Question 1

A psychotherapist works with an anxious, dependent patient. Which strategy is most consistent with psychoanalytic psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

A)   Identifying the patient's strengths and assets
B)   Praising the patient for describing feelings of isolation
C)   Focusing on feelings developed by the patient toward the therapist
D)   Providing psychoeducation and emphasizing medication adherence C

Question 2

A patient is fearful of riding on elevators. The therapist first rides an escalator with the patient. The therapist and patient then stand in an elevator with the door open for 5 minutes and later with the elevator door closed for 5 minutes. Which technique has the therapist used?

Accepted Answer

A)   Classic psychoanalytic therapy
B)   Systematic desensitization
C)   Rational emotive therapy
D)   Biofeedback B

Question 3

A nurse consistently encourages patient to do his or her own activities of daily living. If the patient is unable to complete an activity, the nurse helps until the patient is once again independent. This nurse's practice is most influenced by which theorist?

Accepted Answer

A)   Betty Neuman
B)   Patricia Benner
C)   Dorothea Orem
D)   Joyce Travelbee C

Question 4

Which comments by an elderly person best indicate successful completion of the individual's psychosocial developmental task? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   "I am proud of my children's successes in life."
B)   "I should have given to community charities more often."
C)   "My relationship with my father made life more difficult for me."
D)   "My experiences in the war helped me appreciate the meaning of life."
E)   "I often wonder what would have happened if I had chosen a different career."

Question 5

A nurse supports a parent for praising a child who behaves in helpful ways to others. When this child behaves with politeness and helpfulness in adulthood, which feeling will most likely result?

Accepted Answer

A)   Guilt
B)   Anxiety
C)   Humility
D)   Self-esteem

Question 6

A nurse listens to a group of recent retirees. One says, "I volunteer with Meals on Wheels, coach teen sports, and do church visitation." Another laughs and says, "I'm too busy taking care of myself to volunteer to help others." Which psychosocial developmental task do these statements contrast?

Accepted Answer

A)   Trust and mistrust
B)   Intimacy and isolation
C)   Industry and inferiority
D)   Generativity and self-absorption

Question 7

A nurse influenced by Peplau's interpersonal theory works with an anxious, withdrawn patient. Interventions should focus on

Accepted Answer

A)   rewarding desired behaviors.
B)   use of assertive communication.
C)   changing the patient's self-concept.
D)   administering medications to relieve anxiety.

Question 8

A patient repeatedly stated, "I'm stupid." Which statement by that patient would show progress resulting from cognitive-behavioral therapy?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Sometimes I do stupid things."
B)   "Things always go wrong for me."
C)   "I always fail when I try new things."
D)   "I'm disappointed in my lack of ability."

Question 9

A person says, "I was the only survivor in a small plane crash. Three business associates died. I got depressed and saw a counselor twice a week for 4 weeks. We talked about my feelings related to being a survivor, and I'm better now." Which type of therapy was used?

Accepted Answer

A)   Systematic desensitization
B)   Psychoanalysis
C)   Behavior modification
D)   Interpersonal psychotherapy

Question 10

Which comment best indicates a patient is self-actualized?

Accepted Answer

A)   "I have succeeded despite a world filled with evil."
B)   "I have a plan for my life. If I follow it, everything will be fine."
C)   "I'm successful because I work hard. No one has ever given me anything."
D)   "My favorite leisure is walking on the beach, hearing soft sounds of rolling waves."

Question 11

A parent says, "My 2-year-old child refuses toilet training and shouts 'No!' when given directions. What do you think is wrong?" Select the nurse's best reply.

Accepted Answer

A)   "Your child needs firmer control. It is important to set limits now."
B)   "This is normal for your child's age. The child is striving for independence."
C)   "There may be developmental problems. Most children are toilet trained by age 2."
D)   "Some undesirable attitudes are developing. A child psychologist can help you develop a plan."

Question 12

A college student received an invitation to attend the wedding of a close friend who lives across the country. The student is afraid of flying. Which type of therapy would be most helpful for this patient?

Accepted Answer

A)   Psychoanalysis
B)   Aversion therapy
C)   Systematic desensitization
D)   Short-term dynamic therapy

Question 13

A student nurse says, "I don't need to interact with my patients. I learn what I need to know by observation." An instructor can best interpret the nursing implications of Sullivan's theory to this student by responding:

Accepted Answer

A)   "Interactions are required in order to help you develop therapeutic communication skills."
B)   "Nurses cannot be isolated. We must interact to provide patients with opportunities to practice interpersonal skills."
C)   "Observing patient interactions will help you formulate priority nursing diagnoses and appropriate interventions."
D)   "It is important to pay attention to patients' behavioral changes, because these signify adjustments in personality."

Question 14

A patient is suspicious and frequently manipulates others. To which psychosexual stage do these traits relate?

Accepted Answer

A)   Oral
B)   Anal
C)   Phallic
D)   Genital

Question 15

The parent of a child diagnosed with schizophrenia tearfully asks the nurse, "What could I have done differently to prevent this illness?" Select the nurse's best response.

Accepted Answer

A)   "Although schizophrenia results from impaired family relationships, try not to feel guilty. No one can predict how a child will respond to parental guidance."
B)   "Schizophrenia is a biological illness resulting from changes in how the brain and nervous system function. You are not to blame for your child's illness."
C)   "There is still hope. Changing your parenting style can help your child learn to cope effectively with the environment."
D)   "Most mental illnesses result from genetic inheritance. Your genes are more at fault than your parenting."

Question 16

Which patient is the best candidate for brief psychodynamic therapy?

Accepted Answer

A)   An accountant with a loving family and successful career who was involved in a short extramarital affair
B)   An adult with a long history of major depression who was charged with driving under the influence
C)   A woman with a history of borderline personality disorder who recently cut both wrists
D)   An adult male recently diagnosed with anorexia nervosa

Question 17

Which therapies involve electrical brain stimulation for treatment of mental illness? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Aversion therapy
B)   Operant conditioning
C)   Systematic desensitization
D)   Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) 
E)   Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Question 18

An adult dies in a tragic accident. Afterward, the siblings plan a funeral service. Which statement by a sibling best indicates a sense of self-actualization?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Of all of us, I am the most experienced with planning these types of events."
B)   "Funerals are supposed to be conducted quietly, respectfully, and according to a social protocol."
C)   "This death was unfair but I hope we can plan a service that everyone feels is a celebration of life."
D)   "This death was probably the consequence of years of selfish and inconsiderate behavior by our sibling."

Question 19

Which statement by a patient would lead the nurse to suspect unsuccessful completion of the psychosocial developmental task of infancy?

Accepted Answer

A)   "I know how to do things right, so I prefer jobs where I work alone rather than on a team."
B)   "I do not allow other people to truly get to know me."
C)   "I depend on frequent praise from others to feel good about myself."
D)   "I usually need to do things several times before I get them right."

Question 20

An adult says, "I never know the answers," and "My opinion does not count." Which psychosocial crisis was unsuccessfully resolved for this adult?

Accepted Answer

A)   Initiative versus guilt
B)   Trust versus mistrust
C)   Autonomy versus shame and doubt
D)   Generativity versus self-absorption

Exam 2: Theories and Therapies