Walden University NURS 6650 Midterm Exam (pdf) | 2026/2027 |
Psychotherapy Groups & Families | Psychotherapy
**1. While in a family therapy session, a wife comments, "Instead of
spending time with me, he is usually watching sports on television." Using an
emotionally focused family therapy approach, what is an appropriate
response by a PMHNP using an evocative question technique?**
A) "Why do you think he watches so much television?"
B) "How are you feeling now as you are sharing that?"
C) "Have you tried asking him to turn off the television?"
D) "What would happen if you watched television with him?"
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) uses evocative questions to
help clients access and express their underlying emotions. Asking "How are
you feeling now as you are sharing that?" encourages the wife to explore her
emotional experience rather than focusing on her husband's behavior.
---
**2. The PMHNP is providing family therapy to two parents and their twin 14-
year-old children. The children become defiant around bedtime and are still
working on their homework late into the night. How does the PMHNP employ
an experiential technique of family sculpting?**
A) Asks one of the parents to arrange the family into a typical bedtime scene
B) Directs the family to act out a typical bedtime routine
C) Asks the children to draw a picture of their bedtime routine
D) Instructs the parents to describe the bedtime conflict
,**Correct Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Family sculpting is an experiential technique in which family
members are physically arranged to represent their relationships and
interactions. Asking one parent to arrange the family into a typical bedtime
scene allows the family to visually and experientially explore their patterns of
interaction.
---
**3. The PMHNP is assessing a married couple who disclosed on the intake
form that they are having intimacy issues. During the assessment, the
PMHNP asks the couple what brings them in today. The wife is quick to
answer, "My husband doesn't listen to me anymore." Using the Mental
Research Institute (MRI) assessment technique, how does the PMHNP
respond to this?**
A) By asking the husband to explain why he doesn't listen
B) By asking the wife to explain what exactly "not listening" means
C) By asking the couple to describe a recent argument
D) By asking the husband how he feels about the accusation
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The MRI assessment technique focuses on understanding the
specific behaviors and interactions that maintain problems. Asking the wife
to explain what exactly "not listening" means helps clarify the specific
behaviors and context rather than accepting vague labels. This is a key
aspect of the MRI brief therapy approach.
,---
**4. The PMHNP is discussing problem-solving techniques with a married
couple. What recommendation will the PMHNP provide to the couple?**
A) "Speak calmly, and explain your entire point before asking your partner to
respond."
B) "Take turns speaking without interrupting each other."
C) "Write down your thoughts before sharing them."
D) "Avoid discussing sensitive topics when you are tired."
**Correct Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Effective problem-solving communication involves expressing
one's thoughts calmly and completely before inviting the partner's response.
This approach reduces misunderstandings and promotes active listening.
---
**5. A PMHNP is leading a new group therapy session. One member has been
quiet for the first several sessions. The member reveals feelings of
depression and emptiness. Which of the following interventions would be
most appropriate to encourage participation?**
A) Ask the member directly why they have been so quiet
B) Acknowledge the member's sharing and invite further exploration
C) Move on to the next member to avoid putting pressure on the quiet
member
D) Suggest the member may not be ready for group therapy
, **Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Acknowledging the member's sharing and inviting further
exploration validates their contribution and encourages continued
participation. This approach balances support with therapeutic engagement.
---
**6. A PMHNP conducts a specialized individual interview with a patient
named Sandy. During this interview, Sandy expresses her want of the other
members to like her, and she has a deep dread for the first group meeting.
How does the PMHNP correctly interpret Sandy's interpersonal circumplex?**
A) Sandy is likely to view members of the group as hostile.
B) Sandy is likely to view members of the group as friendly.
C) Sandy is likely to be indifferent to other members.
D) Sandy is likely to be overly aggressive with other members.
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The interpersonal circumplex model suggests that individuals
who desire acceptance and fear rejection tend to view others as friendly and
approachable. Sandy's wish for others to like her and her dread of the first
meeting indicate a friendly interpersonal orientation.
---
**7. One member of a therapy group had been quiet for the first several
sessions. The member revealed to the other members feelings of depression
Psychotherapy Groups & Families | Psychotherapy
**1. While in a family therapy session, a wife comments, "Instead of
spending time with me, he is usually watching sports on television." Using an
emotionally focused family therapy approach, what is an appropriate
response by a PMHNP using an evocative question technique?**
A) "Why do you think he watches so much television?"
B) "How are you feeling now as you are sharing that?"
C) "Have you tried asking him to turn off the television?"
D) "What would happen if you watched television with him?"
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) uses evocative questions to
help clients access and express their underlying emotions. Asking "How are
you feeling now as you are sharing that?" encourages the wife to explore her
emotional experience rather than focusing on her husband's behavior.
---
**2. The PMHNP is providing family therapy to two parents and their twin 14-
year-old children. The children become defiant around bedtime and are still
working on their homework late into the night. How does the PMHNP employ
an experiential technique of family sculpting?**
A) Asks one of the parents to arrange the family into a typical bedtime scene
B) Directs the family to act out a typical bedtime routine
C) Asks the children to draw a picture of their bedtime routine
D) Instructs the parents to describe the bedtime conflict
,**Correct Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Family sculpting is an experiential technique in which family
members are physically arranged to represent their relationships and
interactions. Asking one parent to arrange the family into a typical bedtime
scene allows the family to visually and experientially explore their patterns of
interaction.
---
**3. The PMHNP is assessing a married couple who disclosed on the intake
form that they are having intimacy issues. During the assessment, the
PMHNP asks the couple what brings them in today. The wife is quick to
answer, "My husband doesn't listen to me anymore." Using the Mental
Research Institute (MRI) assessment technique, how does the PMHNP
respond to this?**
A) By asking the husband to explain why he doesn't listen
B) By asking the wife to explain what exactly "not listening" means
C) By asking the couple to describe a recent argument
D) By asking the husband how he feels about the accusation
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The MRI assessment technique focuses on understanding the
specific behaviors and interactions that maintain problems. Asking the wife
to explain what exactly "not listening" means helps clarify the specific
behaviors and context rather than accepting vague labels. This is a key
aspect of the MRI brief therapy approach.
,---
**4. The PMHNP is discussing problem-solving techniques with a married
couple. What recommendation will the PMHNP provide to the couple?**
A) "Speak calmly, and explain your entire point before asking your partner to
respond."
B) "Take turns speaking without interrupting each other."
C) "Write down your thoughts before sharing them."
D) "Avoid discussing sensitive topics when you are tired."
**Correct Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Effective problem-solving communication involves expressing
one's thoughts calmly and completely before inviting the partner's response.
This approach reduces misunderstandings and promotes active listening.
---
**5. A PMHNP is leading a new group therapy session. One member has been
quiet for the first several sessions. The member reveals feelings of
depression and emptiness. Which of the following interventions would be
most appropriate to encourage participation?**
A) Ask the member directly why they have been so quiet
B) Acknowledge the member's sharing and invite further exploration
C) Move on to the next member to avoid putting pressure on the quiet
member
D) Suggest the member may not be ready for group therapy
, **Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Acknowledging the member's sharing and inviting further
exploration validates their contribution and encourages continued
participation. This approach balances support with therapeutic engagement.
---
**6. A PMHNP conducts a specialized individual interview with a patient
named Sandy. During this interview, Sandy expresses her want of the other
members to like her, and she has a deep dread for the first group meeting.
How does the PMHNP correctly interpret Sandy's interpersonal circumplex?**
A) Sandy is likely to view members of the group as hostile.
B) Sandy is likely to view members of the group as friendly.
C) Sandy is likely to be indifferent to other members.
D) Sandy is likely to be overly aggressive with other members.
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The interpersonal circumplex model suggests that individuals
who desire acceptance and fear rejection tend to view others as friendly and
approachable. Sandy's wish for others to like her and her dread of the first
meeting indicate a friendly interpersonal orientation.
---
**7. One member of a therapy group had been quiet for the first several
sessions. The member revealed to the other members feelings of depression
