NUR 605 Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Lifespan Exam with Questions and Answers

It covers key domains which include; Advanced Diagnostic Reasoning and Assessment, Treatment Hierarchy and Stabilization, Psychotherapeutic Modalities, Psychopharmacology and Neurobiology, Cultural and Ethical Consideration and Documentation and Legal Standards. A 72-year-old patient presents with recent onset of forgetfulness, poor concentration, and appears confused during interview. Family reports rapid decline over 2 weeks. The nurse is differentiating delirium from dementia. Which finding most strongly supports delirium rather than dementia? a. Gradual decline in memory over 3 years b. Fluctuating level of consciousness throughout the day c. Stable impairment in short-term memory with intact alertness d. Preserved attention but impaired executive functioning Correct Answer b. Fluctuating level of consciousness throughout the day Rationale Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and impaired attention with altered level of consciousness. Dementia typically has a gradual, progressive decline without fluctuations in consciousness, especially early in the disease. A 15-year-old is being evaluated for possible ADHD. The adolescent reports decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, grandiosity, and episodic risky behaviors lasting several days. Which differential diagnosis should the clinician prioritize? a. Generalized anxiety disorder b. Oppositional defiant disorder c. Bipolar I disorder d. Major depressive disorder Correct Answer c. Bipolar I disorder Rationale The presence of episodic mood elevation, decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, and risky behavior suggests manic episodes, which are more consistent with bipolar I disorder rather than ADHD, which is chronic and not episodic in nature.