Wilkes University NSG 526 Exam 1 Practice
Examination Clinical Modalities in
Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing Practice
1. A PMHNP uses cognitive restructuring to help a patient
identify and challenge irrational beliefs. Which
therapeutic modality is being used?
A. Psychoanalysis
B. Cognitive behavioral therapy
C. Supportive therapy
D. Milieu therapy
Answer: B. Cognitive behavioral therapy
Rationale: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on
identifying distorted thoughts, challenging maladaptive
beliefs, and replacing them with healthier cognitive patterns.
,2. The primary goal of psychotherapy is to:
A. Eliminate all emotional distress
B. Promote insight and adaptive functioning
C. Provide medication management only
D. Prevent all future psychiatric symptoms
Answer: B. Promote insight and adaptive functioning
Rationale: Psychotherapy aims to improve coping,
emotional regulation, insight, relationships, and overall
functioning rather than eliminate all distress.
3. A therapist practicing motivational interviewing should
primarily:
A. Confront resistance directly
B. Persuade the patient to change
C. Explore ambivalence about change
D. Provide frequent advice
Answer: C. Explore ambivalence about change
,Rationale: Motivational interviewing is a collaborative
approach designed to enhance intrinsic motivation by
exploring uncertainty and readiness for change.
4. Which therapeutic factor is associated with patients
realizing they are not alone in their struggles?
A. Universality
B. Catharsis
C. Altruism
D. Reality testing
Answer: A. Universality
Rationale: Universality occurs when group members
recognize that others share similar experiences, reducing
isolation.
5. A PMHNP establishes clear expectations, boundaries,
and goals at the beginning of therapy. This demonstrates:
A. Therapeutic alliance development
B. Countertransference
, C. Resistance
D. Interpretation
Answer: A. Therapeutic alliance development
Rationale: A strong therapeutic alliance requires trust,
collaboration, boundaries, and agreement on treatment
goals.
6. Which communication technique encourages patients to
elaborate on feelings?
A. Closed-ended questioning
B. Reflection
C. Giving reassurance
D. Changing the subject
Answer: B. Reflection
Rationale: Reflection allows patients to explore emotions by
having the clinician restate feelings or meanings.
Examination Clinical Modalities in
Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing Practice
1. A PMHNP uses cognitive restructuring to help a patient
identify and challenge irrational beliefs. Which
therapeutic modality is being used?
A. Psychoanalysis
B. Cognitive behavioral therapy
C. Supportive therapy
D. Milieu therapy
Answer: B. Cognitive behavioral therapy
Rationale: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on
identifying distorted thoughts, challenging maladaptive
beliefs, and replacing them with healthier cognitive patterns.
,2. The primary goal of psychotherapy is to:
A. Eliminate all emotional distress
B. Promote insight and adaptive functioning
C. Provide medication management only
D. Prevent all future psychiatric symptoms
Answer: B. Promote insight and adaptive functioning
Rationale: Psychotherapy aims to improve coping,
emotional regulation, insight, relationships, and overall
functioning rather than eliminate all distress.
3. A therapist practicing motivational interviewing should
primarily:
A. Confront resistance directly
B. Persuade the patient to change
C. Explore ambivalence about change
D. Provide frequent advice
Answer: C. Explore ambivalence about change
,Rationale: Motivational interviewing is a collaborative
approach designed to enhance intrinsic motivation by
exploring uncertainty and readiness for change.
4. Which therapeutic factor is associated with patients
realizing they are not alone in their struggles?
A. Universality
B. Catharsis
C. Altruism
D. Reality testing
Answer: A. Universality
Rationale: Universality occurs when group members
recognize that others share similar experiences, reducing
isolation.
5. A PMHNP establishes clear expectations, boundaries,
and goals at the beginning of therapy. This demonstrates:
A. Therapeutic alliance development
B. Countertransference
, C. Resistance
D. Interpretation
Answer: A. Therapeutic alliance development
Rationale: A strong therapeutic alliance requires trust,
collaboration, boundaries, and agreement on treatment
goals.
6. Which communication technique encourages patients to
elaborate on feelings?
A. Closed-ended questioning
B. Reflection
C. Giving reassurance
D. Changing the subject
Answer: B. Reflection
Rationale: Reflection allows patients to explore emotions by
having the clinician restate feelings or meanings.
