NSG526 Final Exam V1 | NSG 526 Clinical
Modalities Adv. Psych | Wilkes University
1. A patient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) reports, ‘If I don’t get this promotion, my
entire career is a failure.’ Which cognitive distortion is this client displaying?
A. Personalization
B. All-or-nothing thinking
C. Catastrophizing
D. Emotional reasoning
Answer: B
Rationale: All-or-nothing thinking, also known as black-and-white thinking, involves
seeing things in extreme categories without middle ground. In this case, the patient views
the career outcome as either a total success or a total failure based on one event. Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying these distortions to help the patient develop
more balanced perspectives.
2. According to Irvin Yalom, which curative factor of group therapy is characterized by the
realization that one is not alone in their problems?
A. Universality
B. Catharsis
C. Altruism
,D. Instillation of hope
Answer: A
Rationale: Universality allows group members to realize that others share similar
thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This realization often provides significant relief and
reduces the sense of isolation commonly felt in psychiatric distress. It is considered one of
the primary therapeutic factors that contribute to the efficacy of group interventions.
3. In Bowen Family Systems Theory, the process where a two-person relationship under
stress draws in a third person to reduce tension is called:
A. Differentiation of self
B. Emotional cutoff
C. Enmeshment
D. Triangulation
Answer: D
Rationale: Triangulation occurs when a third person is brought into a dyadic relationship
to diffuse anxiety and provide stability. While it temporarily lowers tension, it prevents the
original two people from resolving their conflict directly. Bowenian therapy aims to help
individuals differentiate themselves so they can remain connected without becoming part
of such triangles.
, 4. Which module of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses specifically on teaching clients
how to handle crisis situations without making them worse?
A. Interpersonal Effectiveness
B. Emotional Regulation
C. Mindfulness
D. Distress Tolerance
Answer: D
Rationale: Distress Tolerance skills are designed to help individuals survive immediate
crises and accept reality as it is. These skills are essential for patients with Borderline
Personality Disorder who may otherwise engage in self-destructive behaviors when
overwhelmed. The goal is to build resilience and the ability to endure discomfort without
impulsive reactions.
5. During a Motivational Interviewing session, a patient says, ‘I know I should quit smoking
for my health, but it helps me relax.’ What stage of change is the patient in?
A. Contemplation
B. Precontemplation
C. Preparation
D. Action
Answer: A
Modalities Adv. Psych | Wilkes University
1. A patient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) reports, ‘If I don’t get this promotion, my
entire career is a failure.’ Which cognitive distortion is this client displaying?
A. Personalization
B. All-or-nothing thinking
C. Catastrophizing
D. Emotional reasoning
Answer: B
Rationale: All-or-nothing thinking, also known as black-and-white thinking, involves
seeing things in extreme categories without middle ground. In this case, the patient views
the career outcome as either a total success or a total failure based on one event. Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying these distortions to help the patient develop
more balanced perspectives.
2. According to Irvin Yalom, which curative factor of group therapy is characterized by the
realization that one is not alone in their problems?
A. Universality
B. Catharsis
C. Altruism
,D. Instillation of hope
Answer: A
Rationale: Universality allows group members to realize that others share similar
thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This realization often provides significant relief and
reduces the sense of isolation commonly felt in psychiatric distress. It is considered one of
the primary therapeutic factors that contribute to the efficacy of group interventions.
3. In Bowen Family Systems Theory, the process where a two-person relationship under
stress draws in a third person to reduce tension is called:
A. Differentiation of self
B. Emotional cutoff
C. Enmeshment
D. Triangulation
Answer: D
Rationale: Triangulation occurs when a third person is brought into a dyadic relationship
to diffuse anxiety and provide stability. While it temporarily lowers tension, it prevents the
original two people from resolving their conflict directly. Bowenian therapy aims to help
individuals differentiate themselves so they can remain connected without becoming part
of such triangles.
, 4. Which module of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses specifically on teaching clients
how to handle crisis situations without making them worse?
A. Interpersonal Effectiveness
B. Emotional Regulation
C. Mindfulness
D. Distress Tolerance
Answer: D
Rationale: Distress Tolerance skills are designed to help individuals survive immediate
crises and accept reality as it is. These skills are essential for patients with Borderline
Personality Disorder who may otherwise engage in self-destructive behaviors when
overwhelmed. The goal is to build resilience and the ability to endure discomfort without
impulsive reactions.
5. During a Motivational Interviewing session, a patient says, ‘I know I should quit smoking
for my health, but it helps me relax.’ What stage of change is the patient in?
A. Contemplation
B. Precontemplation
C. Preparation
D. Action
Answer: A
