NSG526 Exam 3 V2 | NSG 526 Clinical
Modalities Adv. Psych | Wilkes University
1. Which component of Motivational Interviewing (MI) is most essential when a patient
expresses ambivalence about stopping substance use?
A. Directly confronting the patient’s denial
B. Providing a list of negative consequences
C. Demanding immediate abstinence
D. Rolling with resistance
Answer: D
Rationale: Rolling with resistance is a core principle of Motivational Interviewing that
avoids power struggles with the patient. It acknowledges that ambivalence is a natural part
of the change process rather than a sign of defiance. By validating the patient’s perspective,
the clinician helps the patient explore their own motivations for change without becoming
defensive.
2. A patient with PTSD is undergoing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
(EMDR). What is the primary goal of the bilateral stimulation used in this therapy?
A. To facilitate the processing of traumatic memories
B. To distract the patient from the therapist
C. To induce a deep hypnotic trance
,D. To increase the patient’s heart rate
Answer: A
Rationale: The bilateral stimulation in EMDR, such as eye movements or taps, is intended
to help the brain reprocess traumatic information. This process allows the patient to
integrate the traumatic memory into their general knowledge base, reducing its emotional
charge. It is believed to mimic the natural processing that occurs during REM sleep to
resolve distressing experiences.
3. Which therapeutic modality is specifically designed to treat the emotional dysregulation
and self-harming behaviors found in Borderline Personality Disorder?
A. Psychoanalysis
B. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
C. Client-Centered Therapy
D. Exposure Therapy
Answer: B
Rationale: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed by Marsha Linehan
specifically for individuals with borderline personality disorder. It combines cognitive-
behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to manage intense
emotions. The therapy focuses on four main skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance,
interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation.
, 4. When assessing a patient for suicide risk, which of the following is considered the most
significant immediate warning sign?
A. Occasional feelings of sadness
B. Expressing a specific plan and having the means to carry it out
C. A history of family depression
D. Difficulty sleeping
Answer: B
Rationale: The presence of a concrete plan combined with access to lethal means indicates
a high and immediate lethality risk. Clinicians must prioritize this assessment over general
risk factors like family history or mood fluctuations. Immediate intervention, such as
hospitalization or constant supervision, is often required in these scenarios to ensure
safety.
5. During a psychiatric crisis, what is the initial priority for the advanced practice nurse?
A. Ensuring the safety of the patient and others
B. Identifying long-term personality traits
C. Starting a regimen of long-acting antipsychotics
D. Investigating early childhood traumas
Answer: A
Modalities Adv. Psych | Wilkes University
1. Which component of Motivational Interviewing (MI) is most essential when a patient
expresses ambivalence about stopping substance use?
A. Directly confronting the patient’s denial
B. Providing a list of negative consequences
C. Demanding immediate abstinence
D. Rolling with resistance
Answer: D
Rationale: Rolling with resistance is a core principle of Motivational Interviewing that
avoids power struggles with the patient. It acknowledges that ambivalence is a natural part
of the change process rather than a sign of defiance. By validating the patient’s perspective,
the clinician helps the patient explore their own motivations for change without becoming
defensive.
2. A patient with PTSD is undergoing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
(EMDR). What is the primary goal of the bilateral stimulation used in this therapy?
A. To facilitate the processing of traumatic memories
B. To distract the patient from the therapist
C. To induce a deep hypnotic trance
,D. To increase the patient’s heart rate
Answer: A
Rationale: The bilateral stimulation in EMDR, such as eye movements or taps, is intended
to help the brain reprocess traumatic information. This process allows the patient to
integrate the traumatic memory into their general knowledge base, reducing its emotional
charge. It is believed to mimic the natural processing that occurs during REM sleep to
resolve distressing experiences.
3. Which therapeutic modality is specifically designed to treat the emotional dysregulation
and self-harming behaviors found in Borderline Personality Disorder?
A. Psychoanalysis
B. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
C. Client-Centered Therapy
D. Exposure Therapy
Answer: B
Rationale: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed by Marsha Linehan
specifically for individuals with borderline personality disorder. It combines cognitive-
behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to manage intense
emotions. The therapy focuses on four main skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance,
interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation.
, 4. When assessing a patient for suicide risk, which of the following is considered the most
significant immediate warning sign?
A. Occasional feelings of sadness
B. Expressing a specific plan and having the means to carry it out
C. A history of family depression
D. Difficulty sleeping
Answer: B
Rationale: The presence of a concrete plan combined with access to lethal means indicates
a high and immediate lethality risk. Clinicians must prioritize this assessment over general
risk factors like family history or mood fluctuations. Immediate intervention, such as
hospitalization or constant supervision, is often required in these scenarios to ensure
safety.
5. During a psychiatric crisis, what is the initial priority for the advanced practice nurse?
A. Ensuring the safety of the patient and others
B. Identifying long-term personality traits
C. Starting a regimen of long-acting antipsychotics
D. Investigating early childhood traumas
Answer: A
