Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric Nursing: Master the Art of Accurate Diagnosis

Question 1

A patient presents with persistent feelings of sadness, anhedonia, and guilt. They also have difficulty sleeping and concentrating. Which of the following diagnoses is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Major Depressive Disorder

Answer

Dysthymia

Answer

Bipolar II Disorder

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Question 2

A patient reports experiencing persistent, intrusive thoughts about harming themselves. Which of the following disorders is most consistent with these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer

Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Answer

Panic Disorder

Question 3

When assessing a patient for possible dementia, which instrument is most commonly used to screen for cognitive impairment?

Accepted Answer

Mini-Mental State Examination

Answer

Geriatric Depression Scale

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory

Answer

Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale

Question 4

A patient with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder reports flashbacks and nightmares. Which of the following interventions has the strongest evidence for reducing these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Medications

Answer

Supportive therapy

Answer

Psychoeducation

Question 5

Which disorder may involve symptoms of mania and depression?

Accepted Answer

Schizoaffective disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 6

Schizophrenia is characterized by which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Delusions of persecution

Answer

Compulsions

Answer

Phobias

Answer

Mood swings

Question 7

How does comorbidity affect the accuracy of psychiatric differential diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Reduces accuracy by making it harder to differentiate disorders

Answer

Enhances accuracy by providing more information

Answer

Simplifies diagnosis by reducing potential diagnoses

Answer

Has minimal impact on accuracy

Question 8

The cardinal feature of Bipolar I Disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Mania or hypomania lasting for at least 1 week

Answer

Persistent depressed mood lasting at least 2 weeks

Answer

Hypomanic episode lasting at least 4 days

Answer

Depressive episode lasting more than 6 months

Question 9

Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Racing thoughts, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness

Answer

Delusions of grandeur and hallucinations

Answer

Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors

Question 10

A client presents with depressed mood, anhedonia, and psychomotor retardation. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Dysthymia

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Seasonal affective disorder

Question 11

To evaluate a client's risk of self-harm or suicide, which assessment tool is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale

Answer

Mini-Mental State Examination

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory

Answer

Global Assessment of Functioning Scale

Question 12

In treating a client with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who is exhibiting self-destructive behaviors, which therapeutic approach has demonstrated effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Question 13

An essential component of providing culturally competent care to clients with mental illness is:

Accepted Answer

Understanding the client's cultural background and beliefs

Answer

Using interpreters only when absolutely necessary

Answer

Assuming all clients' cultures are the same

Answer

Imposing one's own cultural values on clients

Question 14

How does differential diagnosis aid in evaluating psychiatric conditions in individuals with intellectual disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Excluding medical conditions that resemble psychiatric symptoms

Answer

Recognizing symptoms specific to individuals with intellectual disabilities

Answer

Determining the root cause of intellectual disability

Answer

Providing a definitive prognosis for psychiatric conditions

Question 15

In differential diagnosis, which practice prioritizes patient-centered care?

Accepted Answer

Conducting a thorough assessment that respects the patient's privacy and autonomy

Answer

Solely relying on diagnostic manuals without considering the patient's unique experiences and perspectives

Answer

Consulting with other healthcare professionals without involving the patient in decision-making

Question 16

When conducting differential diagnosis in psychiatric nursing, how does the assessment of older adults differ from that of younger populations?

Accepted Answer

Consideration of multiple medical conditions is crucial in older adults.

Answer

Cognitive function assessment is not necessary for older adults.

Answer

Diagnostic criteria for mental disorders are the same for all age groups.

Answer

Differential diagnosis in older adults can be completed more efficiently than in younger populations.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Restlessness

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Excessive worry

Question 18

A client presents with symptoms of anhedonia, low energy, and feelings of worthlessness. Which of the following disorders is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer

Bipolar Disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 19

Which of the following is a key diagnostic feature of Schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Disorganized speech

Answer

Obsessions

Answer

Grandiosity

Answer

Depressive mood

Question 20

During which episode of Bipolar I Disorder does an individual experience heightened energy, increased self-esteem, and decreased need for sleep?

Accepted Answer

Mania

Answer

Hypomania

Answer

Mixed episode

Answer

Depression

Question 21

Delirium is considered a differential diagnosis for psychosis because it shares which of the following features?

Accepted Answer

Altered consciousness

Answer

Mood swings

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 22

Which of the following is a common manifestation of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive handwashing

Answer

Mood instability

Answer

Racing thoughts

Answer

Delusions

Question 23

Tolerance, characterized by the need for increased substance use to achieve the same effect, is a defining feature of which disorder?

Accepted Answer

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Answer

Eating Disorder

Answer

Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 24

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is NOT typically used as a treatment for which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Eating Disorders

Answer

Depression

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 25

The main symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is:

Accepted Answer

Excessive, uncontrollable worry

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Excessive sadness

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 26

The key differentiating factor between Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder is the:

Accepted Answer

Presence of both psychotic and mood symptoms

Answer

Absence of negative symptoms

Answer

Presence of delusions only

Answer

Presence of hallucinations only

Question 27

A diagnostic criterion for Bipolar I Disorder is:

Accepted Answer

At least one manic or mixed episode

Answer

At least two depressive episodes

Answer

Hallucinations during a depressive episode

Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Question 28

The primary difference between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is:

Accepted Answer

Impairments in social communication and interaction

Answer

Difficulty paying attention

Answer

Hyperactivity and impulsivity

Question 29

A risk factor for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is:

Accepted Answer

Family history of addiction

Answer

Strong social support

Answer

High self-esteem

Answer

Good coping mechanisms

Question 30

The main goal of differential diagnosis in psychiatric nursing is to:

Accepted Answer

Correctly identify the specific mental disorder

Answer

Establish a therapeutic relationship

Answer

Assess risk factors

Answer

Provide specific treatment plans

Question 31

An essential component of a comprehensive differential diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Patient history and physical exam

Answer

Consultation with a psychiatrist only

Answer

Laboratory tests only

Answer

Standardized diagnostic interview only

Question 32

An appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with suspected Schizophrenia is to:

Accepted Answer

Establish a safe and structured environment

Answer

Ignore the patient's delusions

Answer

Confront the patient about hallucinations

Question 33

The role of evidence-based practice in differential diagnosis in psychiatric nursing is to:

Accepted Answer

Guide decision-making and improve patient outcomes

Answer

Automate the diagnostic process

Answer

Replace clinical judgment

Question 34

A patient presents with persistent sadness, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness, along with an inability to experience pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. Which of the following disorders is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Anxiety disorder

Answer

Personality disorder

Question 35

Which screening tool is commonly used in psychiatric nursing to assess for psychosis?

Accepted Answer

Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7)

Answer

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

Answer

Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)

Question 36

A patient with a history of alcohol use disorder presents with confusion, tremors, and hallucinations. Which of the following is a possible complication of alcohol withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

Delirium tremens

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Depression

Answer

Mania

Question 37

Which neurotransmitter imbalance is primarily associated with the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Serotonin

Question 38

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive thoughts and compulsive behaviors

Answer

Mood swings

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Question 39

A patient presents with intense fear, avoidance behaviors, and flashbacks related to a traumatic event. Which of the following disorders is likely?

Accepted Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Answer

Acute stress disorder

Answer

Adjustment disorder

Question 40

Which of the following is a genetic risk factor for developing schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Family history

Answer

Head injury

Answer

Stressful life events

Answer

Substance abuse

Question 41

Which of the following is an ethical principle that must be considered in differential diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Respecting patient autonomy and confidentiality

Answer

Prioritizing the nurse's own beliefs

Answer

Ignoring cultural and social factors

Answer

Assuming a paternalistic role

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Stable personality traits

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Disorganized speech

Answer

Delusions

Question 43

A patient presents with persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and fatigue. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Anxiety disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Adjustment disorder

Question 44

Which of the following disorders is characterized by excessive worry and difficulty controlling anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Question 45

A patient exhibits repetitive and intrusive thoughts and behaviors that they feel compelled to perform. Which disorder is most consistent with these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Question 46

Which of the following is a key symptom of bipolar disorder's manic phase?

Accepted Answer

Euphoria or elevated mood

Answer

Persistent sadness

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Anhedonia

Question 47

A patient reports experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Question 48

Which of the following assessment tools is specifically designed for diagnosing personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Personality Assessment Inventory

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory

Answer

Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5

Answer

Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale

Question 49

Which of the following is a limitation of relying solely on clinical symptoms for differential diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms can overlap across disorders

Answer

Diagnoses are always accurate

Answer

Laboratory tests provide definitive diagnoses

Answer

Accurate physical exams eliminate the need for differential diagnosis

Question 50

Differential diagnosis in psychiatric nursing plays a vital role in:

Accepted Answer

Guiding appropriate treatment plans

Answer

Ensuring that patients receive the correct medication

Answer

Reducing the number of patients needing mental health services

Answer

Preventing the development of mental illness