Advanced Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Questions And Correct Verified Answers
Section I: Theoretical Foundations (Questions 1–10)
1. Which of the following best describes the goal of psychodynamic therapy?
A. Teaching clients new skills for coping with current stressors
B. Exploring unconscious conflicts and past relationships
C. Challenging cognitive distortions
D. Promoting behavior change through reinforcement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Psychodynamic therapy focuses on increasing awareness of
unconscious thoughts and how past experiences influence present behavior.
2. In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the therapist helps the client to:
A. Interpret transference patterns
B. Explore early childhood trauma
C. Identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts
D. Practice free association
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: CBT targets distorted thinking and helps clients develop more
balanced thought patterns and behaviors.
3. Which theoretical model emphasizes unconditional positive regard, empathy,
and congruence?
A. Behavioral
B. Person-centered
C. Cognitive
D. Psychoanalytic
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Carl Rogers’ person-centered therapy emphasizes a non-directive,
empathic approach that empowers the client.
4. Which therapy model uses operant and classical conditioning principles?
A. Behavioral therapy
B. Humanistic therapy
C. Existential therapy
D. Cognitive therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Behavioral therapy uses reinforcement, punishment, and
conditioning to change behavior.
,5. The therapeutic alliance is best defined as:
A. The therapist’s understanding of the client’s history
B. A mutual agreement on goals, tasks, and bond in therapy
C. A legal agreement for services
D. A friendship between therapist and client
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Research shows a strong alliance predicts better therapy outcomes.
6. Which concept is most associated with solution-focused brief therapy?
A. Free association
B. Identifying the root cause
C. Miracle question
D. Exposure therapy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The miracle question is a key tool in solution-focused therapy to help
clients envision desired change.
7. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was originally developed to treat which
condition?
A. Major depressive disorder
B. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
C. Borderline personality disorder
D. Generalized anxiety disorder
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: DBT is an evidence-based approach primarily designed to treat
emotional dysregulation in borderline personality disorder.
8. A distinguishing feature of interpersonal therapy (IPT) is its focus on:
A. Childhood trauma
B. Interpersonal disputes and role transitions
C. Thought records and cognitive distortions
D. Classical conditioning
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: IPT is structured and time-limited, focusing on interpersonal
functioning and its relation to mood.
9. The cognitive triad in depression includes negative views of:
A. Self, others, and society
B. Past, present, and future
C. Self, world, and future
D. Behavior, emotion, and thought
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to Beck, depressed individuals view themselves, their
world, and the future negatively.