AND ANSWERS
Question 1
Alexa is a 27-year-old female who has come to group therapy while she is in the city jail.
She was arrested for vagrancy because she was sleeping in her car in a parking lot at a local
shopping center. She could not post bail, so she is sentenced to 14 days in jail. During
group, she contributes that none of this is her fault. Her mother is totally evil because she
would not let Alexa stay in the family home. She has some other family. but they are all
jerks because they won’t help her. Alexa’s friend Melanie is the absolute best person in the
world, but she can’t help because her boss fired her for no reason. Alexa has a history of
arrests for buying illegal drugs and prostitution. The last time she was in jail, her sentence
was extended for 30 days because she got into a fight with another inmate and beat her up
so badly she had to be admitted to the hospital for 6 days. The PMHNP considers which of
the following personality disorders?
Histrionic
Narcissistic
Borderline
Schizoid
Question 2
Anne is a 32-year-old female who presented to care after a random drug screening at work
was positive for cocaine. She was initially resistant to therapy, maintaining that her use is
not a problem and she could stop at any time. Upon further discussion in session, it appears
that she uses cocaine every day at work, sometimes 2–3 times, other days more. She also
uses it occasionally at home and most weekends. During her third session, she admitted
that it is a financial burden, and she basically cannot afford any other form of recreation.
She understands that if she uses again she will lose her job, and she admits that she loves
her job and that cocaine is not worth losing it. When counseling her about cessation
strategies, the PMHNP advises all the following except:
The physiologic symptoms of withdrawal may require a short-term hospitalization
, Unlike other substances of abuse, there are no medications to help reduce the intensity
of withdrawal
She will need to be monitored for depression
Overcoming the intense craving for cocaine is the biggest issue
Question 3
Clare’s history of personal relationships is characterized by complete intolerance of being
alone. Whether it is an intimate-partner relationship or a close friend, Clare appears to
always need someone in her life. She had a livein boyfriend of 3 years, and while they were
together, he took care of everything. The PMHNP expects all of the following to be
additional features of Clare’s history except:
Has disproportionate anger toward an abusive spouse
Question 4
The PMHNP is conducting an initial interview with a patient whose history is consistent
with avoidant personality disorder. The PMHNP understands that one of the most striking
features of this interview is likely to be centered upon the patient’s:
Clothing
Speech pattern
Anger
Anxiety