NURS 753 PMHNP Final Exam | 100
Actual Questions and Answers | 2026/27
Update | 100% Correct - Liberty
University.
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS & ETHICS
Question 1
Which of the following best defines evidence-based practice in therapeutic modalities?
A) Using only randomized controlled trials to guide therapy
B) Integrating clinical expertise, patient values, and best research evidence
C) Following a single theoretical orientation for all patients
D) Relying on supervisor preference for treatment selection
Correct Answer: B) Integrating clinical expertise, patient values, and best research
evidence
Rationale: EBP is the integration of clinical expertise, patient preferences/values, and the
best available research (Sackett et al., 2000). This approach ensures that treatment is both
scientifically sound and tailored to the individual patient.
, Question 2
A patient reports childhood abuse. The PMHNP suspects current intimate partner
violence but the patient denies it. What should the PMHNP do?
A) Accept denial and move on
B) Report to police immediately
C) Ask directly again later using non-judgmental language
D) Terminate therapy for non-disclosure
Correct Answer: C) Ask directly again later using non-judgmental language
Rationale: Survivors of abuse and violence often disclose gradually. Re-asking at later
sessions with trauma-informed phrasing maintains safety and trust. Direct, non-
judgmental questioning respects the patient's autonomy while addressing safety concerns .
Question 3
Which ethical principle is primarily invoked when a PMHNP obtains informed consent
for starting CBT?
A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Autonomy
D) Justice
Correct Answer: C) Autonomy
Rationale: Informed consent respects the patient's right to make voluntary, informed
decisions about their treatment. This aligns with the ethical principle of autonomy, which
recognizes the patient's right to self-determination .
, Question 4
A patient says, "My pastor says depression is a sin." What is the PMHNP's best
response?
A) "Your pastor is wrong."
B) "Let's focus on symptoms, not religion."
C) "Many people find comfort in faith. How do you feel about that view?"
D) "You need a new church."
Correct Answer: C) "Many people find comfort in faith. How do you feel about
that view?"
Rationale: This response validates the patient's experience, respects their spiritual
framework, and opens dialogue without imposing the provider's beliefs. Spirituality is part
of holistic, patient-centered care, and the PMHNP should explore the patient's perspective .
Question 5
What is the estimated percentage of therapy outcome variance attributed to the
therapeutic alliance?
A) 5%
B) 15%
C) 30%
D) 50%
Correct Answer: C) 30%
, Rationale: Meta-analyses demonstrate that the therapeutic alliance accounts for
approximately 30% of outcome variance, more than specific techniques (Lambert, 1992).
This underscores the critical importance of the therapeutic relationship .
Question 6
Which is an example of nonmaleficence in group therapy?
A) Ensuring all members pay equally
B) Preventing scapegoating of a vulnerable member
C) Disclosing one's own trauma to model openness
D) Meeting in a coffee shop for convenience
Correct Answer: B) Preventing scapegoating of a vulnerable member
Rationale: Nonmaleficence means "do no harm." Preventing scapegoating protects
members from psychological harm, which is a core ethical responsibility in group therapy.
The therapist must actively manage group dynamics to ensure safety .
Question 7
A patient asks to hug the PMHNP after a difficult session. What should the PMHNP do?
A) Always refuse to maintain boundaries
B) Always accept to show empathy
C) Consider context, culture, and patient history before deciding
D) Document the request but ignore it
Correct Answer: C) Consider context, culture, and patient history before deciding
Actual Questions and Answers | 2026/27
Update | 100% Correct - Liberty
University.
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS & ETHICS
Question 1
Which of the following best defines evidence-based practice in therapeutic modalities?
A) Using only randomized controlled trials to guide therapy
B) Integrating clinical expertise, patient values, and best research evidence
C) Following a single theoretical orientation for all patients
D) Relying on supervisor preference for treatment selection
Correct Answer: B) Integrating clinical expertise, patient values, and best research
evidence
Rationale: EBP is the integration of clinical expertise, patient preferences/values, and the
best available research (Sackett et al., 2000). This approach ensures that treatment is both
scientifically sound and tailored to the individual patient.
, Question 2
A patient reports childhood abuse. The PMHNP suspects current intimate partner
violence but the patient denies it. What should the PMHNP do?
A) Accept denial and move on
B) Report to police immediately
C) Ask directly again later using non-judgmental language
D) Terminate therapy for non-disclosure
Correct Answer: C) Ask directly again later using non-judgmental language
Rationale: Survivors of abuse and violence often disclose gradually. Re-asking at later
sessions with trauma-informed phrasing maintains safety and trust. Direct, non-
judgmental questioning respects the patient's autonomy while addressing safety concerns .
Question 3
Which ethical principle is primarily invoked when a PMHNP obtains informed consent
for starting CBT?
A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Autonomy
D) Justice
Correct Answer: C) Autonomy
Rationale: Informed consent respects the patient's right to make voluntary, informed
decisions about their treatment. This aligns with the ethical principle of autonomy, which
recognizes the patient's right to self-determination .
, Question 4
A patient says, "My pastor says depression is a sin." What is the PMHNP's best
response?
A) "Your pastor is wrong."
B) "Let's focus on symptoms, not religion."
C) "Many people find comfort in faith. How do you feel about that view?"
D) "You need a new church."
Correct Answer: C) "Many people find comfort in faith. How do you feel about
that view?"
Rationale: This response validates the patient's experience, respects their spiritual
framework, and opens dialogue without imposing the provider's beliefs. Spirituality is part
of holistic, patient-centered care, and the PMHNP should explore the patient's perspective .
Question 5
What is the estimated percentage of therapy outcome variance attributed to the
therapeutic alliance?
A) 5%
B) 15%
C) 30%
D) 50%
Correct Answer: C) 30%
, Rationale: Meta-analyses demonstrate that the therapeutic alliance accounts for
approximately 30% of outcome variance, more than specific techniques (Lambert, 1992).
This underscores the critical importance of the therapeutic relationship .
Question 6
Which is an example of nonmaleficence in group therapy?
A) Ensuring all members pay equally
B) Preventing scapegoating of a vulnerable member
C) Disclosing one's own trauma to model openness
D) Meeting in a coffee shop for convenience
Correct Answer: B) Preventing scapegoating of a vulnerable member
Rationale: Nonmaleficence means "do no harm." Preventing scapegoating protects
members from psychological harm, which is a core ethical responsibility in group therapy.
The therapist must actively manage group dynamics to ensure safety .
Question 7
A patient asks to hug the PMHNP after a difficult session. What should the PMHNP do?
A) Always refuse to maintain boundaries
B) Always accept to show empathy
C) Consider context, culture, and patient history before deciding
D) Document the request but ignore it
Correct Answer: C) Consider context, culture, and patient history before deciding