI detects amygdala hyperactivity; PET assesses GABA/serotonin activity in
anxiety.
18. What is the most effective treatment for adolescent depression?
CBT + Fluoxetine
