NSG526 Exam 3 V1 | NSG 526 Clinical
Modalities Adv. Psych | Wilkes University
1. When treating a patient with Borderline Personality Disorder using Dialectical Behavior
Therapy (DBT), which module focuses on the patient’s ability to accept reality without
judgment?
A. Interpersonal Effectiveness
B. Cognitive Restructuring
C. Emotion Regulation
D. Distress Tolerance
Answer: D
Rationale: Distress tolerance is a core module in DBT that focuses on developing skills to
help patients get through a crisis without making it worse. It emphasizes radical
acceptance, which involves accepting reality as it is without trying to change or judge it.
This skill is vital for patients who frequently experience intense emotional pain and
impulsive urges.
2. A patient in a substance use treatment program states, ‘I know drinking is bad for my
health, but it’s the only way I can relax after work.’ Which stage of change is this patient
demonstrating?
A. Precontemplation
,B. Preparation
C. Contemplation
D. Action
Answer: C
Rationale: The contemplation stage is defined by ambivalence where the individual
recognizes the problem but is not yet ready to commit to change. In this stage, the patient
weighs the pros and cons of their behavior, often feeling ‘stuck’ between the two. The
clinician’s role here is to help the patient resolve this ambivalence using motivational
interviewing techniques.
3. In Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), what is the primary purpose of
the ‘P’ in the PRACTICE acronym?
A. Psychoeducation
B. Parenting skills
C. Problem solving
D. Psychological first aid
Answer: A
Rationale: The ‘P’ in PRACTICE stands for Psychoeducation and Parenting skills, which
provides information to both the child and the caregiver about trauma. This phase helps
normalize the patient’s reactions and provides a foundation for the rest of the therapy.
, Understanding the impact of trauma is essential for reducing the stigma and guilt often felt
by survivors.
4. Which of the following is the most critical first step when conducting a suicide risk
assessment?
A. Asking the patient to sign a safety contract
B. Establishing a therapeutic alliance and rapport
C. Identifying the specific method the patient intends to use
D. Contacting the family for collateral information
Answer: B
Rationale: Establishing rapport is the foundation of any psychiatric assessment, especially
when discussing sensitive topics like suicide. A patient is more likely to be honest about
their intentions if they feel safe and understood by the clinician. Without a solid
therapeutic alliance, the accuracy of the risk assessment may be compromised.
5. A patient with a history of alcohol use disorder presents with tremors, tachycardia, and
hypertension. Which assessment tool is most appropriate to monitor their withdrawal
severity?
A. CAGE questionnaire
B. CIWA-Ar
C. AUDIT-C
Modalities Adv. Psych | Wilkes University
1. When treating a patient with Borderline Personality Disorder using Dialectical Behavior
Therapy (DBT), which module focuses on the patient’s ability to accept reality without
judgment?
A. Interpersonal Effectiveness
B. Cognitive Restructuring
C. Emotion Regulation
D. Distress Tolerance
Answer: D
Rationale: Distress tolerance is a core module in DBT that focuses on developing skills to
help patients get through a crisis without making it worse. It emphasizes radical
acceptance, which involves accepting reality as it is without trying to change or judge it.
This skill is vital for patients who frequently experience intense emotional pain and
impulsive urges.
2. A patient in a substance use treatment program states, ‘I know drinking is bad for my
health, but it’s the only way I can relax after work.’ Which stage of change is this patient
demonstrating?
A. Precontemplation
,B. Preparation
C. Contemplation
D. Action
Answer: C
Rationale: The contemplation stage is defined by ambivalence where the individual
recognizes the problem but is not yet ready to commit to change. In this stage, the patient
weighs the pros and cons of their behavior, often feeling ‘stuck’ between the two. The
clinician’s role here is to help the patient resolve this ambivalence using motivational
interviewing techniques.
3. In Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), what is the primary purpose of
the ‘P’ in the PRACTICE acronym?
A. Psychoeducation
B. Parenting skills
C. Problem solving
D. Psychological first aid
Answer: A
Rationale: The ‘P’ in PRACTICE stands for Psychoeducation and Parenting skills, which
provides information to both the child and the caregiver about trauma. This phase helps
normalize the patient’s reactions and provides a foundation for the rest of the therapy.
, Understanding the impact of trauma is essential for reducing the stigma and guilt often felt
by survivors.
4. Which of the following is the most critical first step when conducting a suicide risk
assessment?
A. Asking the patient to sign a safety contract
B. Establishing a therapeutic alliance and rapport
C. Identifying the specific method the patient intends to use
D. Contacting the family for collateral information
Answer: B
Rationale: Establishing rapport is the foundation of any psychiatric assessment, especially
when discussing sensitive topics like suicide. A patient is more likely to be honest about
their intentions if they feel safe and understood by the clinician. Without a solid
therapeutic alliance, the accuracy of the risk assessment may be compromised.
5. A patient with a history of alcohol use disorder presents with tremors, tachycardia, and
hypertension. Which assessment tool is most appropriate to monitor their withdrawal
severity?
A. CAGE questionnaire
B. CIWA-Ar
C. AUDIT-C
