NR605 Final Exam Questions and Answers 2026
CBT Core Principles
CBT is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are
interconnected.
Maladaptive thinking patterns contribute to psychological distress.
Change in thinking patterns can lead to changes in emotions and behavior.
Therapy is structured, time-limited, and goal-oriented.
Involves collaborative empiricism – patient and therapist work together.
CBT's relationship to nursing theory
Aligns with Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory: emphasizes empowering
patients to care for themselves.
Compatible with Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory: uses the
therapeutic nurse-client relationship as a tool for behavioral change.
Diagnoses Commonly Treated with CBT
Depression
Anxiety disorders (e.g., GAD, OCD, PTSD, Panic Disorder)
Eating disorders
Substance use disorders
Sleep disorders
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Chronic pain and somatic symptom disorders
Examples of cognitive distortions.
All-or-nothing thinking (black-and-white)
Overgeneralization
Mental filtering (only seeing negatives)
Disqualifying the positive
Jumping to conclusions (mind reading, fortune-telling)
Catastrophizing
Emotional reasoning
Should statements
Labeling and mislabeling
Personalization
Define Cognitive distortions.
Distorted thinking patterns contributing to emotional distress.
What are techniques for stabilization?
Socratic Dialogue: Asking open-ended, guided questions to help clients
examine and challenge their beliefs. HALLMARK OF CBT!
De-catastrophizing: Helping clients reframe worst-case scenarios and assess
their realistic probability.
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Behavioral activation: Encouraging engagement in enjoyable or goal-
oriented activities.
Thought records: Documenting thoughts, feelings, and alternative thoughts.
Cognitive restructuring: Challenging and modifying negative core beliefs.
Relaxation techniques and grounding: For anxiety and trauma symptoms.
Motivational interviewing: OARS
OARS (Therapeutic Skills):
Open-ended questions
Affirmations
Reflections
Summaries
Motivational Interviewing: Rule
RULE (Principles of MI):
Resist the righting reflex
Understand your client’s motivations
Listen with empathy
Empower your client
Founder of the OARS RULE
William R. Miller (developed in 1983)
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