NSG526 Exam 2 V1 | NSG 526 Clinical
Modalities Adv. Psych | Wilkes University
This exam preparation resource focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic
therapy, and group psychotherapy modalities. The material is designed to strengthen
understanding of evidence-based therapeutic interventions and advanced psychiatric treatment
approaches.
The questions included in this version closely mirror the style and complexity of actual advanced
psychiatric nursing exams. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical
reasoning and psychotherapy application skills.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Cognitive behavioral therapy principles
• Psychodynamic therapy concepts
• Group therapy modalities
• Behavioral modification techniques
• Cognitive restructuring strategies
• Therapeutic intervention planning
• Patient response evaluation
• Mental health symptom management
════════════════════════════════════
1. A patient in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) states, ‘If I don’t get this promotion, my
entire career is a failure.’ Which cognitive distortion is this patient demonstrating?
A. Overgeneralization
B. Catastrophizing
C. Personalization
D. All-or-nothing thinking
Correct Answer: D
,Expert Explanation: All-or-nothing thinking, also known as black-and-white thinking,
involves seeing things in only two categories without middle ground. In this case, the
patient views their career as either a total success or a total failure based on one event. The
therapist’s role is to help the patient recognize the nuances and spectrum of career
achievements.
2. In Yalom’s group psychotherapy model, which factor is characterized by the realization that
one is not alone in their suffering?
A. Altruism
B. Universality
C. Catharsis
D. Existential factors
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Universality allows group members to realize that others share
similar feelings and experiences, which reduces the sense of isolation. This recognition
provides significant relief to individuals who believe their problems are unique or
shameful. It is one of the primary therapeutic factors identified by Irvin Yalom in group
settings.
3. During a psychodynamic therapy session, a patient begins to treat the therapist with the
same hostility they felt toward their father. This is an example of:
A. Transference
, B. Countertransference
C. Resistance
D. Sublimation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Transference occurs when a patient unconsciously redirects
emotions from a significant person in their past onto the therapist. This process is a central
focus of psychodynamic therapy because it reveals unconscious patterns of relating to
others. By analyzing transference, the therapist and patient can work through unresolved
conflicts.
4. A therapist uses Socratic questioning to help a patient evaluate the evidence for their
belief that ‘everyone hates me.’ This technique is a hallmark of:
A. Psychodynamic therapy
B. Cognitive behavioral therapy
C. Humanistic therapy
D. Interpersonal therapy
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Socratic questioning is a core technique in CBT used to challenge
irrational thoughts by asking a series of guided questions. It encourages the patient to look
Modalities Adv. Psych | Wilkes University
This exam preparation resource focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic
therapy, and group psychotherapy modalities. The material is designed to strengthen
understanding of evidence-based therapeutic interventions and advanced psychiatric treatment
approaches.
The questions included in this version closely mirror the style and complexity of actual advanced
psychiatric nursing exams. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical
reasoning and psychotherapy application skills.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Cognitive behavioral therapy principles
• Psychodynamic therapy concepts
• Group therapy modalities
• Behavioral modification techniques
• Cognitive restructuring strategies
• Therapeutic intervention planning
• Patient response evaluation
• Mental health symptom management
════════════════════════════════════
1. A patient in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) states, ‘If I don’t get this promotion, my
entire career is a failure.’ Which cognitive distortion is this patient demonstrating?
A. Overgeneralization
B. Catastrophizing
C. Personalization
D. All-or-nothing thinking
Correct Answer: D
,Expert Explanation: All-or-nothing thinking, also known as black-and-white thinking,
involves seeing things in only two categories without middle ground. In this case, the
patient views their career as either a total success or a total failure based on one event. The
therapist’s role is to help the patient recognize the nuances and spectrum of career
achievements.
2. In Yalom’s group psychotherapy model, which factor is characterized by the realization that
one is not alone in their suffering?
A. Altruism
B. Universality
C. Catharsis
D. Existential factors
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Universality allows group members to realize that others share
similar feelings and experiences, which reduces the sense of isolation. This recognition
provides significant relief to individuals who believe their problems are unique or
shameful. It is one of the primary therapeutic factors identified by Irvin Yalom in group
settings.
3. During a psychodynamic therapy session, a patient begins to treat the therapist with the
same hostility they felt toward their father. This is an example of:
A. Transference
, B. Countertransference
C. Resistance
D. Sublimation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Transference occurs when a patient unconsciously redirects
emotions from a significant person in their past onto the therapist. This process is a central
focus of psychodynamic therapy because it reveals unconscious patterns of relating to
others. By analyzing transference, the therapist and patient can work through unresolved
conflicts.
4. A therapist uses Socratic questioning to help a patient evaluate the evidence for their
belief that ‘everyone hates me.’ This technique is a hallmark of:
A. Psychodynamic therapy
B. Cognitive behavioral therapy
C. Humanistic therapy
D. Interpersonal therapy
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Socratic questioning is a core technique in CBT used to challenge
irrational thoughts by asking a series of guided questions. It encourages the patient to look
