NSG 527 Final Exam V1 | NSG 527
Psychopathology, Theories, & Advanced
Clinical Modalities | Wilkes University |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (Wilkes NSG527
Final Exam 2026)
1. A 25-year-old female presents with a 7-month history of auditory hallucinations, social
withdrawal, and flattened affect. According to the DSM-5-TR, which diagnosis is most
appropriate?
A. Schizophreniform Disorder
B. Schizoid Personality Disorder
C. Brief Psychotic Disorder
D. Schizophrenia
Answer: D
Rationale: The patient’s symptoms have persisted for more than 6 months, which meets
the duration criteria for Schizophrenia. Schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed when
symptoms last between 1 and 6 months. This diagnosis requires at least two characteristic
symptoms, such as hallucinations and negative symptoms like flattened affect.
2. Which neurotransmitter pathway is primarily associated with the ‘positive symptoms’ of
Schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations?
A. Mesocortical pathway
,B. Nigrostriatal pathway
C. Mesolimbic pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: C
Rationale: The mesolimbic pathway involves the projection of dopamine from the ventral
tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens. Excessive dopaminergic activity in this pathway
is thought to mediate the positive symptoms of psychosis. Antipsychotic medications work
by blocking D2 receptors in this specific circuit to reduce these symptoms.
3. In the context of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), what does the term ‘Cognitive Triad’
refer to according to Aaron Beck?
A. The relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
B. The biological, psychological, and social factors of depression.
C. The three stages of memory: encoding, storage, and retrieval.
D. Negative views about the self, the world, and the future.
Answer: D
Rationale: Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Triad describes a pattern of negative thinking found in
individuals with depression. It consists of a negative outlook regarding oneself, the current
environment or world, and the prospects for the future. CBT aims to identify and challenge
these distorted cognitive patterns to improve mood.
, 4. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is undergoing Dialectical Behavior
Therapy (DBT). Which of the following is a core pillar of DBT?
A. Free association
B. Systematic desensitization
C. Mindfulness
D. Dream analysis
Answer: C
Rationale: Mindfulness is one of the four essential modules of DBT, alongside
interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. It focuses on
helping the patient remain present and non-judgmental about their internal experiences.
This modality was specifically developed by Marsha Linehan to treat the emotional
dysregulation seen in BPD.
5. According to Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages, which conflict must an adolescent (ages 12-
18) successfully resolve?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Generativity vs. Stagnation
Answer: C
Psychopathology, Theories, & Advanced
Clinical Modalities | Wilkes University |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (Wilkes NSG527
Final Exam 2026)
1. A 25-year-old female presents with a 7-month history of auditory hallucinations, social
withdrawal, and flattened affect. According to the DSM-5-TR, which diagnosis is most
appropriate?
A. Schizophreniform Disorder
B. Schizoid Personality Disorder
C. Brief Psychotic Disorder
D. Schizophrenia
Answer: D
Rationale: The patient’s symptoms have persisted for more than 6 months, which meets
the duration criteria for Schizophrenia. Schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed when
symptoms last between 1 and 6 months. This diagnosis requires at least two characteristic
symptoms, such as hallucinations and negative symptoms like flattened affect.
2. Which neurotransmitter pathway is primarily associated with the ‘positive symptoms’ of
Schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations?
A. Mesocortical pathway
,B. Nigrostriatal pathway
C. Mesolimbic pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: C
Rationale: The mesolimbic pathway involves the projection of dopamine from the ventral
tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens. Excessive dopaminergic activity in this pathway
is thought to mediate the positive symptoms of psychosis. Antipsychotic medications work
by blocking D2 receptors in this specific circuit to reduce these symptoms.
3. In the context of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), what does the term ‘Cognitive Triad’
refer to according to Aaron Beck?
A. The relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
B. The biological, psychological, and social factors of depression.
C. The three stages of memory: encoding, storage, and retrieval.
D. Negative views about the self, the world, and the future.
Answer: D
Rationale: Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Triad describes a pattern of negative thinking found in
individuals with depression. It consists of a negative outlook regarding oneself, the current
environment or world, and the prospects for the future. CBT aims to identify and challenge
these distorted cognitive patterns to improve mood.
, 4. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is undergoing Dialectical Behavior
Therapy (DBT). Which of the following is a core pillar of DBT?
A. Free association
B. Systematic desensitization
C. Mindfulness
D. Dream analysis
Answer: C
Rationale: Mindfulness is one of the four essential modules of DBT, alongside
interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. It focuses on
helping the patient remain present and non-judgmental about their internal experiences.
This modality was specifically developed by Marsha Linehan to treat the emotional
dysregulation seen in BPD.
5. According to Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages, which conflict must an adolescent (ages 12-
18) successfully resolve?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Generativity vs. Stagnation
Answer: C
