5/17/26, 9:39 NR 547 CEA Exam – Chambe
PM
NR 547 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Final Exam Questions &
Answers 2025/2026 | Complete Study Guide on Depression Scales
(HAM-D, PHQ-9, GDS), Bipolar Screening (MDQ), Lithium &
Valproate Monitoring, Thyroid Labs & Psych Nursing Essentials | 453
Q&A Master Revision Resource.
What does a score of 0-7 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) indicate?
Normal (no depression)
What does a score of 8-16 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) indicate?
Mild depression
What does a score of 17-23 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) indicate?
Moderate depression
What does a score of 24 or higher on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)
indicate?
Severe depression
How are items on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scored?
Each item is scored 0-2 or 0-4, depending on severity.
What type of tool is the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)?
A clinician administered tool used to assess the severity of depression symptoms.
What aspects of depression does the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) evaluate?
Psychological and physical aspects of depression.
HAM-D 17 Components
Mood
Guilt
Feelings SI
Insomnia
Work and Activities
Psychomotor Agitation or retardation
1/
141
,5/17/26, 9:39 NR 547 CEA Exam – Chambe
PM
Anxiety (psychological and somatic
symptoms) Somatic symptoms
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,5/17/26, 9:39 NR 547 CEA Exam – Chambe
PM
Hypochondriasis
Loss of weight
Insight
Limitation of HAM-D rating scale
More focused on somatic symptoms which can over estimate depression in medically ill
patients
Alternative to HAM-D Scale
Montgomery-Ashberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) which is better for tracking and
treatment response
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
Consists of yes/no questions that assess emotional, cognitive, and behavioral
symptoms of depresion in older adults. It avoids somatic symptoms that may overlap
with medical conditions
Key Areas assessed in GDS
Mood and Enjoyment
Energy Levels
Social Withdrawal
Feelings of
Hopelessness Memory
Concerns Anxiety and
Worry Suicidal
Thoughts
Scoring GDS
1 point of each depressed response
Yes to negative statements and no to positive statements
Scoring Interpretation of GDS-30
0-30
0-9 Normal (no
depression) 10-19 Mild
Depression
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, 5/17/26, 9:39 NR 547 CEA Exam – Chambe
PM
20-30 Moderate to Severe Depression
Scoring Interpretation GDS-15
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141
PM
NR 547 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Final Exam Questions &
Answers 2025/2026 | Complete Study Guide on Depression Scales
(HAM-D, PHQ-9, GDS), Bipolar Screening (MDQ), Lithium &
Valproate Monitoring, Thyroid Labs & Psych Nursing Essentials | 453
Q&A Master Revision Resource.
What does a score of 0-7 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) indicate?
Normal (no depression)
What does a score of 8-16 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) indicate?
Mild depression
What does a score of 17-23 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) indicate?
Moderate depression
What does a score of 24 or higher on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)
indicate?
Severe depression
How are items on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scored?
Each item is scored 0-2 or 0-4, depending on severity.
What type of tool is the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)?
A clinician administered tool used to assess the severity of depression symptoms.
What aspects of depression does the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) evaluate?
Psychological and physical aspects of depression.
HAM-D 17 Components
Mood
Guilt
Feelings SI
Insomnia
Work and Activities
Psychomotor Agitation or retardation
1/
141
,5/17/26, 9:39 NR 547 CEA Exam – Chambe
PM
Anxiety (psychological and somatic
symptoms) Somatic symptoms
2/
141
,5/17/26, 9:39 NR 547 CEA Exam – Chambe
PM
Hypochondriasis
Loss of weight
Insight
Limitation of HAM-D rating scale
More focused on somatic symptoms which can over estimate depression in medically ill
patients
Alternative to HAM-D Scale
Montgomery-Ashberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) which is better for tracking and
treatment response
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
Consists of yes/no questions that assess emotional, cognitive, and behavioral
symptoms of depresion in older adults. It avoids somatic symptoms that may overlap
with medical conditions
Key Areas assessed in GDS
Mood and Enjoyment
Energy Levels
Social Withdrawal
Feelings of
Hopelessness Memory
Concerns Anxiety and
Worry Suicidal
Thoughts
Scoring GDS
1 point of each depressed response
Yes to negative statements and no to positive statements
Scoring Interpretation of GDS-30
0-30
0-9 Normal (no
depression) 10-19 Mild
Depression
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141
, 5/17/26, 9:39 NR 547 CEA Exam – Chambe
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20-30 Moderate to Severe Depression
Scoring Interpretation GDS-15
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141
