NRNP 6635 / NRNP 6635 (Latest
2025/2026): Midterm Exam –
Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning – Walden Introduction This document contains the latest verified questions and answers from the NRNP 6635 Midterm Exam at Walden University. Updated for the 2025/2026 academic year and based on the Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning course, it is designed for PMHNP students preparing to master DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and differential diagnoses in mental health practice.Midterm Exam Questions and Answers 1.A 30-year-old patient presents with persistent sadness, anhedonia, and insomnia for 6 weeks. Which diagnosis is most likely according to DSM-5-TR?A.Major Depressive Disorder B.Generalized Anxiety Disorder C.Bipolar II Disorder D.Adjustment Disorder Rationale:Persistent sadness, anhedonia, and insomnia for over 2 weeks meet DSM-5- TR criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (APA, 2022).
2.Which neurotransmitter is most implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophre- nia?A.Dopamine B.Serotonin
C.GABA
D.Glutamate Rationale:The dopamine hypothesis suggests excessive dopamine activity in mesolimbic pathways contributes to schizophrenia symptoms (Stahl, 2021).
3.A patient reports excessive worry about multiple events for 8 months, with difficulty controlling the worry. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?A.Generalized Anxiety Disorder B.Panic Disorder C.Social Anxiety Disorder NRNP 6635 Midterm Exam | Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning | Verified Q&A | 2025/2026 1 / 3
D.Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Rationale:Excessive, uncontrollable worry for at least 6 months meets DSM-5-TR
criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (APA, 2022).
4.Which symptom is a hallmark of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) according to DSM-5-TR?A.Intrusive memories B.Grandiosity C.Compulsions D.Derealization Rationale:Intrusive memories of a traumatic event are a core symptom of PTSD per
DSM-5-TR (APA, 2022).
5.A 25-year-old patient exhibits grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, and risky be- haviors for 5 days. What is the most likely diagnosis?A.Bipolar I Disorder, Manic Episode B.Major Depressive Disorder C.Cyclothymic Disorder D.Borderline Personality Disorder Rationale:A manic episode lasting at least 4–7 days with symptoms like grandiosity meets DSM-5-TR criteria for Bipolar I Disorder (APA, 2022).
6.Which assessment tool is commonly used to screen for depression in primary care settings?
A.PHQ-9
B.GAD-7
C.MMSE
D.CAGE
Rationale:The PHQ-9 is a validated tool for screening and assessing depression severity (Kroenke et al., 2001).
7.A patient with obsessive thoughts about contamination performs repetitive hand- washing. What is the most likely diagnosis?A.Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder B.Generalized Anxiety Disorder C.Specific Phobia D.Panic Disorder Rationale:Obsessions and compulsions, such as contamination fears and hand-washing, are diagnostic for OCD per DSM-5-TR (APA, 2022).NRNP 6635 Midterm Exam | Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning | Verified Q&A | 2025/2026 2 / 3
8.Which medication class is first-line for treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder?A.SSRIs B.Antipsychotics C.Benzodiazepines D.Mood Stabilizers Rationale:SSRIs, such as sertraline, are first-line due to efficacy and lower risk of dependence compared to benzodiazepines (Baldwin et al., 2014).
9.A 40-year-old patient reports panic attacks with palpitations and fear of dying.What is the most appropriate diagnosis?A.Panic Disorder B.Social Anxiety Disorder
C.PTSD
D.Agoraphobia Rationale:Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with physical and cognitive symptoms meet DSM-5-TR criteria for Panic Disorder (APA, 2022).
10.Which symptom differentiates Bipolar I Disorder from Bipolar II Disorder?A.Presence of manic episodes B.Presence of depressive episodes C.Chronic irritability D.Anxiety symptoms Rationale:Bipolar I involves full manic episodes, while Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes per DSM-5-TR (APA, 2022).
11.A patient with a history of trauma avoids reminders of the event and feels emo- tionally numb. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A.PTSD
B.Major Depressive Disorder C.Adjustment Disorder D.Acute Stress Disorder
Rationale:Avoidance and emotional numbing following trauma are core symptoms of
PTSD per DSM-5-TR (APA, 2022).
12.Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity and lack of empathy?A.Narcissistic Personality Disorder B.Borderline Personality Disorder C.Antisocial Personality Disorder NRNP 6635 Midterm Exam | Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning | Verified Q&A | 2025/2026
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