NSG 527 Exam 2 V2 | NSG 527
Psychopathology, Theories, & Advanced
Clinical Modalities | Wilkes University |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (Wilkes NSG527
Exam 2 2026)
1. According to Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Theory, which of the following best describes the
‘Cognitive Triad’ found in individuals with clinical depression?
A. Negative views about the self, the world, and the future
B. Dysfunctional beliefs regarding power, control, and autonomy
C. Interpersonal conflicts involving the mother, father, and siblings
D. Neuroticism, psychoticism, and extraversion imbalances
Answer: A
Rationale: Beck’s Cognitive Triad is a cornerstone of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for
depression. It posits that depressed individuals hold a negative view of themselves, their
environment/world, and their future prospects. Understanding this triad allows the
PMHNP to target specific cognitive distortions during the intervention phase.
2. A patient presents with a fear of scrutiny by others in social situations, leading to
significant impairment. Which neurotransmitter system is most frequently implicated in the
pathophysiology of Social Anxiety Disorder?
A. Acetylcholine deficiency
,B. Excessive Histamine levels
C. GABA and Serotonin dysregulation
D. Decreased Glutamate in the prefrontal cortex
Answer: C
Rationale: Social Anxiety Disorder involves complex neurobiology, primarily focusing on
the GABAergic and Serotonergic systems. GABA serves as the primary inhibitory
neurotransmitter, and its dysfunction often correlates with heightened anxiety states.
Serotonin dysregulation in the amygdala also plays a critical role in the exaggerated fear
response to social stimuli.
3. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, the term ‘Triangulation’ refers to which clinical
phenomenon?
A. Bringing in a third person to stabilize a stressful two-person relationship
B. The use of three different medications to treat a single disorder
C. A therapeutic technique where three therapists observe a single family
D. The three stages of family development across generations
Answer: A
Rationale: Triangulation occurs when a two-person system experiences tension and
recruits a third party to reduce anxiety. While this may provide temporary stability, it often
, prevents the original pair from resolving their conflict directly. Bowen argued that higher
levels of differentiation allow individuals to avoid unnecessary triangulation.
4. Which therapeutic modality emphasizes ‘Dialectics,’ specifically the balance between
acceptance and change, for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder?
A. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
B. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
C. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
D. Transpersonal Therapy
Answer: C
Rationale: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), developed by Marsha Linehan, is the gold
standard for treating Borderline Personality Disorder. It utilizes the dialectic principle of
validating the patient’s current state while simultaneously pushing for behavioral change.
Key components include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and
interpersonal effectiveness.
5. A patient reports recurring, unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of
persistent concern about additional attacks. What is the most likely DSM-5-TR diagnosis?
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
C. Specific Phobia
Psychopathology, Theories, & Advanced
Clinical Modalities | Wilkes University |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (Wilkes NSG527
Exam 2 2026)
1. According to Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Theory, which of the following best describes the
‘Cognitive Triad’ found in individuals with clinical depression?
A. Negative views about the self, the world, and the future
B. Dysfunctional beliefs regarding power, control, and autonomy
C. Interpersonal conflicts involving the mother, father, and siblings
D. Neuroticism, psychoticism, and extraversion imbalances
Answer: A
Rationale: Beck’s Cognitive Triad is a cornerstone of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for
depression. It posits that depressed individuals hold a negative view of themselves, their
environment/world, and their future prospects. Understanding this triad allows the
PMHNP to target specific cognitive distortions during the intervention phase.
2. A patient presents with a fear of scrutiny by others in social situations, leading to
significant impairment. Which neurotransmitter system is most frequently implicated in the
pathophysiology of Social Anxiety Disorder?
A. Acetylcholine deficiency
,B. Excessive Histamine levels
C. GABA and Serotonin dysregulation
D. Decreased Glutamate in the prefrontal cortex
Answer: C
Rationale: Social Anxiety Disorder involves complex neurobiology, primarily focusing on
the GABAergic and Serotonergic systems. GABA serves as the primary inhibitory
neurotransmitter, and its dysfunction often correlates with heightened anxiety states.
Serotonin dysregulation in the amygdala also plays a critical role in the exaggerated fear
response to social stimuli.
3. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, the term ‘Triangulation’ refers to which clinical
phenomenon?
A. Bringing in a third person to stabilize a stressful two-person relationship
B. The use of three different medications to treat a single disorder
C. A therapeutic technique where three therapists observe a single family
D. The three stages of family development across generations
Answer: A
Rationale: Triangulation occurs when a two-person system experiences tension and
recruits a third party to reduce anxiety. While this may provide temporary stability, it often
, prevents the original pair from resolving their conflict directly. Bowen argued that higher
levels of differentiation allow individuals to avoid unnecessary triangulation.
4. Which therapeutic modality emphasizes ‘Dialectics,’ specifically the balance between
acceptance and change, for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder?
A. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
B. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
C. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
D. Transpersonal Therapy
Answer: C
Rationale: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), developed by Marsha Linehan, is the gold
standard for treating Borderline Personality Disorder. It utilizes the dialectic principle of
validating the patient’s current state while simultaneously pushing for behavioral change.
Key components include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and
interpersonal effectiveness.
5. A patient reports recurring, unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of
persistent concern about additional attacks. What is the most likely DSM-5-TR diagnosis?
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
C. Specific Phobia
