NR605 | NR605 Diagnosis & Management in
Psychiatric-Mental Health across the Lifespan
Exam 2 Version 3 Questions with Correct Answers
and Expert Explanation for Each Question
1. A 28-year-old female presents with persistent sadness, insomnia, and feelings of
worthlessness for the past 3 weeks. According to the DSM-5, how many symptoms
must be present to diagnose Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
A. Three symptoms
B. Five symptoms
C. Four symptoms
D. Six symptoms
Correct Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: To meet the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, a patient
must experience at least five out of nine specified symptoms during the same 2-
week period. At least one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of
interest/pleasure. This requirement ensures that the diagnosis distinguishes clinical
depression from normal sadness or bereavement.
2. Which of the following differentiates Bipolar I Disorder from Bipolar II Disorder?
A. Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode.
,B. Bipolar II requires a full manic episode lasting 1 week.
C. Bipolar I requires a major depressive episode for diagnosis.
D. Bipolar II does not involve hypomanic episodes.
Correct Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The hallmark of Bipolar I Disorder is the presence of at least
one manic episode, which may or may not be preceded or followed by hypomanic or
major depressive episodes. In contrast, Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic
episode and at least one major depressive episode, but never a full manic episode.
Mania involves significant functional impairment or hospitalization, whereas
hypomania does not.
3. A patient taking Lithium for Bipolar Disorder complains of polyuria and polydipsia.
Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor for potential renal complications?
A. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
B. Serum Creatinine and BUN
C. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
D. Amylase and Lipase
Correct Correct Answer: B
,Expert Explanation: Lithium is excreted almost exclusively by the kidneys, making
renal function monitoring paramount. Chronic use can lead to a decrease in
glomerular filtration rate or nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, presenting as excessive
thirst and urination. Providers should establish baseline renal function and monitor
BUN and creatinine levels at least every 6 to 12 months.
4. When prescribing Lamotrigine (Lamictal), the nurse practitioner must educate the
patient on the risk of which life-threatening condition?
A. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
B. Aplastic Anemia
C. Serotonin Syndrome
D. Hypertensive Crisis
Correct Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Lamotrigine carries a black box warning for serious rashes,
including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. The risk
is minimized by a very slow titration schedule over several weeks. Patients must be
instructed to stop the medication immediately and seek emergency care if any new
rash or mucosal involvement occurs.
, 5. A 35-year-old male reports excessive worry about his job, finances, and health for
the last 8 months. He finds it difficult to control the worry and reports muscle tension
and irritability. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
C. Social Anxiety Disorder
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Correct Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by
excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. The
worry must be about a number of events or activities and be difficult to control.
Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, irritability, and sleep disturbance are
common features that support the diagnosis.
6. Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for a patient newly diagnosed
with Social Anxiety Disorder?
A. Sertraline
B. Alprazolam
C. Bupropion
Psychiatric-Mental Health across the Lifespan
Exam 2 Version 3 Questions with Correct Answers
and Expert Explanation for Each Question
1. A 28-year-old female presents with persistent sadness, insomnia, and feelings of
worthlessness for the past 3 weeks. According to the DSM-5, how many symptoms
must be present to diagnose Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
A. Three symptoms
B. Five symptoms
C. Four symptoms
D. Six symptoms
Correct Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: To meet the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, a patient
must experience at least five out of nine specified symptoms during the same 2-
week period. At least one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of
interest/pleasure. This requirement ensures that the diagnosis distinguishes clinical
depression from normal sadness or bereavement.
2. Which of the following differentiates Bipolar I Disorder from Bipolar II Disorder?
A. Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode.
,B. Bipolar II requires a full manic episode lasting 1 week.
C. Bipolar I requires a major depressive episode for diagnosis.
D. Bipolar II does not involve hypomanic episodes.
Correct Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The hallmark of Bipolar I Disorder is the presence of at least
one manic episode, which may or may not be preceded or followed by hypomanic or
major depressive episodes. In contrast, Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic
episode and at least one major depressive episode, but never a full manic episode.
Mania involves significant functional impairment or hospitalization, whereas
hypomania does not.
3. A patient taking Lithium for Bipolar Disorder complains of polyuria and polydipsia.
Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor for potential renal complications?
A. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
B. Serum Creatinine and BUN
C. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
D. Amylase and Lipase
Correct Correct Answer: B
,Expert Explanation: Lithium is excreted almost exclusively by the kidneys, making
renal function monitoring paramount. Chronic use can lead to a decrease in
glomerular filtration rate or nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, presenting as excessive
thirst and urination. Providers should establish baseline renal function and monitor
BUN and creatinine levels at least every 6 to 12 months.
4. When prescribing Lamotrigine (Lamictal), the nurse practitioner must educate the
patient on the risk of which life-threatening condition?
A. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
B. Aplastic Anemia
C. Serotonin Syndrome
D. Hypertensive Crisis
Correct Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Lamotrigine carries a black box warning for serious rashes,
including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. The risk
is minimized by a very slow titration schedule over several weeks. Patients must be
instructed to stop the medication immediately and seek emergency care if any new
rash or mucosal involvement occurs.
, 5. A 35-year-old male reports excessive worry about his job, finances, and health for
the last 8 months. He finds it difficult to control the worry and reports muscle tension
and irritability. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
C. Social Anxiety Disorder
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Correct Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by
excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. The
worry must be about a number of events or activities and be difficult to control.
Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, irritability, and sleep disturbance are
common features that support the diagnosis.
6. Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for a patient newly diagnosed
with Social Anxiety Disorder?
A. Sertraline
B. Alprazolam
C. Bupropion
