ANCC Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Practice Questions Related

Review ANCC Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Practice Questions related questions and content

A nursing instructor is describing the DSM-IV-TR to a group of nursing students. Which of the following would the instructor include as the primary purpose of this classification?

  • A. Provide a commonly understood diagnostic category for clinical practice.
  • B. Describe treatment modalities for psychiatric disorders and mental illnesses.
  • C. Identify various etiologies for mental disorders based on family histories.
  • D. Provide optimal outcomes for treatment for individuals with mental illnesses.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Provide a commonly understood diagnostic category for clinical practice. The primary purpose of the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision) is to establish a standardized system for classifying mental disorders to aid clinicians in diagnosis and treatment. It provides a common language and criteria for mental health professionals to communicate effectively and ensure consistency in diagnosis.

Choice B is incorrect because the DSM-IV-TR focuses on diagnostic criteria rather than treatment modalities. Choice C is incorrect as the DSM-IV-TR does not primarily focus on identifying etiologies but rather on classification. Choice D is incorrect as the manual does not provide specific outcomes for treatment but rather aids in diagnosing mental disorders.