,NSG 526 Exam 3 | Advanced Health Assessment | Wilkes
University | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. What is the primary goal of crisis intervention for an individual experiencing a psychological crisis?
A) To provide long-term psychotherapy for underlying personality disorders
B) To return the person to the pre-crisis level of functioning
C) To hospitalize the individual for intensive psychiatric treatment
D) To prescribe psychotropic medications for symptom management
Correct Answer: To return the person to the pre-crisis level of functioning
Rationale: The primary goal of crisis intervention is to help the individual return to their pre-crisis level
of functioning. Crisis is time-limited, typically lasting 4 to 6 weeks. The PMH-APRN provides a framework
of support systems that guide the client through the crisis and facilitates the development and use of
positive coping skills.
2. According to Caplan's crisis theory, how long does a psychological crisis typically last?
A) 1 to 2 weeks
B) 4 to 6 weeks
C) 8 to 12 weeks
D) 3 to 6 months
Correct Answer: 4 to 6 weeks
Rationale: A crisis is generally regarded as time-limited, lasting no more than 4 to 6 weeks. There is no
such thing as a chronic crisis; people who live in constant turmoil are not in crisis but in chaos. This
understanding is essential for appropriate intervention planning and resource allocation.
3. Which level of prevention focuses on actually preventing a crisis before it occurs?
A) Primary prevention
B) Secondary prevention
,C) Tertiary prevention
D) Quaternary prevention
Correct Answer: Primary prevention
Rationale: Primary prevention focuses on actually preventing the crisis before it occurs. This involves
addressing risk factors and enhancing protective factors before a problem emerges. Primary prevention
is the most effective and cost-efficient approach to crisis management.
4. A PMH-APRN provides early identification and treatment for a client showing early signs of
psychological distress. Which level of prevention is being implemented?
A) Primary prevention
B) Secondary prevention
C) Tertiary prevention
D) Crisis prevention
Correct Answer: Secondary prevention
Rationale: Secondary prevention involves early identification and treatment of emerging problems. The
goal is to reduce the duration and impact of a crisis through early detection and prompt intervention.
This approach prevents the escalation of symptoms into a full-blown crisis.
5. A client has recently experienced a traumatic event and is now working with a PMH-APRN to avoid
long-term complications and prevent relapse. Which level of prevention describes this intervention?
A) Primary prevention
B) Secondary prevention
C) Tertiary prevention
D) Palliative prevention
Correct Answer: Tertiary prevention
, Rationale: Tertiary prevention focuses on avoiding complications after a crisis has been managed. This
level aims to reduce long-term effects, prevent relapse, and promote rehabilitation. Tertiary prevention
is implemented after the crisis has been stabilized.
6. Which term refers to the agreed-upon behaviors and standards within a particular society or culture?
A) Mores
B) Norms
C) Values
D) Ethics
Correct Answer: Norms
Rationale: Norms represent the agreed-upon behaviors and standards within a particular society or
culture, guiding individual actions and fostering social cohesion. Norms are considered the "right"
patterns of behavior for a society. Understanding norms is crucial for mental health professionals as
they shape individuals' perceptions of acceptable behavior.
7. What is the primary difference between a crisis and chaos?
A) Crisis involves external events while chaos involves internal events
B) Crisis is time-limited while chaos is a chronic state of turmoil
C) Crisis requires medication while chaos requires psychotherapy
D) Crisis affects individuals while chaos affects communities
Correct Answer: Crisis is time-limited while chaos is a chronic state of turmoil
Rationale: A crisis is time-limited, lasting no more than 4 to 6 weeks. People who live in constant turmoil
are not in crisis but in chaos. This distinction is critical for accurate assessment and appropriate
intervention planning.
8. According to Caplan, which phase of a crisis involves the initial problem arising and the
implementation of usual problem-solving techniques?
A) Phase 1
University | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. What is the primary goal of crisis intervention for an individual experiencing a psychological crisis?
A) To provide long-term psychotherapy for underlying personality disorders
B) To return the person to the pre-crisis level of functioning
C) To hospitalize the individual for intensive psychiatric treatment
D) To prescribe psychotropic medications for symptom management
Correct Answer: To return the person to the pre-crisis level of functioning
Rationale: The primary goal of crisis intervention is to help the individual return to their pre-crisis level
of functioning. Crisis is time-limited, typically lasting 4 to 6 weeks. The PMH-APRN provides a framework
of support systems that guide the client through the crisis and facilitates the development and use of
positive coping skills.
2. According to Caplan's crisis theory, how long does a psychological crisis typically last?
A) 1 to 2 weeks
B) 4 to 6 weeks
C) 8 to 12 weeks
D) 3 to 6 months
Correct Answer: 4 to 6 weeks
Rationale: A crisis is generally regarded as time-limited, lasting no more than 4 to 6 weeks. There is no
such thing as a chronic crisis; people who live in constant turmoil are not in crisis but in chaos. This
understanding is essential for appropriate intervention planning and resource allocation.
3. Which level of prevention focuses on actually preventing a crisis before it occurs?
A) Primary prevention
B) Secondary prevention
,C) Tertiary prevention
D) Quaternary prevention
Correct Answer: Primary prevention
Rationale: Primary prevention focuses on actually preventing the crisis before it occurs. This involves
addressing risk factors and enhancing protective factors before a problem emerges. Primary prevention
is the most effective and cost-efficient approach to crisis management.
4. A PMH-APRN provides early identification and treatment for a client showing early signs of
psychological distress. Which level of prevention is being implemented?
A) Primary prevention
B) Secondary prevention
C) Tertiary prevention
D) Crisis prevention
Correct Answer: Secondary prevention
Rationale: Secondary prevention involves early identification and treatment of emerging problems. The
goal is to reduce the duration and impact of a crisis through early detection and prompt intervention.
This approach prevents the escalation of symptoms into a full-blown crisis.
5. A client has recently experienced a traumatic event and is now working with a PMH-APRN to avoid
long-term complications and prevent relapse. Which level of prevention describes this intervention?
A) Primary prevention
B) Secondary prevention
C) Tertiary prevention
D) Palliative prevention
Correct Answer: Tertiary prevention
, Rationale: Tertiary prevention focuses on avoiding complications after a crisis has been managed. This
level aims to reduce long-term effects, prevent relapse, and promote rehabilitation. Tertiary prevention
is implemented after the crisis has been stabilized.
6. Which term refers to the agreed-upon behaviors and standards within a particular society or culture?
A) Mores
B) Norms
C) Values
D) Ethics
Correct Answer: Norms
Rationale: Norms represent the agreed-upon behaviors and standards within a particular society or
culture, guiding individual actions and fostering social cohesion. Norms are considered the "right"
patterns of behavior for a society. Understanding norms is crucial for mental health professionals as
they shape individuals' perceptions of acceptable behavior.
7. What is the primary difference between a crisis and chaos?
A) Crisis involves external events while chaos involves internal events
B) Crisis is time-limited while chaos is a chronic state of turmoil
C) Crisis requires medication while chaos requires psychotherapy
D) Crisis affects individuals while chaos affects communities
Correct Answer: Crisis is time-limited while chaos is a chronic state of turmoil
Rationale: A crisis is time-limited, lasting no more than 4 to 6 weeks. People who live in constant turmoil
are not in crisis but in chaos. This distinction is critical for accurate assessment and appropriate
intervention planning.
8. According to Caplan, which phase of a crisis involves the initial problem arising and the
implementation of usual problem-solving techniques?
A) Phase 1
