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NRNP 6645 Psychotherapy Midterm Exam
2026/2027 | Walden University Actual Exam
Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | Grade A Study Guide
1. A nurse educator is explaining the stages of learning to a group of nursing students.
Which stage describes a learner who is unaware of their lack of skill or knowledge?
A. Conscious incompetency
B. Conscious competency
C. Unconscious incompetency
D. Unconscious competency
Correct Answer: C. Unconscious incompetency
Rationale: Unconscious incompetency is the initial stage of learning where the
individual does not recognize their own skill deficit. They are unaware of what they do
not know.
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2. A nurse is orienting a new graduate to the medical-surgical unit. The new graduate
correctly performs a complex wound dressing change but requires frequent coaching
and references a checklist. Which stage of learning is this new graduate demonstrating?
A. Unconscious incompetency
B. Conscious incompetency
C. Conscious competency
D. Unconscious competency
Correct Answer: C. Conscious competency
Rationale: Conscious competency occurs when a learner can perform a skill but requires
concentration, conscious thought, and often a checklist or guidance to do so correctly.
3. A charge nurse observes an experienced staff nurse seamlessly performing a sterile
procedure while simultaneously answering a question from a family member. The nurse
does not appear to be consciously thinking about the steps of the procedure. Which
stage of learning is this nurse demonstrating?
A. Unconscious incompetency
B. Conscious incompetency
C. Conscious competency
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D. Unconscious competency
Correct Answer: D. Unconscious competency
Rationale: Unconscious competency is the stage where a skill has become so practiced
and integrated that it can be performed automatically without conscious thought.
4. According to Freud's tasks of learning, a client who exhibits excessive dependency
and struggles with self-control is experiencing difficulty with which developmental task?
A. Trust versus mistrust
B. Independence and control
C. Initiative versus guilt
D. Industry versus inferiority
Correct Answer: B. Independence and control
Rationale: Freud's tasks of learning independence and control are associated with the
development of autonomy. Difficulty in this area can lead to problematic traits such as
excessive dependency or rigidity.
5. A nurse manager is reviewing legal standards for nursing practice. Which statement
accurately describes standards of care?
A. Flexible recommendations that allow for clinical judgment.
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B. Legally binding guidelines that dictate the minimum acceptable level of care.
C. Ethical principles that guide professional behavior.
D. Institutional policies that vary between healthcare facilities.
Correct Answer: B. Legally binding guidelines that dictate the minimum acceptable
level of care.
Rationale: Standards of care are legally binding and define the minimum level of care
that a reasonably prudent nurse with similar education and experience would provide in
a similar situation.
6. A nurse is reviewing clinical recommendations for managing a client's hypertension.
The nurse notes that these recommendations are not legally binding. Which type of
guideline is the nurse using?
A. Standards of care
B. Institutional policies
C. Practice guidelines
D. Statutory regulations
Correct Answer: C. Practice guidelines
Rationale: Practice guidelines are evidence-based recommendations that assist
NRNP 6645 Psychotherapy Midterm Exam
2026/2027 | Walden University Actual Exam
Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | Grade A Study Guide
1. A nurse educator is explaining the stages of learning to a group of nursing students.
Which stage describes a learner who is unaware of their lack of skill or knowledge?
A. Conscious incompetency
B. Conscious competency
C. Unconscious incompetency
D. Unconscious competency
Correct Answer: C. Unconscious incompetency
Rationale: Unconscious incompetency is the initial stage of learning where the
individual does not recognize their own skill deficit. They are unaware of what they do
not know.
,2|Page
2. A nurse is orienting a new graduate to the medical-surgical unit. The new graduate
correctly performs a complex wound dressing change but requires frequent coaching
and references a checklist. Which stage of learning is this new graduate demonstrating?
A. Unconscious incompetency
B. Conscious incompetency
C. Conscious competency
D. Unconscious competency
Correct Answer: C. Conscious competency
Rationale: Conscious competency occurs when a learner can perform a skill but requires
concentration, conscious thought, and often a checklist or guidance to do so correctly.
3. A charge nurse observes an experienced staff nurse seamlessly performing a sterile
procedure while simultaneously answering a question from a family member. The nurse
does not appear to be consciously thinking about the steps of the procedure. Which
stage of learning is this nurse demonstrating?
A. Unconscious incompetency
B. Conscious incompetency
C. Conscious competency
,3|Page
D. Unconscious competency
Correct Answer: D. Unconscious competency
Rationale: Unconscious competency is the stage where a skill has become so practiced
and integrated that it can be performed automatically without conscious thought.
4. According to Freud's tasks of learning, a client who exhibits excessive dependency
and struggles with self-control is experiencing difficulty with which developmental task?
A. Trust versus mistrust
B. Independence and control
C. Initiative versus guilt
D. Industry versus inferiority
Correct Answer: B. Independence and control
Rationale: Freud's tasks of learning independence and control are associated with the
development of autonomy. Difficulty in this area can lead to problematic traits such as
excessive dependency or rigidity.
5. A nurse manager is reviewing legal standards for nursing practice. Which statement
accurately describes standards of care?
A. Flexible recommendations that allow for clinical judgment.
, 4|Page
B. Legally binding guidelines that dictate the minimum acceptable level of care.
C. Ethical principles that guide professional behavior.
D. Institutional policies that vary between healthcare facilities.
Correct Answer: B. Legally binding guidelines that dictate the minimum acceptable
level of care.
Rationale: Standards of care are legally binding and define the minimum level of care
that a reasonably prudent nurse with similar education and experience would provide in
a similar situation.
6. A nurse is reviewing clinical recommendations for managing a client's hypertension.
The nurse notes that these recommendations are not legally binding. Which type of
guideline is the nurse using?
A. Standards of care
B. Institutional policies
C. Practice guidelines
D. Statutory regulations
Correct Answer: C. Practice guidelines
Rationale: Practice guidelines are evidence-based recommendations that assist
