Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

How does the DSM-5 contribute to clinical practice?

1. By offering varied treatment options

2. By providing a standardized diagnostic framework

3. By delivering psychological training

4. By focusing only on chronic conditions

The correct answer is: By providing a standardized diagnostic framework

The DSM-5, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, contributes significantly to clinical practice by providing a standardized diagnostic framework. This framework allows healthcare professionals to categorize and diagnose mental health disorders consistently. By offering clear criteria for diagnosis, the DSM-5 aids clinicians in improving communication, facilitating research and evaluation of treatment outcomes, and promoting a common language within the mental health community. This standardized approach ensures that patients receive accurate diagnoses based on established guidelines, ultimately supporting effective treatment planning and intervention strategies. The other options focus on aspects not directly addressed by the DSM-5. While the manual does indirectly inform treatment options by clarifying diagnoses, it does not itself prescribe treatment protocols. Training is an essential component of clinical practice, but the DSM-5 does not provide psychological training; instead, it serves as a reference tool. Additionally, the DSM-5 encompasses a wide range of mental health conditions, not just chronic ones, making it a comprehensive resource rather than one focused exclusively on long-term diagnoses.