NSG 526 Exam 2 | 98 Comprehensive Question and
Correct Answers plus Rationale | Graded A+ | New
Update 2026/2027
1. In an "open group":
A) New members can join only at the start of the group session
B) No new members are allowed to join after the group begins
C) New members are added as others leave
D) The group has a fixed number of participants throughout
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In an open group, new members are added as others leave, allowing
for continuous membership turnover. This structure provides opportunities for
modeling and hope as new members see progress in long-term members.
However, it can challenge cohesion and trust as membership changes. Closed
groups (B) have restricted membership with no new members added. Open
groups are common in inpatient and community settings where patient turnover
is expected.
2. Yoga primarily promotes which of the following?
A) Cardiovascular endurance
B) Relaxation and stress reduction
C) Increased muscle mass
D) Rapid weight loss
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Yoga primarily promotes relaxation and stress reduction. Yoga is a
unique holistic practice incorporating meditation, poses (asanas), and breathing
,designed to offer health and spiritual benefits. While yoga may have secondary
benefits for cardiovascular health and flexibility, its primary therapeutic value in
psychiatric-mental health nursing is stress reduction and relaxation. Yoga activates
the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing cortisol levels and promoting a
relaxation response. It is considered a CAM modality useful for anxiety,
depression, and stress-related conditions.
3. What is the most therapeutic response to a patient who missed their Tuesday
appointment and showed up for the next one?
A) "Why didn't you come on Tuesday? We were expecting you."
B) "You missed your appointment on Tuesday, I was wondering what happened?"
C) "It's important to keep all scheduled appointments to stay on track."
D) "I hope missing the appointment didn't cause any issues for you."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic response is "You missed your appointment on
Tuesday, I was wondering what happened?" This statement uses a therapeutic
communication technique—expressing genuine concern and curiosity while
inviting the patient to share their experience. It is non-judgmental and opens a
dialogue about potential barriers to treatment. Option A uses "why" which can
feel accusatory. Option C is directive and may sound scolding. Option D minimizes
the therapeutic relationship's importance. The response should maintain the
therapeutic alliance and explore reasons for missed appointments without
shaming the patient.
4. What is the most therapeutic response when a patient states she buys St.
John's Wort from Walgreens to ensure consistent dosage?
A) "That's great! It's good to know where your supplements come from."
B) "There's no dosage standard for St. John's Wort, so dosages may vary."
C) "Buying from a pharmacy doesn't guarantee the dosage."
,D) "You should only buy supplements that are recommended by a healthcare
provider."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic response is "There's no dosage standard for St.
John's Wort, so dosages may vary." This provides accurate, non-judgmental
education about the lack of standardization in herbal supplements. St. John's Wort
is an herbal supplement commonly used for depression but is not regulated by
the FDA like pharmaceuticals, so potency and dosage can vary significantly
between brands and batches. Option C is factually correct but may be perceived
as dismissive. Option D is authoritative and may damage the therapeutic alliance.
The nurse should provide education while maintaining a collaborative
relationship.
5. A college student who failed an important test says, "I'll never find a good job
now." This statement is an example of what?
A) All-or-nothing thinking
B) Overgeneralization
C) Cognitive distortion
D) Catastrophizing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This statement is an example of a cognitive distortion—an exaggerated
or irrational thought pattern involved in the onset or perpetuation of
psychopathological states. Specifically, this is catastrophizing (D)—expecting the
worst possible outcome from a single event. Overgeneralization (B) would be "I
always fail tests." All-or-nothing thinking (A) would be "I'm either a success or a
failure." The broad category "cognitive distortion" is the most accurate
encompassing term, as the student is engaging in irrational thinking that likely
contributes to anxiety or depression. CBT would help the student identify and
challenge this distortion.
, 6. What is operant conditioning primarily characterized by?
A) Classical conditioning
B) Positive and negative reinforcement
C) Observational learning
D) Cognitive restructuring
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, is primarily
characterized by positive and negative reinforcement. In operant conditioning,
voluntary behaviors are learned through consequences—reinforcement (positive
or negative) increases the frequency of a behavior, while punishment decreases it.
Positive reinforcement adds a desirable stimulus; negative reinforcement removes
an aversive stimulus. Classical conditioning (A) involves involuntary responses to
stimuli. Observational learning (C) is associated with Bandura's social learning
theory. Cognitive restructuring (D) is associated with cognitive therapy.
7. In the situation where a lady expresses her embarrassment about stealing
clothing and others discuss their problems with law enforcement and the
consequences they learned from each other, this illustrates which therapeutic
factor?
A) Imparting information
B) Universality
C) Altruism
D) Catharsis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This illustrates universality—the recognition of shared experiences and
feelings among group members that removes a sense of isolation and validates
experiences. When group members share similar struggles (legal problems,
consequences), they realize they are not alone in their difficulties. Imparting
information (A) involves learning factual information from others. Altruism (C)
Correct Answers plus Rationale | Graded A+ | New
Update 2026/2027
1. In an "open group":
A) New members can join only at the start of the group session
B) No new members are allowed to join after the group begins
C) New members are added as others leave
D) The group has a fixed number of participants throughout
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In an open group, new members are added as others leave, allowing
for continuous membership turnover. This structure provides opportunities for
modeling and hope as new members see progress in long-term members.
However, it can challenge cohesion and trust as membership changes. Closed
groups (B) have restricted membership with no new members added. Open
groups are common in inpatient and community settings where patient turnover
is expected.
2. Yoga primarily promotes which of the following?
A) Cardiovascular endurance
B) Relaxation and stress reduction
C) Increased muscle mass
D) Rapid weight loss
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Yoga primarily promotes relaxation and stress reduction. Yoga is a
unique holistic practice incorporating meditation, poses (asanas), and breathing
,designed to offer health and spiritual benefits. While yoga may have secondary
benefits for cardiovascular health and flexibility, its primary therapeutic value in
psychiatric-mental health nursing is stress reduction and relaxation. Yoga activates
the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing cortisol levels and promoting a
relaxation response. It is considered a CAM modality useful for anxiety,
depression, and stress-related conditions.
3. What is the most therapeutic response to a patient who missed their Tuesday
appointment and showed up for the next one?
A) "Why didn't you come on Tuesday? We were expecting you."
B) "You missed your appointment on Tuesday, I was wondering what happened?"
C) "It's important to keep all scheduled appointments to stay on track."
D) "I hope missing the appointment didn't cause any issues for you."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic response is "You missed your appointment on
Tuesday, I was wondering what happened?" This statement uses a therapeutic
communication technique—expressing genuine concern and curiosity while
inviting the patient to share their experience. It is non-judgmental and opens a
dialogue about potential barriers to treatment. Option A uses "why" which can
feel accusatory. Option C is directive and may sound scolding. Option D minimizes
the therapeutic relationship's importance. The response should maintain the
therapeutic alliance and explore reasons for missed appointments without
shaming the patient.
4. What is the most therapeutic response when a patient states she buys St.
John's Wort from Walgreens to ensure consistent dosage?
A) "That's great! It's good to know where your supplements come from."
B) "There's no dosage standard for St. John's Wort, so dosages may vary."
C) "Buying from a pharmacy doesn't guarantee the dosage."
,D) "You should only buy supplements that are recommended by a healthcare
provider."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic response is "There's no dosage standard for St.
John's Wort, so dosages may vary." This provides accurate, non-judgmental
education about the lack of standardization in herbal supplements. St. John's Wort
is an herbal supplement commonly used for depression but is not regulated by
the FDA like pharmaceuticals, so potency and dosage can vary significantly
between brands and batches. Option C is factually correct but may be perceived
as dismissive. Option D is authoritative and may damage the therapeutic alliance.
The nurse should provide education while maintaining a collaborative
relationship.
5. A college student who failed an important test says, "I'll never find a good job
now." This statement is an example of what?
A) All-or-nothing thinking
B) Overgeneralization
C) Cognitive distortion
D) Catastrophizing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This statement is an example of a cognitive distortion—an exaggerated
or irrational thought pattern involved in the onset or perpetuation of
psychopathological states. Specifically, this is catastrophizing (D)—expecting the
worst possible outcome from a single event. Overgeneralization (B) would be "I
always fail tests." All-or-nothing thinking (A) would be "I'm either a success or a
failure." The broad category "cognitive distortion" is the most accurate
encompassing term, as the student is engaging in irrational thinking that likely
contributes to anxiety or depression. CBT would help the student identify and
challenge this distortion.
, 6. What is operant conditioning primarily characterized by?
A) Classical conditioning
B) Positive and negative reinforcement
C) Observational learning
D) Cognitive restructuring
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, is primarily
characterized by positive and negative reinforcement. In operant conditioning,
voluntary behaviors are learned through consequences—reinforcement (positive
or negative) increases the frequency of a behavior, while punishment decreases it.
Positive reinforcement adds a desirable stimulus; negative reinforcement removes
an aversive stimulus. Classical conditioning (A) involves involuntary responses to
stimuli. Observational learning (C) is associated with Bandura's social learning
theory. Cognitive restructuring (D) is associated with cognitive therapy.
7. In the situation where a lady expresses her embarrassment about stealing
clothing and others discuss their problems with law enforcement and the
consequences they learned from each other, this illustrates which therapeutic
factor?
A) Imparting information
B) Universality
C) Altruism
D) Catharsis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This illustrates universality—the recognition of shared experiences and
feelings among group members that removes a sense of isolation and validates
experiences. When group members share similar struggles (legal problems,
consequences), they realize they are not alone in their difficulties. Imparting
information (A) involves learning factual information from others. Altruism (C)
