NURS 753 Final Exam Study Pack
Therapeutic Modalities — Exam 2
Questions and Answers with Rationales
Latest Versions
Question 1
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is evaluating a patient with major depressive disorder who
reports suicidal thoughts, severe hopelessness, and inability to perform daily activities. Which
therapeutic modality should be considered due to the need for rapid symptom improvement?
A. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
B. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
C. Supportive psychotherapy
D. Psychoeducation
Correct Answer: B. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Rationale
ECT is indicated for severe depression with suicidal risk, psychotic features, catatonia, or
treatment resistance because it can produce rapid improvement.
• CBT and supportive therapy are effective but usually require more time.
• Psychoeducation alone is not sufficient for severe depression.
Question 2
A patient asks how cognitive behavioral therapy helps depression. The best explanation is:
A. "It explores unconscious childhood conflicts."
B. "It changes the way you interpret thoughts and behaviors."
C. "It uses electrical stimulation to change brain activity."
D. "It eliminates the need for medication."
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale
CBT focuses on identifying negative automatic thoughts, challenging cognitive distortions, and
developing healthier behaviors.
Question 3
Which patient is the best candidate for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?
A. Patient with treatment-resistant depression without metal implants
B. Patient with severe delirium
C. Patient with untreated psychosis
D. Patient with implanted metallic cranial hardware
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
TMS is a noninvasive treatment for treatment-resistant depression. Metallic implants near the
treatment area may be contraindications.
Question 4
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder spends hours performing rituals. Which
psychotherapy is considered first-line?
A. Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
B. Psychoanalysis
C. Supportive counseling only
D. Light therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
ERP exposes patients to anxiety-provoking stimuli while preventing compulsive behaviors,
reducing OCD symptoms.
,Question 5
A patient with borderline personality disorder has repeated self-harm behaviors. Which therapy
is most appropriate?
A. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
B. Bright light therapy
C. Psychoeducation alone
D. Sleep therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
DBT is specifically designed for emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal behaviors, and
borderline personality disorder.
Question 6
During motivational interviewing, the provider asks, "What changes would you like to make in
your life?" This technique demonstrates:
A. Confrontation
B. Open-ended questioning
C. Behavioral punishment
D. Cognitive restructuring
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Open-ended questions encourage patients to explore their own motivations and promote behavior
change.
Question 7
A patient receiving ECT should be monitored for:
A. Temporary confusion and memory impairment
B. Permanent paralysis
, C. Kidney failure
D. Hearing loss
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Short-term confusion and memory difficulties are common adverse effects following ECT.
Question 8
Which therapeutic approach is most appropriate for a patient with PTSD?
A. Trauma-focused CBT
B. Dream interpretation only
C. Aversion therapy
D. Avoidance training
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Trauma-focused CBT, prolonged exposure, and EMDR are evidence-based PTSD treatments.
Question 9
A provider teaches a patient to identify automatic negative thoughts. This intervention is part of:
A. CBT
B. ECT
C. Family therapy
D. Light therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Identifying and restructuring automatic thoughts is a core component of CBT.
Therapeutic Modalities — Exam 2
Questions and Answers with Rationales
Latest Versions
Question 1
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is evaluating a patient with major depressive disorder who
reports suicidal thoughts, severe hopelessness, and inability to perform daily activities. Which
therapeutic modality should be considered due to the need for rapid symptom improvement?
A. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
B. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
C. Supportive psychotherapy
D. Psychoeducation
Correct Answer: B. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Rationale
ECT is indicated for severe depression with suicidal risk, psychotic features, catatonia, or
treatment resistance because it can produce rapid improvement.
• CBT and supportive therapy are effective but usually require more time.
• Psychoeducation alone is not sufficient for severe depression.
Question 2
A patient asks how cognitive behavioral therapy helps depression. The best explanation is:
A. "It explores unconscious childhood conflicts."
B. "It changes the way you interpret thoughts and behaviors."
C. "It uses electrical stimulation to change brain activity."
D. "It eliminates the need for medication."
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale
CBT focuses on identifying negative automatic thoughts, challenging cognitive distortions, and
developing healthier behaviors.
Question 3
Which patient is the best candidate for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?
A. Patient with treatment-resistant depression without metal implants
B. Patient with severe delirium
C. Patient with untreated psychosis
D. Patient with implanted metallic cranial hardware
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
TMS is a noninvasive treatment for treatment-resistant depression. Metallic implants near the
treatment area may be contraindications.
Question 4
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder spends hours performing rituals. Which
psychotherapy is considered first-line?
A. Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
B. Psychoanalysis
C. Supportive counseling only
D. Light therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
ERP exposes patients to anxiety-provoking stimuli while preventing compulsive behaviors,
reducing OCD symptoms.
,Question 5
A patient with borderline personality disorder has repeated self-harm behaviors. Which therapy
is most appropriate?
A. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
B. Bright light therapy
C. Psychoeducation alone
D. Sleep therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
DBT is specifically designed for emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal behaviors, and
borderline personality disorder.
Question 6
During motivational interviewing, the provider asks, "What changes would you like to make in
your life?" This technique demonstrates:
A. Confrontation
B. Open-ended questioning
C. Behavioral punishment
D. Cognitive restructuring
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Open-ended questions encourage patients to explore their own motivations and promote behavior
change.
Question 7
A patient receiving ECT should be monitored for:
A. Temporary confusion and memory impairment
B. Permanent paralysis
, C. Kidney failure
D. Hearing loss
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Short-term confusion and memory difficulties are common adverse effects following ECT.
Question 8
Which therapeutic approach is most appropriate for a patient with PTSD?
A. Trauma-focused CBT
B. Dream interpretation only
C. Aversion therapy
D. Avoidance training
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Trauma-focused CBT, prolonged exposure, and EMDR are evidence-based PTSD treatments.
Question 9
A provider teaches a patient to identify automatic negative thoughts. This intervention is part of:
A. CBT
B. ECT
C. Family therapy
D. Light therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Identifying and restructuring automatic thoughts is a core component of CBT.
