PMHNP Psychotherapy and Related Theories Practice Test

1) A trauma survivor becomes emotionally overwhelmed and begins dissociating during a therapy session. The most appropriate intervention is to:

2) Recovery-oriented psychotherapy emphasizes:

3) Which therapeutic factor is essential for successful psychotherapy regardless of treatment modality?

4) A therapist helps a patient identify and challenge irrational thoughts contributing to anxiety. Which therapeutic approach is being utilized?

5) A patient questions the need for a 12-step recovery program. The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner should:

6) Establishing a new practice as the standard of care after implementation represents which stage of Lewin's Change Theory?

7) A patient acknowledges that substance use is problematic but remains ambivalent about change. According to the Transtheoretical Model, which stage is most consistent with this presentation?

8) A child with a history of trauma exhibits disruptive behaviors at school. Which intervention is most appropriate?

9) A patient with social anxiety disorder is reluctant to attend group sessions. The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner should:

10) A patient with chronic stress is participating in a structured program that incorporates meditation and mindfulness practices. Which intervention is being used?

11) A family therapist encourages members to share stories and perspectives to promote understanding and empathy. This reflects which aspect of Narrative Therapy?

12) In Structural Family Therapy, the therapist encourages family members to interact during the session to observe relationship patterns. This technique is called:

13) A patient with chronic depression struggles with interpersonal relationships and social isolation. Which therapy is most appropriate?

14) A child demonstrates difficulty understanding abstract concepts and hypothetical situations. According to Piaget, this is characteristic of which developmental stage?

15) A therapist helps a patient separate personal identity from problems and rewrite life experiences in a more empowering way. Which therapy is being used?

16) A patient is considering treatment for alcohol use disorder and evaluating the impact of substance use on life goals. Which change strategy is being utilized?

17) A patient with borderline personality disorder struggles with emotional regulation and impulsive behaviors. Which psychotherapy has the strongest evidence base?

18) During therapy, a client expresses suicidal ideation. What should the therapist do first?

19) A child consistently demonstrates aggressive behavior toward peers. Assessment of early peer interactions primarily focuses on:

20) A family seeks therapy for ongoing communication problems and conflict. Which therapy focuses on restructuring family dynamics?

21) A patient with a history of trauma expresses fear of discussing certain experiences. The therapist's most appropriate response is to:

22) A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder is interested in mindfulness-based interventions. Which approach focuses on developing awareness and acceptance of thoughts without judgment?

23) A client discloses a traumatic experience during therapy. The therapist becomes emotionally affected. What is the most appropriate response?

24) A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner is implementing a practice change. Gathering staff feedback and creating awareness of the need for change reflects which stage of Lewin's Change Theory?

25) Which concept is central to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

26) A patient with OCD is participating in therapy involving gradual exposure to feared situations while preventing compulsive behaviors. Which therapy is being used?