NR 605 Midterm Exam 2026|
Interpersonal Psychotherapy Concepts
and Techniques Exam
1. The interpersonal psychotherapist would identify interpersonal deficit as the active
problem area for which client?
A. A client with symptoms of depression who has just changed to a new position at work
b. A client who presents with anxiety after having a date with a man who reminded her of
someone who sexually assaulted her in the past
c. A client who presents with apathy and low mood who endorses a long string of one night
stands but no lasting relationships
d. A client with symptoms of distress whose parent just died
Correct answer: c
Explanation: IPT identifies four problem areas: grief (death of loved one), role dispute (conflict
with significant other), role transition (life change), and interpersonal deficit (social
isolation/lack of satisfying relationships). Option c describes a pattern of fleeting encounters
without lasting bonds, which fits interpersonal deficit.
2. Which statement best aligns with the tenets of humanistic-existential therapy?
A. Transference and countertransference are essential to the therapy process
b. Therapy focuses on the here and now
c. The content of therapy is the most important factor for success
d. Repressed childhood memories are the focus of therapy
Correct answer: b
Explanation: humanistic-existential therapy emphasizes present experience ("here and now"),
personal responsibility, and meaning-making. Transference/childhood memories are
psychodynamic. Content is less important than the therapeutic relationship.
3. A therapist is considering renting office space is a shared building. What would indicate
that the office is an appropriate space for sessions?
A. Each office has a window
b. There is a white noise machine in the hallway between offices
, c. There is a complimentary beverage station for clients
d. The office is approximately 6 ft square
Correct answer: b
Explanation: confidentiality is paramount. A white noise machine in the hallway helps prevent
overhearing sessions, ensuring privacy. Windows and beverages are amenities, not essential for
appropriateness. 6 ft square is too small for comfortable therapy.
4. Which nursing theorist work best aligns with the humanistic existential approach to
psychotherapy?
A. Madeline Lininger
b. Joyce Travelbee
c. Patricia Benner
d. Dorothea Orem
Correct answer: b
Explanation: Joyce Travelbee developed the human-to-human relationship model, emphasizing
existential concepts like suffering, meaning, and therapeutic communication, aligning with
humanistic-existential psychotherapy.
5. A therapist is conducting safe-t assessment for a client. Which of the following is an
external protective factor?
A. No family history of suicide
b. Praying daily
c. High tolerance to frustration
d. Having two pet cats
Correct answer: d
Explanation: external protective factors involve environmental supports (e.g., pets, family,
social connections). Internal factors include coping skills (praying, frustration tolerance). Family
history absence is a risk-related factor, not protective.
6. A client has sexual feelings for her supervisor. She finds that a few rounds of boxing help
her to feel less frustrated about the situation. Which defense mechanism is the client
displaying?
A. Projection
b. Intellectualization
Interpersonal Psychotherapy Concepts
and Techniques Exam
1. The interpersonal psychotherapist would identify interpersonal deficit as the active
problem area for which client?
A. A client with symptoms of depression who has just changed to a new position at work
b. A client who presents with anxiety after having a date with a man who reminded her of
someone who sexually assaulted her in the past
c. A client who presents with apathy and low mood who endorses a long string of one night
stands but no lasting relationships
d. A client with symptoms of distress whose parent just died
Correct answer: c
Explanation: IPT identifies four problem areas: grief (death of loved one), role dispute (conflict
with significant other), role transition (life change), and interpersonal deficit (social
isolation/lack of satisfying relationships). Option c describes a pattern of fleeting encounters
without lasting bonds, which fits interpersonal deficit.
2. Which statement best aligns with the tenets of humanistic-existential therapy?
A. Transference and countertransference are essential to the therapy process
b. Therapy focuses on the here and now
c. The content of therapy is the most important factor for success
d. Repressed childhood memories are the focus of therapy
Correct answer: b
Explanation: humanistic-existential therapy emphasizes present experience ("here and now"),
personal responsibility, and meaning-making. Transference/childhood memories are
psychodynamic. Content is less important than the therapeutic relationship.
3. A therapist is considering renting office space is a shared building. What would indicate
that the office is an appropriate space for sessions?
A. Each office has a window
b. There is a white noise machine in the hallway between offices
, c. There is a complimentary beverage station for clients
d. The office is approximately 6 ft square
Correct answer: b
Explanation: confidentiality is paramount. A white noise machine in the hallway helps prevent
overhearing sessions, ensuring privacy. Windows and beverages are amenities, not essential for
appropriateness. 6 ft square is too small for comfortable therapy.
4. Which nursing theorist work best aligns with the humanistic existential approach to
psychotherapy?
A. Madeline Lininger
b. Joyce Travelbee
c. Patricia Benner
d. Dorothea Orem
Correct answer: b
Explanation: Joyce Travelbee developed the human-to-human relationship model, emphasizing
existential concepts like suffering, meaning, and therapeutic communication, aligning with
humanistic-existential psychotherapy.
5. A therapist is conducting safe-t assessment for a client. Which of the following is an
external protective factor?
A. No family history of suicide
b. Praying daily
c. High tolerance to frustration
d. Having two pet cats
Correct answer: d
Explanation: external protective factors involve environmental supports (e.g., pets, family,
social connections). Internal factors include coping skills (praying, frustration tolerance). Family
history absence is a risk-related factor, not protective.
6. A client has sexual feelings for her supervisor. She finds that a few rounds of boxing help
her to feel less frustrated about the situation. Which defense mechanism is the client
displaying?
A. Projection
b. Intellectualization
