NURS 665 Exam 2 V1 | NURS 665
Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and
Management III | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS665 Exam 2) | Maryville
University
1. According to Irvin Yalom, which curative factor involves members gaining insight into their
own behavior through the feedback of others?
A. Altruism
B. Interpersonal Learning
C. Universality
D. Catharsis
Answer: B
Rationale: Interpersonal learning is a central curative factor where the group acts as a
social microcosm. Members receive feedback on how their behavior affects others, allowing
them to correct maladaptive social patterns. This process is essential for developing self-
awareness and improving relational skills within a therapeutic environment.
2. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, what is the term for the process where a third person
is brought into a conflict between two others to reduce anxiety?
A. Differentiation
,B. Emotional Cutoff
C. Enmeshment
D. Triangulation
Answer: D
Rationale: Triangulation occurs when a two-person system under stress recruits a third
party to stabilize the relationship and divert tension. While it temporarily lowers anxiety, it
prevents the original duo from resolving their issues directly. Chronic triangulation is often
seen in dysfunctional family units and is a target for clinical intervention.
3. During the ‘Storming’ phase of group development, which behavior is most characteristic
of the members?
A. High levels of cohesion and mutual support
B. Polite interactions and seeking guidance from the leader
C. Efficient task completion and role flexibility
D. Conflict and challenges to the leader’s authority
Answer: D
Rationale: The Storming phase is characterized by competition and conflict as members
begin to express their individuality and test boundaries. It is a necessary stage where
members vie for status and challenge the therapist’s control. Successful navigation of this
phase leads to increased trust and the development of group norms.
, 4. A PMHNP is treating a family using Minuchin’s Structural Family Therapy. The therapist
notices that the parents are overly involved in their child’s life, leaving no room for the child’s
autonomy. This is an example of:
A. Disengaged boundaries
B. Permissive boundaries
C. Rigid boundaries
D. Enmeshed boundaries
Answer: D
Rationale: Enmeshment refers to boundaries that are overly diffuse, leading to a lack of
differentiation between family members. In enmeshed families, the individual’s sense of
self is smothered by the family’s collective identity and emotional state. The therapist’s goal
is often to help the family establish clearer, more functional boundaries.
5. Which of Yalom’s factors describes the relief experienced by expressing suppressed
feelings and ‘getting it out’?
A. Existential Factors
B. Imitative Behavior
C. Cohesiveness
D. Catharsis
Answer: D
Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and
Management III | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS665 Exam 2) | Maryville
University
1. According to Irvin Yalom, which curative factor involves members gaining insight into their
own behavior through the feedback of others?
A. Altruism
B. Interpersonal Learning
C. Universality
D. Catharsis
Answer: B
Rationale: Interpersonal learning is a central curative factor where the group acts as a
social microcosm. Members receive feedback on how their behavior affects others, allowing
them to correct maladaptive social patterns. This process is essential for developing self-
awareness and improving relational skills within a therapeutic environment.
2. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, what is the term for the process where a third person
is brought into a conflict between two others to reduce anxiety?
A. Differentiation
,B. Emotional Cutoff
C. Enmeshment
D. Triangulation
Answer: D
Rationale: Triangulation occurs when a two-person system under stress recruits a third
party to stabilize the relationship and divert tension. While it temporarily lowers anxiety, it
prevents the original duo from resolving their issues directly. Chronic triangulation is often
seen in dysfunctional family units and is a target for clinical intervention.
3. During the ‘Storming’ phase of group development, which behavior is most characteristic
of the members?
A. High levels of cohesion and mutual support
B. Polite interactions and seeking guidance from the leader
C. Efficient task completion and role flexibility
D. Conflict and challenges to the leader’s authority
Answer: D
Rationale: The Storming phase is characterized by competition and conflict as members
begin to express their individuality and test boundaries. It is a necessary stage where
members vie for status and challenge the therapist’s control. Successful navigation of this
phase leads to increased trust and the development of group norms.
, 4. A PMHNP is treating a family using Minuchin’s Structural Family Therapy. The therapist
notices that the parents are overly involved in their child’s life, leaving no room for the child’s
autonomy. This is an example of:
A. Disengaged boundaries
B. Permissive boundaries
C. Rigid boundaries
D. Enmeshed boundaries
Answer: D
Rationale: Enmeshment refers to boundaries that are overly diffuse, leading to a lack of
differentiation between family members. In enmeshed families, the individual’s sense of
self is smothered by the family’s collective identity and emotional state. The therapist’s goal
is often to help the family establish clearer, more functional boundaries.
5. Which of Yalom’s factors describes the relief experienced by expressing suppressed
feelings and ‘getting it out’?
A. Existential Factors
B. Imitative Behavior
C. Cohesiveness
D. Catharsis
Answer: D
