Wilkes University NSG 526 Exam 200 Practice Questions with Verified Answers
and Rationales...
Here are 100 practice questions with answers and detailed rationales, formatted
as multiple-choice questions.
Wilkes University NSG 526 Exam Practice Questions
Exam 1: Foundations & Therapeutic Frameworks
1. Which action by the PMHNP best demonstrates therapeutic boundaries?
A) Sharing a similar personal experience to normalize feelings
B) Extending session time when the patient appears distressed
C) Redirecting the patient to session goals when conversation becomes personal
D) Offering reassurance to reduce anxiety
Answer: C) Redirecting the patient to session goals when conversation becomes
personal
Rationale: Advanced practice boundaries require focus on patient goals, not self-
disclosure or emotional rescue. Boundary crossings often begin subtly with self-
,disclosure or extending time. The therapeutic relationship maintains a
professional focus on the patient's treatment objectives rather than becoming
social or personal .
2. A patient states, "You remind me so much of my mother—I feel safe with you."
This is an example of:
A) Countertransference
B) Projection
C) Transference
D) Therapeutic alliance
Answer: C) Transference
Rationale: Transference occurs when the patient unconsciously redirects feelings
from significant past relationships onto the clinician. In this example, the patient
is projecting feelings associated with their mother onto the PMHNP. This is a
normal therapeutic process that can provide valuable insight into the patient's
relational patterns .
3. A client becomes agitated during a therapy session after recounting an
argument with their sibling. While discussing the incident, the client suddenly
raises their voice and begins yelling at the therapist. What is the client most likely
demonstrating?
,A) Projection
B) Countertransference
C) Displacement
D) Transference
Answer: D) Transference
Rationale: Transference occurs when a client unconsciously redirects feelings
from significant past relationships onto the therapist. In this case, the client is
likely displacing feelings related to the sibling onto the therapist .
4. Which response reflects appropriate countertransference management?
A) Discuss feelings with the patient
B) Suppress emotional reactions
C) Seek supervision and self-reflection
D) Terminate therapy
Answer: C) Seek supervision and self-reflection
Rationale: PMHNPs are expected to recognize and process countertransference
through supervision, not avoidance or disclosure to the patient. Self-awareness
and consultation with colleagues are essential professional practices .
, 5. According to Hildegard Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory, what is the
first phase of the nurse-patient relationship?
A) Working phase
B) Orientation phase
C) Termination phase
D) Resolution phase
Answer: B) Orientation phase
Rationale: Peplau's theory identifies four phases of the nurse-patient relationship:
orientation, identification, exploitation, and resolution. The orientation phase is
the first stage, where the nurse and patient first meet and begin to establish a
trusting relationship .
6. The primary purpose of the psychiatric interview is to:
A) Establish a friendship with the patient
B) Understand the patient's illness to evaluate the effect on their lives and create
a beginning diagnosis and treatment plan
C) Gather information for billing purposes
D) Determine if the patient needs medication
and Rationales...
Here are 100 practice questions with answers and detailed rationales, formatted
as multiple-choice questions.
Wilkes University NSG 526 Exam Practice Questions
Exam 1: Foundations & Therapeutic Frameworks
1. Which action by the PMHNP best demonstrates therapeutic boundaries?
A) Sharing a similar personal experience to normalize feelings
B) Extending session time when the patient appears distressed
C) Redirecting the patient to session goals when conversation becomes personal
D) Offering reassurance to reduce anxiety
Answer: C) Redirecting the patient to session goals when conversation becomes
personal
Rationale: Advanced practice boundaries require focus on patient goals, not self-
disclosure or emotional rescue. Boundary crossings often begin subtly with self-
,disclosure or extending time. The therapeutic relationship maintains a
professional focus on the patient's treatment objectives rather than becoming
social or personal .
2. A patient states, "You remind me so much of my mother—I feel safe with you."
This is an example of:
A) Countertransference
B) Projection
C) Transference
D) Therapeutic alliance
Answer: C) Transference
Rationale: Transference occurs when the patient unconsciously redirects feelings
from significant past relationships onto the clinician. In this example, the patient
is projecting feelings associated with their mother onto the PMHNP. This is a
normal therapeutic process that can provide valuable insight into the patient's
relational patterns .
3. A client becomes agitated during a therapy session after recounting an
argument with their sibling. While discussing the incident, the client suddenly
raises their voice and begins yelling at the therapist. What is the client most likely
demonstrating?
,A) Projection
B) Countertransference
C) Displacement
D) Transference
Answer: D) Transference
Rationale: Transference occurs when a client unconsciously redirects feelings
from significant past relationships onto the therapist. In this case, the client is
likely displacing feelings related to the sibling onto the therapist .
4. Which response reflects appropriate countertransference management?
A) Discuss feelings with the patient
B) Suppress emotional reactions
C) Seek supervision and self-reflection
D) Terminate therapy
Answer: C) Seek supervision and self-reflection
Rationale: PMHNPs are expected to recognize and process countertransference
through supervision, not avoidance or disclosure to the patient. Self-awareness
and consultation with colleagues are essential professional practices .
, 5. According to Hildegard Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory, what is the
first phase of the nurse-patient relationship?
A) Working phase
B) Orientation phase
C) Termination phase
D) Resolution phase
Answer: B) Orientation phase
Rationale: Peplau's theory identifies four phases of the nurse-patient relationship:
orientation, identification, exploitation, and resolution. The orientation phase is
the first stage, where the nurse and patient first meet and begin to establish a
trusting relationship .
6. The primary purpose of the psychiatric interview is to:
A) Establish a friendship with the patient
B) Understand the patient's illness to evaluate the effect on their lives and create
a beginning diagnosis and treatment plan
C) Gather information for billing purposes
D) Determine if the patient needs medication
