A 21-year-old woman presents to the PMHNP with a chief complaint of "being depressed for a while now." After a complete psychiatric evaluation with administration of the PHQ-9, the PMHNP considers sending this patient for inpatient hospitalization. Which of the following was her likely score?
10
15
25
5
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: A score of 10 indicates moderate depression, typically managed outpatient, and is unlikely to warrant hospitalization alone.
Choice B reason: A score of 15 suggests moderately severe depression, which may require close monitoring but not necessarily inpatient care.
Choice C reason: A PHQ-9 score of 25 reflects severe depression with potential risk of self-harm or functional impairment, justifying consideration for inpatient hospitalization.
Choice D reason: A score of 5 indicates mild depression, not sufficient to require inpatient care.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are present across multiple settings and have existed since childhood. This patient’s symptoms are acute and situational, triggered by a recent stressor (grandfather’s illness), which makes ADHD less likely as the primary diagnosis.
Choice B reason: Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and mood is a stress-response syndrome that arises within three months of an identifiable stressor. The patient’s concentration problems, sadness, decreased energy, restlessness, and sleep difficulties are all temporally linked to the stressor of caring for a sick grandparent. This diagnosis fits the acute onset of emotional and behavioral changes in response to a significant life event.
Choice C reason: Separation anxiety disorder involves excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from attachment figures. While the patient has concern for his grandfather, his anxiety is not rooted in separation from a primary attachment figure but rather in worry about the grandfather’s illness and responsibilities at home.
Choice D reason: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about multiple areas of life for at least six months. The patient’s anxiety is specific to a recent stressor rather than pervasive across multiple domains, making GAD less likely.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: “Strategize” is not part of the PDSA framework; it misrepresents the structured iterative approach to quality improvement.
Choice B reason: “Prepare” is incorrect; the first step is to plan the change, not simply prepare.
Choice C reason: “Assess” is not used in the PDSA model; the final step is to act based on the study of results.
Choice D reason: PDSA stands for Plan, Do, Study, Act. This iterative cycle allows teams to plan a change, implement it, study the results, and act based on findings to continuously improve quality.
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