Wilkes NSG 525 Advanced Crisis Intervention Final
Exam 2026/2027 | 100 Verified Questions &
Answers | PMHNP Passan School of Nursing Prep |
Instant Download
Question 1: According to Caplan, what is the FIRST phase of a crisis?
A. Trial-and-error attempts fail and anxiety escalates to panic levels
B. A problem arises contributing to increased anxiety, and usual problem-solving
techniques are implemented
C. The person adopts automatic relief behaviors
D. Anxiety overwhelms the person, leading to serious personality disorganization
Correct Answer: B. A problem arises contributing to increased anxiety, and
usual problem-solving techniques are implemented
Rationale: Caplan's four phases of crisis begin with Phase 1: a problem arises
that contributes to increased anxiety, and the person attempts usual problem-
solving techniques. Phase 2 involves usual problem-solving techniques becoming
ineffective and anxiety continuing to rise. Phase 3 occurs when trial-and-error
attempts fail, anxiety escalates to severe or panic levels, and the person adopts
automatic relief behaviors. Phase 4 is when anxiety overwhelms the person,
leading to serious personality disorganization, signaling the person is in crisis. This
conceptualization helps the PMH-APRN identify where the client is in the crisis
trajectory and intervene appropriately.
Question 2: The maximum duration of a crisis state is generally considered to be:
A. 1–2 weeks
B. 4–6 weeks
,C. 8–10 weeks
D. 3–6 months
Correct Answer: B. 4–6 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. Understanding the time-limited nature of
crisis is essential for appropriate intervention planning.
Question 3: A client experiences a crisis after leaving home for college for the
first time. This is classified as which type of crisis?
A. Situational crisis
B. Adventitious crisis
C. Maturational crisis
D. Psychosocial crisis
Correct Answer: C. Maturational crisis
Rationale: Maturational crises describe unfavorable person-environment
relationships that relate to maturational events, such as leaving home for the first
time, completing school, or accepting the responsibility of adulthood. This type of
crisis is a normal part of growth and development. According to Erikson,
successfully resolving a crisis at one stage allows the child to move to the next.
Situational crises occur when a specific stressful event threatens a person's
biopsychosocial integrity. Adventitious crises are initiated by unexpected unusual
events that can affect an individual or a multitude of people, such as natural
disasters.
,Question 4: A community is devastated by a hurricane that affects thousands of
residents. The PMH-APRN's interventions during this event are part of which
type of crisis?
A. Situational crisis
B. Adventitious crisis
C. Maturational crisis
D. Developmental crisis
Correct Answer: B. Adventitious crisis
Rationale: Adventitious crises are initiated by unexpected unusual events that
can affect an individual or a multitude of people. National and natural disasters
are examples of adventitious crises. During an adventitious crisis, the PMH-APRN's
interventions will be part of the community's efforts to respond to the event.
Situational crises involve a specific stressful event, while maturational crises relate
to developmental transitions.
Question 5: The primary goal of crisis intervention is to:
A. Identify underlying personality disorders
B. Return the client to the pre-crisis level of functioning
C. Initiate long-term psychotherapy
D. Prescribe psychotropic medication
Correct Answer: B. Return the client to the pre-crisis level of functioning
Rationale: The goal for people experiencing a crisis is to return to the pre-
crisis level of functioning. The PMH-APRN provides a framework of support
systems that guide the client through the crisis and facilitate the development and
use of positive coping skills. Crisis intervention is not about long-term
, psychotherapy or identifying underlying personality disorders—it is a short-term,
goal-directed approach aimed at stabilization and restoration of functioning.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of primary prevention in crisis
intervention?
A. Early identification and treatment of individuals in crisis
B. Preventing the crisis before it occurs by addressing risk factors and enhancing
protective factors
C. Reducing the long-term effects of a crisis and preventing relapse
D. Providing rehabilitation after the crisis has been managed
Correct Answer: B. Preventing the crisis before it occurs by addressing risk
factors and enhancing protective factors
Rationale: Primary prevention focuses on avoiding the development of a crisis
by addressing risk factors and enhancing protective factors before a problem
emerges. Secondary prevention aims to reduce the duration and impact of a crisis
through early detection and prompt intervention. Tertiary prevention focuses on
reducing the long-term effects of a crisis, preventing relapse, and promoting
rehabilitation after the crisis has been managed.
Question 7: In Roberts' Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model, which stage
involves actively listening and communicating acceptance and reassurance?
A. Stage 1: Psychosocial and Lethality Assessment
B. Stage 2: Rapidly Establish Rapport
C. Stage 3: Identify the Major Problems
D. Stage 4: Deal with Feelings and Emotions
Correct Answer: B. Stage 2: Rapidly Establish Rapport
Exam 2026/2027 | 100 Verified Questions &
Answers | PMHNP Passan School of Nursing Prep |
Instant Download
Question 1: According to Caplan, what is the FIRST phase of a crisis?
A. Trial-and-error attempts fail and anxiety escalates to panic levels
B. A problem arises contributing to increased anxiety, and usual problem-solving
techniques are implemented
C. The person adopts automatic relief behaviors
D. Anxiety overwhelms the person, leading to serious personality disorganization
Correct Answer: B. A problem arises contributing to increased anxiety, and
usual problem-solving techniques are implemented
Rationale: Caplan's four phases of crisis begin with Phase 1: a problem arises
that contributes to increased anxiety, and the person attempts usual problem-
solving techniques. Phase 2 involves usual problem-solving techniques becoming
ineffective and anxiety continuing to rise. Phase 3 occurs when trial-and-error
attempts fail, anxiety escalates to severe or panic levels, and the person adopts
automatic relief behaviors. Phase 4 is when anxiety overwhelms the person,
leading to serious personality disorganization, signaling the person is in crisis. This
conceptualization helps the PMH-APRN identify where the client is in the crisis
trajectory and intervene appropriately.
Question 2: The maximum duration of a crisis state is generally considered to be:
A. 1–2 weeks
B. 4–6 weeks
,C. 8–10 weeks
D. 3–6 months
Correct Answer: B. 4–6 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. Understanding the time-limited nature of
crisis is essential for appropriate intervention planning.
Question 3: A client experiences a crisis after leaving home for college for the
first time. This is classified as which type of crisis?
A. Situational crisis
B. Adventitious crisis
C. Maturational crisis
D. Psychosocial crisis
Correct Answer: C. Maturational crisis
Rationale: Maturational crises describe unfavorable person-environment
relationships that relate to maturational events, such as leaving home for the first
time, completing school, or accepting the responsibility of adulthood. This type of
crisis is a normal part of growth and development. According to Erikson,
successfully resolving a crisis at one stage allows the child to move to the next.
Situational crises occur when a specific stressful event threatens a person's
biopsychosocial integrity. Adventitious crises are initiated by unexpected unusual
events that can affect an individual or a multitude of people, such as natural
disasters.
,Question 4: A community is devastated by a hurricane that affects thousands of
residents. The PMH-APRN's interventions during this event are part of which
type of crisis?
A. Situational crisis
B. Adventitious crisis
C. Maturational crisis
D. Developmental crisis
Correct Answer: B. Adventitious crisis
Rationale: Adventitious crises are initiated by unexpected unusual events that
can affect an individual or a multitude of people. National and natural disasters
are examples of adventitious crises. During an adventitious crisis, the PMH-APRN's
interventions will be part of the community's efforts to respond to the event.
Situational crises involve a specific stressful event, while maturational crises relate
to developmental transitions.
Question 5: The primary goal of crisis intervention is to:
A. Identify underlying personality disorders
B. Return the client to the pre-crisis level of functioning
C. Initiate long-term psychotherapy
D. Prescribe psychotropic medication
Correct Answer: B. Return the client to the pre-crisis level of functioning
Rationale: The goal for people experiencing a crisis is to return to the pre-
crisis level of functioning. The PMH-APRN provides a framework of support
systems that guide the client through the crisis and facilitate the development and
use of positive coping skills. Crisis intervention is not about long-term
, psychotherapy or identifying underlying personality disorders—it is a short-term,
goal-directed approach aimed at stabilization and restoration of functioning.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of primary prevention in crisis
intervention?
A. Early identification and treatment of individuals in crisis
B. Preventing the crisis before it occurs by addressing risk factors and enhancing
protective factors
C. Reducing the long-term effects of a crisis and preventing relapse
D. Providing rehabilitation after the crisis has been managed
Correct Answer: B. Preventing the crisis before it occurs by addressing risk
factors and enhancing protective factors
Rationale: Primary prevention focuses on avoiding the development of a crisis
by addressing risk factors and enhancing protective factors before a problem
emerges. Secondary prevention aims to reduce the duration and impact of a crisis
through early detection and prompt intervention. Tertiary prevention focuses on
reducing the long-term effects of a crisis, preventing relapse, and promoting
rehabilitation after the crisis has been managed.
Question 7: In Roberts' Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model, which stage
involves actively listening and communicating acceptance and reassurance?
A. Stage 1: Psychosocial and Lethality Assessment
B. Stage 2: Rapidly Establish Rapport
C. Stage 3: Identify the Major Problems
D. Stage 4: Deal with Feelings and Emotions
Correct Answer: B. Stage 2: Rapidly Establish Rapport
