Behavioral Science 2026 EXAM UPDATE
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS (100%
CORRECT ANSWERS) A+ GRADED | ALREADY
PASSED!!
Family Medicine Behavioral Science Practice Exam – 50 Questions
Question 1
A 45-year-old man with well-controlled hypertension returns for a follow-up visit.
He mentions that his wife recently lost her job. You spend an extra 10 minutes
listening to his concerns about finances and stress. This is an example of which
component of patient-centered care?
A) Patient satisfaction
B) Biopsychosocial model
C) Shared decision making
D) Motivational interviewing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The biopsychosocial model considers biological (hypertension),
psychological (stress, anxiety), and social (job loss, financial strain) factors.
Addressing these domains is fundamental to family medicine. Patient satisfaction
is an outcome, not the model itself.
Question 2
A 30-year-old woman presents with chronic abdominal pain, fatigue, and
headache. Extensive medical workup has been negative. She becomes frustrated
when you suggest stress may be contributing. What is the most appropriate initial
response?
,A) "Your tests are normal, so there is nothing wrong with you physically."
B) "I believe your symptoms are real, and stress can worsen physical sensations."
C) "Let me refer you to a psychiatrist for further evaluation."
D) "You need to stop focusing on your symptoms."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Validating the patient's experience is essential. Somatic symptom
disorder involves real physical symptoms exacerbated by psychological factors.
Telling the patient "nothing is wrong" dismisses their suffering. Referral without
validation increases resistance.
Question 3
A 60-year-old man with advanced COPD says, "I know I should quit smoking, but
I've tried everything and failed. What's the point?" According to the
Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change), which stage is he in?
A) Precontemplation
B) Contemplation
C) Preparation
D) Action
Correct Answer: B
*Rationale: Contemplation is characterized by awareness of the problem,
ambivalence, and thinking about change within the next 6 months, but not yet
committed to action. Precontemplation = no intention to change. Preparation =
planning to act soon. Action = actively changing.*
Question 4
A 25-year-old woman requests a refill of her alprazolam prescription. She has
been taking it daily for 6 months for anxiety. What is the most appropriate next
step?
, A) Refill with 6 months of alprazolam
B) Discuss transitioning to an SSRI and tapering benzodiazepine
C) Increase the alprazolam dose
D) Refuse to prescribe any anxiolytic
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Long-term benzodiazepine use is discouraged due to tolerance,
dependence, and fall risk (especially in older adults). SSRIs are first-line for
generalized anxiety disorder. A gradual taper plan should be discussed to avoid
withdrawal seizures.
Question 5
A 70-year-old man whose wife died 2 months ago says, "I still cry every day. I can't
eat or sleep. But I know she would want me to go on." What is the most
appropriate response?
A) "You should be feeling better by now. This is prolonged grief."
B) "What you're describing is normal grief. How can I support you?"
C) "Let me prescribe an antidepressant for you."
D) "You need to see a grief counselor immediately."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Normal grief can last 6–12 months, with waves of sadness, sleep
disturbance, and appetite changes. Complicated grief is considered after 12
months with persistent intense yearning, preoccupation, and functional
impairment. Early reassurance and support are key.
Question 6
A 55-year-old woman with diabetes has an HbA1c of 9.5%. She says, "I know I
need to check my blood sugar, but I just can't make myself do it." Using
motivational interviewing, what is the best response?
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS (100%
CORRECT ANSWERS) A+ GRADED | ALREADY
PASSED!!
Family Medicine Behavioral Science Practice Exam – 50 Questions
Question 1
A 45-year-old man with well-controlled hypertension returns for a follow-up visit.
He mentions that his wife recently lost her job. You spend an extra 10 minutes
listening to his concerns about finances and stress. This is an example of which
component of patient-centered care?
A) Patient satisfaction
B) Biopsychosocial model
C) Shared decision making
D) Motivational interviewing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The biopsychosocial model considers biological (hypertension),
psychological (stress, anxiety), and social (job loss, financial strain) factors.
Addressing these domains is fundamental to family medicine. Patient satisfaction
is an outcome, not the model itself.
Question 2
A 30-year-old woman presents with chronic abdominal pain, fatigue, and
headache. Extensive medical workup has been negative. She becomes frustrated
when you suggest stress may be contributing. What is the most appropriate initial
response?
,A) "Your tests are normal, so there is nothing wrong with you physically."
B) "I believe your symptoms are real, and stress can worsen physical sensations."
C) "Let me refer you to a psychiatrist for further evaluation."
D) "You need to stop focusing on your symptoms."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Validating the patient's experience is essential. Somatic symptom
disorder involves real physical symptoms exacerbated by psychological factors.
Telling the patient "nothing is wrong" dismisses their suffering. Referral without
validation increases resistance.
Question 3
A 60-year-old man with advanced COPD says, "I know I should quit smoking, but
I've tried everything and failed. What's the point?" According to the
Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change), which stage is he in?
A) Precontemplation
B) Contemplation
C) Preparation
D) Action
Correct Answer: B
*Rationale: Contemplation is characterized by awareness of the problem,
ambivalence, and thinking about change within the next 6 months, but not yet
committed to action. Precontemplation = no intention to change. Preparation =
planning to act soon. Action = actively changing.*
Question 4
A 25-year-old woman requests a refill of her alprazolam prescription. She has
been taking it daily for 6 months for anxiety. What is the most appropriate next
step?
, A) Refill with 6 months of alprazolam
B) Discuss transitioning to an SSRI and tapering benzodiazepine
C) Increase the alprazolam dose
D) Refuse to prescribe any anxiolytic
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Long-term benzodiazepine use is discouraged due to tolerance,
dependence, and fall risk (especially in older adults). SSRIs are first-line for
generalized anxiety disorder. A gradual taper plan should be discussed to avoid
withdrawal seizures.
Question 5
A 70-year-old man whose wife died 2 months ago says, "I still cry every day. I can't
eat or sleep. But I know she would want me to go on." What is the most
appropriate response?
A) "You should be feeling better by now. This is prolonged grief."
B) "What you're describing is normal grief. How can I support you?"
C) "Let me prescribe an antidepressant for you."
D) "You need to see a grief counselor immediately."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Normal grief can last 6–12 months, with waves of sadness, sleep
disturbance, and appetite changes. Complicated grief is considered after 12
months with persistent intense yearning, preoccupation, and functional
impairment. Early reassurance and support are key.
Question 6
A 55-year-old woman with diabetes has an HbA1c of 9.5%. She says, "I know I
need to check my blood sugar, but I just can't make myself do it." Using
motivational interviewing, what is the best response?
