OSCE Mental Health Assessment 2

Question 1

When using the PHQ-9 to screen for depression in a primary care OSCE station, a score of 15 indicates which severity level?

Accepted Answer

Moderately severe depression

Answer

PHQ-9 scores of 15–19 indicate moderately severe depression, while scores ≥20 indicate severe depression.

Question 2

A patient presents with pressured speech, decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, and impulsivity lasting 1 week. The most appropriate next step in the mental health assessment is to:

Accepted Answer

Obtain a urine drug screen

Answer

Stimulant or substance intoxication can mimic mania and must be excluded before diagnosing bipolar disorder.

Question 3

During an OSCE mental status exam, a patient describes seeing the room spin while stationary and feeling as though objects are unreal. This perception is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Derealization

Answer

Derealization is the feeling that the external environment is unreal or detached; depersonalization refers to the self feeling unreal.

Question 4

In an OSCE suicide risk assessment, which of the following factors most significantly elevates short-term risk?

Accepted Answer

A specific, lethal, and accessible plan

Answer

A specific, lethal, and accessible plan is the strongest predictor of imminent suicide attempt compared to ideation alone.

Question 5

A patient scores 26/30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The clinician should interpret this as:

Accepted Answer

Within normal limits

Answer

A MoCA score of ≥26 out of 30 is considered within normal limits for cognitive function.

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Mental Health Assessment 2