,NR 668 CEA Final Exam – Practicum Capstone
Intensive – Q&A (2026) PDF | Chamberlain
1. The PMHNP is teaching a client with generalized anxiety disorder how to use
coping cards as part of cognitive behavioral therapy. The primary purpose of
coping cards is to:
A) Identify automatic negative thoughts as they occur
B) Record daily mood fluctuations and triggers
C) Provide a written reminder of cognitive restructuring strategies during
distress
D) Replace the need for a therapist between sessions
Correct Answer: C) Provide a written reminder of cognitive restructuring
strategies during distress
Rationale: Coping cards contain helpful, balanced thoughts that a client can read
when anxious, reinforcing cognitive restructuring skills learned in therapy and
promoting self-soothing in real‑time.
2. A client in Gestalt therapy is asked to speak to an empty chair as if a
significant person is sitting there. The PMHNP understands this technique is
used to:
A) Develop a hierarchy of feared situations
B) Practice assertive communication skills
C) Identify and challenge core beliefs
D) Explore and resolve unfinished emotional business
,Correct Answer: D) Explore and resolve unfinished emotional business
Rationale: The empty chair technique helps clients confront and work through
unresolved feelings toward someone, a central goal in Gestalt therapy to
achieve closure and integration.
3. The PMHNP prescribes naltrexone and bupropion for a patient with binge
eating disorder. At a follow‑up visit, the patient says, “Sometimes I still can't
stop myself when my emotions are high.” The most therapeutic response is:
A) "I will increase your bupropion dose to better control cravings."
B) "It sounds like you're disappointed; can you tell me more about what
happens?"
C) "Let's review your food diary for patterns."
D) "On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you that you can resist binging?"
Correct Answer: B) "It sounds like you're disappointed; can you tell me more
about what happens?"
Rationale: Open‑ended exploration validates the patient's emotions and gathers
data, consistent with motivational interviewing and therapeutic
communication, before considering medication changes.
4. Which activity best demonstrates the leadership competency for APRNs as
defined by psychiatric nursing organizations?
A) Modifying an individual patient's treatment plan
B) Participating in a community‑focused program that promotes mental health
and reduces risk
, C) Prescribing psychotropic medications according to evidence‑based guidelines
D) Evaluating the appropriate use of seclusion and restraint
Correct Answer: B) Participating in a community‑focused program that
promotes mental health and reduces risk
Rationale: APRN leadership extends beyond direct patient care to system‑level
initiatives that improve population mental health and prevent illness.
5. The legal document that grants a PMHNP the authority to practice in a
specific state is the:
A) National certification from the ANCC
B) State Nurse Practice Act
C) DEA registration
D) Graduation from an accredited program
Correct Answer: B) State Nurse Practice Act
Rationale: While national certification is required, the Nurse Practice Act of each
state defines the scope and grants the legal authority (licensure) to practice as
an APRN.
6. A newly graduated PMHNP is offered a position evaluating patients across
the lifespan in a psychiatric emergency department. The PMHNP should consult
which document to determine if this population is within the legal scope of
practice?
A) The collaborative agreement with the supervising physician
Intensive – Q&A (2026) PDF | Chamberlain
1. The PMHNP is teaching a client with generalized anxiety disorder how to use
coping cards as part of cognitive behavioral therapy. The primary purpose of
coping cards is to:
A) Identify automatic negative thoughts as they occur
B) Record daily mood fluctuations and triggers
C) Provide a written reminder of cognitive restructuring strategies during
distress
D) Replace the need for a therapist between sessions
Correct Answer: C) Provide a written reminder of cognitive restructuring
strategies during distress
Rationale: Coping cards contain helpful, balanced thoughts that a client can read
when anxious, reinforcing cognitive restructuring skills learned in therapy and
promoting self-soothing in real‑time.
2. A client in Gestalt therapy is asked to speak to an empty chair as if a
significant person is sitting there. The PMHNP understands this technique is
used to:
A) Develop a hierarchy of feared situations
B) Practice assertive communication skills
C) Identify and challenge core beliefs
D) Explore and resolve unfinished emotional business
,Correct Answer: D) Explore and resolve unfinished emotional business
Rationale: The empty chair technique helps clients confront and work through
unresolved feelings toward someone, a central goal in Gestalt therapy to
achieve closure and integration.
3. The PMHNP prescribes naltrexone and bupropion for a patient with binge
eating disorder. At a follow‑up visit, the patient says, “Sometimes I still can't
stop myself when my emotions are high.” The most therapeutic response is:
A) "I will increase your bupropion dose to better control cravings."
B) "It sounds like you're disappointed; can you tell me more about what
happens?"
C) "Let's review your food diary for patterns."
D) "On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you that you can resist binging?"
Correct Answer: B) "It sounds like you're disappointed; can you tell me more
about what happens?"
Rationale: Open‑ended exploration validates the patient's emotions and gathers
data, consistent with motivational interviewing and therapeutic
communication, before considering medication changes.
4. Which activity best demonstrates the leadership competency for APRNs as
defined by psychiatric nursing organizations?
A) Modifying an individual patient's treatment plan
B) Participating in a community‑focused program that promotes mental health
and reduces risk
, C) Prescribing psychotropic medications according to evidence‑based guidelines
D) Evaluating the appropriate use of seclusion and restraint
Correct Answer: B) Participating in a community‑focused program that
promotes mental health and reduces risk
Rationale: APRN leadership extends beyond direct patient care to system‑level
initiatives that improve population mental health and prevent illness.
5. The legal document that grants a PMHNP the authority to practice in a
specific state is the:
A) National certification from the ANCC
B) State Nurse Practice Act
C) DEA registration
D) Graduation from an accredited program
Correct Answer: B) State Nurse Practice Act
Rationale: While national certification is required, the Nurse Practice Act of each
state defines the scope and grants the legal authority (licensure) to practice as
an APRN.
6. A newly graduated PMHNP is offered a position evaluating patients across
the lifespan in a psychiatric emergency department. The PMHNP should consult
which document to determine if this population is within the legal scope of
practice?
A) The collaborative agreement with the supervising physician
