NSG526 Exam 3 V3 | NSG 526 Clinical
Modalities Adv. Psych | Wilkes University
1. Which intervention is considered the priority when a patient is experiencing an acute
psychiatric crisis with suicidal ideation?
A. Initiating long-term cognitive behavioral therapy.
B. Administering high-dose sedative medications.
C. Referral to a community-based support group.
D. Ensuring the patient’s immediate safety and environment.
Answer: D
Rationale: Safety is always the primary concern in psychiatric nursing during an acute
crisis. This involves environmental checks to remove any potentially harmful objects and
establishing constant observation if necessary. Once the patient is stabilized and safe, other
therapeutic modalities can be introduced.
2. In Trauma-Informed Care, what is the primary goal of the ‘Safety’ principle?
A. To create an environment where the patient feels physically and emotionally secure.
B. To ensure the provider is protected from legal liability.
C. To enforce strict rules and regulations on patient behavior.
D. To minimize the use of all psychiatric medications.
,Answer: A
Rationale: Trauma-informed care prioritizes the establishment of physical and
psychological safety for survivors of trauma. This principle recognizes that a sense of
security is foundational for patients to engage in the healing process. Nurses must actively
work to prevent re-traumatization by fostering a transparent and supportive clinical
environment.
3. A patient becomes increasingly agitated and starts pacing the hallway. Which de-escalation
technique should the nurse employ first?
A. Calling for a ‘show of force’ with multiple security guards.
B. Placing the patient in mechanical restraints immediately.
C. Ignoring the behavior to see if it subsides on its own.
D. Using a calm, low voice to engage the patient in verbal communication.
Answer: D
Rationale: Verbal de-escalation is the least restrictive intervention and should be
attempted first when a patient shows signs of agitation. Maintaining a calm demeanor helps
to lower the emotional temperature of the situation. It allows the nurse to assess the
patient’s needs and potentially prevent the escalation to physical violence.
4. Which therapeutic modality is specifically designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder
by focusing on emotional regulation and distress tolerance?
A. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
, B. Psychoanalytic Therapy
C. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
D. Exposure Therapy
Answer: A
Rationale: DBT is a specialized form of CBT that combines behavioral science with Zen
principles like mindfulness. It is highly effective for patients who struggle with intense
emotions and self-harming behaviors. The core components include mindfulness,
interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation skills.
5. What is the most significant risk factor for a patient transitioning from a psychiatric
inpatient unit back into the community?
A. The cost of follow-up appointments.
B. A lack of physical exercise routines.
C. The distance to the nearest pharmacy.
D. Social isolation and lack of a support system.
Answer: D
Rationale: Social isolation is a major predictor of relapse and psychiatric re-
hospitalization. Patients without a reliable support network often struggle to maintain
treatment adherence and manage stressors. Successful discharge planning must involve
connecting the patient with community resources and social supports.
Modalities Adv. Psych | Wilkes University
1. Which intervention is considered the priority when a patient is experiencing an acute
psychiatric crisis with suicidal ideation?
A. Initiating long-term cognitive behavioral therapy.
B. Administering high-dose sedative medications.
C. Referral to a community-based support group.
D. Ensuring the patient’s immediate safety and environment.
Answer: D
Rationale: Safety is always the primary concern in psychiatric nursing during an acute
crisis. This involves environmental checks to remove any potentially harmful objects and
establishing constant observation if necessary. Once the patient is stabilized and safe, other
therapeutic modalities can be introduced.
2. In Trauma-Informed Care, what is the primary goal of the ‘Safety’ principle?
A. To create an environment where the patient feels physically and emotionally secure.
B. To ensure the provider is protected from legal liability.
C. To enforce strict rules and regulations on patient behavior.
D. To minimize the use of all psychiatric medications.
,Answer: A
Rationale: Trauma-informed care prioritizes the establishment of physical and
psychological safety for survivors of trauma. This principle recognizes that a sense of
security is foundational for patients to engage in the healing process. Nurses must actively
work to prevent re-traumatization by fostering a transparent and supportive clinical
environment.
3. A patient becomes increasingly agitated and starts pacing the hallway. Which de-escalation
technique should the nurse employ first?
A. Calling for a ‘show of force’ with multiple security guards.
B. Placing the patient in mechanical restraints immediately.
C. Ignoring the behavior to see if it subsides on its own.
D. Using a calm, low voice to engage the patient in verbal communication.
Answer: D
Rationale: Verbal de-escalation is the least restrictive intervention and should be
attempted first when a patient shows signs of agitation. Maintaining a calm demeanor helps
to lower the emotional temperature of the situation. It allows the nurse to assess the
patient’s needs and potentially prevent the escalation to physical violence.
4. Which therapeutic modality is specifically designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder
by focusing on emotional regulation and distress tolerance?
A. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
, B. Psychoanalytic Therapy
C. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
D. Exposure Therapy
Answer: A
Rationale: DBT is a specialized form of CBT that combines behavioral science with Zen
principles like mindfulness. It is highly effective for patients who struggle with intense
emotions and self-harming behaviors. The core components include mindfulness,
interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation skills.
5. What is the most significant risk factor for a patient transitioning from a psychiatric
inpatient unit back into the community?
A. The cost of follow-up appointments.
B. A lack of physical exercise routines.
C. The distance to the nearest pharmacy.
D. Social isolation and lack of a support system.
Answer: D
Rationale: Social isolation is a major predictor of relapse and psychiatric re-
hospitalization. Patients without a reliable support network often struggle to maintain
treatment adherence and manage stressors. Successful discharge planning must involve
connecting the patient with community resources and social supports.
