NR547 Exam 1 V1 Questions with Correct Answers
1. Which of the following standardized tools is most appropriate for screening a
patient for Bipolar Disorder?
A. PHQ-9
B. GAD-7
C. MDQ
D. CAGE
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is specifically
designed to screen for symptoms of mania and hypomania associated with Bipolar
Disorder. It helps clinicians differentiate between unipolar depression and bipolar
spectrum disorders by identifying past manic episodes. Using this tool is a critical
step in the differential diagnosis process to ensure appropriate treatment selection.
2. When evaluating a patient for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), what is the
minimum duration symptoms must be present for a diagnosis?
A. 2 weeks
B. 1 week
C. 1 month
,D. 6 months
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The DSM-5-TR criteria require that symptoms for Major
Depressive Disorder be present for at least a two-week period. These symptoms
must represent a change from previous functioning and include either depressed
mood or loss of interest or pleasure. This specific timeframe helps distinguish
clinical depression from transient periods of sadness or grief.
3. A patient presents with rapid onset of confusion, disorientation, and fluctuating
levels of consciousness. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Delirium
B. Schizophrenia
C. Major Neurocognitive Disorder
D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating
course of cognitive impairment and clouded consciousness. It is often caused by an
underlying medical condition, substance intoxication, or medication side effects.
Differentiating delirium from dementia is vital because delirium is typically
reversible once the underlying cause is treated.
,4. Which component of the Mental Status Examination (MSE) assesses the patient’s
awareness of their own psychiatric illness?
A. Insight
B. Judgment
C. Affect
D. Cognition
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Insight refers to the patient’s ability to understand the nature
and cause of their illness and the need for treatment. It ranges from complete denial
to full recognition of the psychiatric condition. Assessing insight is crucial for
determining treatment adherence and the potential for clinical improvement.
5. In the CAGE screening tool for alcohol use, what does the ‘E’ stand for?
A. Every day use
B. Eye-opener
C. Excessive drinking
D. Emotional triggers
Correct Answer: B
, Expert Explanation: The ‘E’ in CAGE stands for ‘Eye-opener,’ which refers to
needing a drink first thing in the morning to steady nerves or get rid of a hangover.
The CAGE questionnaire is a widely used four-question tool to screen for alcohol
dependency. A positive response to two or more questions suggests a high
probability of alcohol abuse.
6. Which medical condition is most likely to mimic the symptoms of Major Depressive
Disorder?
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Diabetes Mellitus
C. Hypertension
D. Hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hypothyroidism often presents with symptoms such as
fatigue, weight gain, and depressed mood, which closely overlap with Major
Depressive Disorder. Before confirming a psychiatric diagnosis, clinicians should
order a TSH test to rule out thyroid dysfunction. Treating the underlying medical
condition can often resolve the depressive symptoms entirely.
1. Which of the following standardized tools is most appropriate for screening a
patient for Bipolar Disorder?
A. PHQ-9
B. GAD-7
C. MDQ
D. CAGE
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is specifically
designed to screen for symptoms of mania and hypomania associated with Bipolar
Disorder. It helps clinicians differentiate between unipolar depression and bipolar
spectrum disorders by identifying past manic episodes. Using this tool is a critical
step in the differential diagnosis process to ensure appropriate treatment selection.
2. When evaluating a patient for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), what is the
minimum duration symptoms must be present for a diagnosis?
A. 2 weeks
B. 1 week
C. 1 month
,D. 6 months
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The DSM-5-TR criteria require that symptoms for Major
Depressive Disorder be present for at least a two-week period. These symptoms
must represent a change from previous functioning and include either depressed
mood or loss of interest or pleasure. This specific timeframe helps distinguish
clinical depression from transient periods of sadness or grief.
3. A patient presents with rapid onset of confusion, disorientation, and fluctuating
levels of consciousness. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Delirium
B. Schizophrenia
C. Major Neurocognitive Disorder
D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating
course of cognitive impairment and clouded consciousness. It is often caused by an
underlying medical condition, substance intoxication, or medication side effects.
Differentiating delirium from dementia is vital because delirium is typically
reversible once the underlying cause is treated.
,4. Which component of the Mental Status Examination (MSE) assesses the patient’s
awareness of their own psychiatric illness?
A. Insight
B. Judgment
C. Affect
D. Cognition
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Insight refers to the patient’s ability to understand the nature
and cause of their illness and the need for treatment. It ranges from complete denial
to full recognition of the psychiatric condition. Assessing insight is crucial for
determining treatment adherence and the potential for clinical improvement.
5. In the CAGE screening tool for alcohol use, what does the ‘E’ stand for?
A. Every day use
B. Eye-opener
C. Excessive drinking
D. Emotional triggers
Correct Answer: B
, Expert Explanation: The ‘E’ in CAGE stands for ‘Eye-opener,’ which refers to
needing a drink first thing in the morning to steady nerves or get rid of a hangover.
The CAGE questionnaire is a widely used four-question tool to screen for alcohol
dependency. A positive response to two or more questions suggests a high
probability of alcohol abuse.
6. Which medical condition is most likely to mimic the symptoms of Major Depressive
Disorder?
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Diabetes Mellitus
C. Hypertension
D. Hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hypothyroidism often presents with symptoms such as
fatigue, weight gain, and depressed mood, which closely overlap with Major
Depressive Disorder. Before confirming a psychiatric diagnosis, clinicians should
order a TSH test to rule out thyroid dysfunction. Treating the underlying medical
condition can often resolve the depressive symptoms entirely.
