Mixed Deck — All HSP Topics Flashcards

In a factor analysis of a new psychological measure, a scree plot shows a clear break after the second eigenvalue. What does this suggest?

Answer: Two factors best explain the variance in the data

A scree plot break after the second eigenvalue indicates that two factors account for meaningful variance, supporting a two-factor solution.

A health psychologist calculates a patient's BMI as 32. According to standard classification, this falls in the:

Answer: Class I Obesity range

A BMI of 30.0–34.9 is classified as Class I (Mild) Obesity by the WHO and CDC.

A psychologist is asked to testify as a fact witness in a case involving a former client. The psychologist has not been retained as an expert. Ethically, the psychologist should:

Answer: Testify only about factual observations within the therapeutic relationship, not offer expert opinions

As a fact witness, a psychologist may testify only about direct factual observations, not render expert psychological opinions about the client.

A psychologist notices the audio recording function on a therapy session documentation device is cutting out intermittently. After checking the microphone, what is the NEXT diagnostic step?

Answer: Check available storage space, as insufficient storage can cause intermittent recording failures

Insufficient storage space is a common cause of intermittent recording failures; checking and freeing storage should precede hardware replacement.

A psychologist's transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device used in research displays an error code indicating current delivery is outside the programmed range. The SAFEST response is to:

Answer: Immediately terminate the session, remove the device from service, and have it inspected by a qualified technician before further use

An out-of-range current error indicates a hardware fault that could deliver unsafe stimulation levels; the device must be inspected before further clinical or research use.

Which federal agency sets occupational exposure limits for bloodborne pathogens in healthcare workplaces, including psychology practices?

Answer: OSHA

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates exposure control plans for healthcare workplaces.

When treating insomnia using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), sleep restriction is intended to:

Answer: Increase homeostatic sleep drive by limiting time in bed to actual sleep time

Sleep restriction consolidates sleep by limiting time in bed to match the patient's current actual sleep time, thereby building homeostatic sleep pressure.

A health service psychologist is asked to conduct a fitness-for-duty evaluation of a hospital employee referred by human resources. Which ethical consideration is most salient?

Answer: Clarifying upfront that the psychologist's client is the employer, not the employee

In third-party evaluations, psychologists must clarify the nature of the relationship, including that the organization rather than the individual is the client and that standard therapy confidentiality does not apply.

Which cranial nerve is responsible for carrying parasympathetic fibers to most thoracic and abdominal organs, including the heart and digestive tract?

Answer: Vagus nerve (CN X)

The vagus nerve (CN X) is the longest cranial nerve and carries parasympathetic fibers to the heart, lungs, and most digestive organs, mediating rest-and-digest functions.

The concept of 'minority stress' in health service psychology refers to:

Answer: Chronic stress experienced by stigmatized minority group members due to prejudice and discrimination

Minority stress theory describes the excess, chronic stress experienced by members of stigmatized groups due to discrimination, prejudice, and internalized stigma.

A patient presents with identity disturbance, frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, and recurrent suicidal gestures. To confirm a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder, at least how many of the nine DSM-5 criteria must be met?

Answer: 5

DSM-5 requires 5 or more of the 9 BPD criteria to be met for a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder.

How should treatment protocols be modified for patients with comorbidities?

Answer: Adjust parameters based on individual risk factors and contraindications

Treatment protocols must be individually adjusted based on comorbidities to prevent adverse reactions and ensure safe, effective care.

Which intervention is considered evidence-based for treating insomnia as a standalone disorder?

Answer: Sleep restriction and stimulus control (CBT-I)

CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the first-line treatment and includes sleep restriction, stimulus control, and sleep hygiene education.

What is the clinical significance of understanding nerve pathways?

Answer: It prevents inadvertent nerve damage and guides proper technique

Knowledge of nerve pathways is critical for preventing inadvertent nerve damage during procedures and guiding technique to achieve desired therapeutic outcomes.

The empirically supported treatment for specific phobia relies primarily on which mechanism?

Answer: In vivo exposure leading to fear extinction

In vivo exposure to the feared object or situation leads to extinction of the fear response and is the first-line treatment for specific phobia.

What is the primary ethical responsibility when obtaining informed consent?

Answer: Ensure full understanding and voluntary agreement

The primary ethical responsibility when obtaining informed consent is to ensure that the client fully understands the nature of the services, their rights, potential risks and benefits, and voluntarily agrees to participate without coercion. This process empowers clients to make autonomous decisions about their care. It involves clear communication and answering any questions the client may have.

Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy for PTSD primarily works by:

Answer: Reducing avoidance so the trauma memory loses its power to evoke fear

PE reduces PTSD symptoms through repeated, systematic exposure to trauma-related memories and triggers, allowing habituation and emotional processing.

A psychology intern reports feeling lightheaded after smelling a strong disinfectant used to clean the group therapy room. The safest immediate action is to:

Answer: Remove the intern from the area and ensure ventilation

Removing the exposed individual from the chemical environment and ensuring adequate ventilation is the first priority for chemical exposure.

A health psychologist is evaluating a patient with chronic pain. Which instrument is most specifically designed to assess pain catastrophizing?

Answer: Pain Catastrophizing Scale

The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) directly measures rumination, magnification, and helplessness related to pain.

A health psychologist uses the PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) for assessment. A key methodological advantage of PROMIS over traditional fixed-length scales is:

Answer: It uses item response theory and computer adaptive testing to reduce burden

PROMIS employs item response theory and computer adaptive testing, allowing precise measurement with fewer items by selecting questions based on prior responses.