The primary goal of cognitive therapy is to help clients:

Understand the unconscious roots of their problems.

Change distorted thought patterns.

Express their emotions freely.

Develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Cognitive therapy focuses on identifying and correcting distorted thought patterns that contribute to emotional dysfunction. It is used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Clients learn to monitor thoughts, evaluate evidence, and generate balanced alternatives to negative beliefs.

Rationale for correct answers

B. Changing distortions helps reduce emotional distress and improves function by altering negative interpretations.

Rationale for incorrect answers

A. Exploring unconscious roots is a psychodynamic, not cognitive, approach.

C. Emotional expression may be a benefit, but it's not the primary aim.

D. Healthier coping is a secondary outcome of changing thoughts.

Take Home Points

Cognitive therapy targets distorted thoughts, not emotions.
It teaches clients to challenge and replace unhelpful beliefs.
It is structured and focused on present thinking.
Unlike psychodynamic therapy, it’s short-term and goal-driven.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented, structured form of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is considered first-line for depression, especially when medication is contraindicated, such as during pregnancy. CBT addresses automatic thoughts, behavioral avoidance, and cognitive distortions. It is safe, non-invasive, and effective across all severity levels of depression, including for perinatal clients.

Rationale for correct answers

D. Thought restructuring and behavioral correction are central to CBT, which is evidence-based and recommended for depression during pregnancy when medication use is limited due to fetal risk.

Rationale for incorrect answers

A. Client-centered therapy focuses on empathy and unconditional positive regard but lacks structured methods for altering depressive thought patterns.

B. Gestalt therapy emphasizes present awareness and unresolved issues but is not first-line or evidence-based for treating depression in pregnancy.

C. Therapeutic touch therapy lacks scientific support for effectiveness in treating clinical depression and is not recommended as an evidence-based intervention.

Take Home Points

CBT is a highly effective, non-pharmacologic therapy for depression, including during pregnancy.
It works by modifying negative thoughts and behaviors.
It is preferred when antidepressant use is avoided.
Unlike talk therapies, CBT is structured and evidence-based.

A. “I need to challenge my negative thoughts about food.” B. “I will avoid foods that trigger my anxiety.” C. “I will reward myself for eating healthy.” D. “I should focus on my feelings when I eat.”

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Cognitive restructuring is a central component of CBT that challenges and replaces negative or distorted thinking patterns. It teaches clients to identify maladaptive thoughts about self, body, and food, and replace them with more realistic, constructive beliefs. This process helps reduce disordered behaviors.

Rationale for correct answers

A. Challenging distortions is the core mechanism in restructuring, directly targeting the thoughts that drive disordered eating.

Rationale for incorrect answers

B. Avoidance supports maladaptive patterns and is counterproductive.

C. Rewarding behavior is behavioral reinforcement, not cognitive work.

D. Focusing on feelings doesn’t change thought patterns, which is the goal here.

Take Home Points

Cognitive restructuring challenges disordered thinking.
It’s essential in treating eating disorders within CBT.
Avoidance reinforces negative associations.
Self-reward and mindfulness are helpful but not cognitive restructuring.

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The primary goal of cognitive therapy is to help clients:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client recently diagnosed with depression tells a nurse that she is 2 months pregnant and is reluctant to take an antidepressant medication. The client asks what other treatment options are available. Which type of therapy should a nurse recommend as an alternate treatment for depression?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is teaching a client with an eating disorder about cognitive restructuring. Which statement by the client indicates understanding of this technique?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The primary goal of cognitive therapy is to help clients:

The nurse is providing care for a client in a therapeutic milieu. The client asks, “Why do we have to follow all these rules?” The best response by the nurse is:

A client states: “I am a total failure. I can’t do anything right.” Which of the following cognitive distortions is the client exhibiting?

A nurse is using systematic desensitization with a client who has a phobia of heights. Which step should the nurse implement first?

The nurse is implementing operant conditioning with a client who has a substance use disorder. Which intervention is an example of positive reinforcement?

The main purpose of milieu therapy is to:

A nurse is evaluating a client who threatens suicide. The nurse’s primary responsibility to the client is to provide a safe, therapeutic environment. Which nursing intervention is most effective in establishing a safe environment for the client?