NSG 527 Final Exam V2 | NSG 527
Psychopathology, Theories, & Advanced
Clinical Modalities | Wilkes University |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (Wilkes NSG527
Final Exam 2026)
1. A 24-year-old female presents with persistent worry for 7 months regarding her job
performance and health, despite no objective evidence of failure. She reports muscle tension
and irritability. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Social Anxiety Disorder
D. Adjustment Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive anxiety and
worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. The patient must present with
symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tension, or sleep disturbance according to DSM-5-
TR criteria. This distinguishes it from temporary stress or adjustment disorders which
have different diagnostic timeframes.
,2. Which of the following distinguishes a Manic Episode from a Hypomanic Episode in the
diagnosis of Bipolar Disorders?
A. Presence of flight of ideas
B. Duration of at least 1 week and marked impairment in functioning
C. Increased goal-directed activity
D. Decreased need for sleep
Answer: B
Rationale: A manic episode requires a duration of at least one week and results in a
marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or requires hospitalization. In
contrast, hypomania only requires a 4-day duration and does not cause severe impairment.
Bipolar I is diagnosed with a manic episode, whereas Bipolar II requires a hypomanic
episode and a major depressive episode.
3. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the ‘miracle question’ is not typically used, but
which technique is fundamental to identifying underlying beliefs?
A. Empty chair technique
B. Free association
C. Socratic questioning
D. Dream analysis
Answer: C
,Rationale: Socratic questioning is a core component of CBT used to help patients discover
their own cognitive distortions and maladaptive thoughts. It involves a series of open-
ended questions designed to challenge the evidence for a patient’s beliefs. This process
facilitates cognitive restructuring by allowing the patient to reach a more balanced
perspective independently.
4. A patient with Schizophrenia exhibits ‘Alogia’ and ‘Avolition.’ These symptoms are
classified as:
A. Negative symptoms
B. Cognitive symptoms
C. Positive symptoms
D. Disorganized symptoms
Answer: A
Rationale: Negative symptoms of Schizophrenia represent a loss or diminution of normal
functions, such as Alogia (poverty of speech) and Avolition (lack of motivation). Positive
symptoms, conversely, involve an excess or distortion of normal functions like
hallucinations. Understanding this distinction is critical for selecting appropriate
pharmacological treatments, as many first-generation antipsychotics primarily target
positive symptoms.
, 5. According to Bowen Family Systems Theory, the process of a third person being brought
into a conflict between two others to reduce tension is known as:
A. Differentiation
B. Emotional Cutoff
C. Enmeshment
D. Triangulation
Answer: D
Rationale: Triangulation is a core concept in Bowenian theory where a two-person system
under stress recruits a third party to stabilize the relationship. While it reduces immediate
tension, it prevents the original duo from resolving their conflict and can create long-term
instability. Differentiation of self is the goal of therapy, allowing individuals to remain
connected without being emotionally overwhelmed by the triangle.
6. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need
for admiration, and a lack of empathy?
A. Borderline Personality Disorder
B. Histrionic Personality Disorder
C. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Answer: C
Psychopathology, Theories, & Advanced
Clinical Modalities | Wilkes University |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (Wilkes NSG527
Final Exam 2026)
1. A 24-year-old female presents with persistent worry for 7 months regarding her job
performance and health, despite no objective evidence of failure. She reports muscle tension
and irritability. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Social Anxiety Disorder
D. Adjustment Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive anxiety and
worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. The patient must present with
symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tension, or sleep disturbance according to DSM-5-
TR criteria. This distinguishes it from temporary stress or adjustment disorders which
have different diagnostic timeframes.
,2. Which of the following distinguishes a Manic Episode from a Hypomanic Episode in the
diagnosis of Bipolar Disorders?
A. Presence of flight of ideas
B. Duration of at least 1 week and marked impairment in functioning
C. Increased goal-directed activity
D. Decreased need for sleep
Answer: B
Rationale: A manic episode requires a duration of at least one week and results in a
marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or requires hospitalization. In
contrast, hypomania only requires a 4-day duration and does not cause severe impairment.
Bipolar I is diagnosed with a manic episode, whereas Bipolar II requires a hypomanic
episode and a major depressive episode.
3. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the ‘miracle question’ is not typically used, but
which technique is fundamental to identifying underlying beliefs?
A. Empty chair technique
B. Free association
C. Socratic questioning
D. Dream analysis
Answer: C
,Rationale: Socratic questioning is a core component of CBT used to help patients discover
their own cognitive distortions and maladaptive thoughts. It involves a series of open-
ended questions designed to challenge the evidence for a patient’s beliefs. This process
facilitates cognitive restructuring by allowing the patient to reach a more balanced
perspective independently.
4. A patient with Schizophrenia exhibits ‘Alogia’ and ‘Avolition.’ These symptoms are
classified as:
A. Negative symptoms
B. Cognitive symptoms
C. Positive symptoms
D. Disorganized symptoms
Answer: A
Rationale: Negative symptoms of Schizophrenia represent a loss or diminution of normal
functions, such as Alogia (poverty of speech) and Avolition (lack of motivation). Positive
symptoms, conversely, involve an excess or distortion of normal functions like
hallucinations. Understanding this distinction is critical for selecting appropriate
pharmacological treatments, as many first-generation antipsychotics primarily target
positive symptoms.
, 5. According to Bowen Family Systems Theory, the process of a third person being brought
into a conflict between two others to reduce tension is known as:
A. Differentiation
B. Emotional Cutoff
C. Enmeshment
D. Triangulation
Answer: D
Rationale: Triangulation is a core concept in Bowenian theory where a two-person system
under stress recruits a third party to stabilize the relationship. While it reduces immediate
tension, it prevents the original duo from resolving their conflict and can create long-term
instability. Differentiation of self is the goal of therapy, allowing individuals to remain
connected without being emotionally overwhelmed by the triangle.
6. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need
for admiration, and a lack of empathy?
A. Borderline Personality Disorder
B. Histrionic Personality Disorder
C. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Answer: C
