Practicum 1 2026/2027 Exam
Questions and Correct
Answers | New Update
Harriet is a well-established business woman who provides for her
family. She was recently arrested for stealing over $10,000 worth of
merchandise from the mall. When Harriet is asked to describe her
behavior, she says: "It just comes on me quickly, and when it's done, I
feel really good." She also describes how she grew up poor and sees
the theft as a way to "even the score" against those with "empty wealth."
Which of the following does not meet the diagnostic criteria for
kleptomania?
,Harriet views her shoplifting as a righteous act.
Harriet's stealing is described as pleasurable.
Harriet is well-off and can support her family's needs.
Harriet's stealing is described as impulsive. - ANSWER ✔✔Although
the patient may be rationalizing her behavior as a righteous act, patients
with kleptomania do not commit theft to express anger or vengeance.
Kleptomania is characterized as failing to resist the impulse to steal, and
the stolen objects are typically not needed. The act of stealing, which
usually is performed alone, gives the person gratification.
Tony, a 16-year-old male, has been sent to your clinic for counseling. He
has a long record of skipping school, talking back to his teachers, and
getting poor grades. His parents say he has often gotten in fights with
them, has frequently been caught sneaking girls into his room, and has
run away from home on two occasions. During the session, you notice
Tony acts tough and aloof, not deigning to speak much. If you suspect
conduct disorder, which of the following conditions would you be least
likely to include in your differential diagnosis?
1. Borderline personality disorder
2. Oppositional defiant disorder
3. Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct
,4. Bipolar disorder - ANSWER ✔✔Borderline personality disorder is
not considered a differential diagnosis for conduct disorder, as indicated
by the patient's truancy, defiance of authority figures, fights with family
members, poor academic performance, sexual promiscuity, running
away from home, and "tough guy" demeanor. Oppositional defiant
disorder, bipolar disorders, and adjustment disorders are all considered
potential differential diagnoses for conduct disorder, as are depressive
disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and intermittent
explosive disorder.
Which of these lab findings would be least expected in a patient with
depression?
1. Decreased nocturnal growth hormone secretion
2. Decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone response
3. Increased somatostatin in cerebrospinal fluid
4. Increased secretion of cortisol - ANSWER ✔✔Depressive
symptoms are associated with decreased, not increased, levels of
somatostatin in cerebrospinal fluid. Patients with depression may exhibit
a decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone response to thyrotropin-
releasing hormone, as well as hypersecretion of cortisol. Depressive
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, symptoms are also associated with irregularities in growth hormone
release, such as reduced nocturnal secretion and diurnal
hypersecretion.
Jeremy, a suicidal inpatient, is under close observation. He is able to be
observed at all times by hospital staff during waking hours and when he
sleeps, and is checked on every 15-30 minutes. Which of these reasons
would least indicate the need for this level of supervision?
1. Jeremy has expressed suicidal thoughts.
2. Jeremy experiences withdrawal from alcohol and cocaine.
3. Jeremy is ambivalent about his intent to commit suicide.
4. Jeremy was unable to commit to a "No Harm" contract. - ANSWER
✔✔Although ambivalence regarding suicidal intent should be taken into
account when considering level of observation in a patient, it indicates a
moderate risk, not a severe risk. Close observation should be employed
with patients who profess suicidal thoughts, are unable to commit to a
"No Harm" contract, or experience withdrawal.
Adam, a 23-year-old male, is undergoing an STD test at your clinic.
When you ask him why he is here, he says, "I'm here because I've had
this increased craving for sex. I've been picking up strangers in bars, not
caring about using protection ... I don't know what it is. For the last week,