Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

A client describes themselves as a perfectionist and gets angry when others do not meet their standards. What therapeutic approach would be beneficial?

1. Behavioral therapy

2. Cognitive therapy

3. Supportive therapy

4. Psychodynamic therapy

The correct answer is: Cognitive therapy

Cognitive therapy would be the most beneficial therapeutic approach in this scenario because it focuses on identifying and altering distorted thinking patterns and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and behavioral issues. Since the client describes themselves as a perfectionist and experiences anger when others do not meet their high standards, cognitive therapy can help them recognize and challenge their perfectionistic thoughts. This includes changing the way they interpret situations and the expectations they place on themselves and others. Cognitive therapy would aid in developing more flexible thinking, learning how to set realistic goals, and discovering healthier coping strategies for their frustrations. By addressing the cognitive distortions, such as all-or-nothing thinking or catastrophizing, the client can achieve a more balanced perspective, which can lead to reduced anger and improved interpersonal relationships. Other therapeutic approaches, such as behavioral therapy, would emphasize changing observable behaviors but might not adequately address the underlying cognitive patterns that fuel the client’s perfectionism. Supportive therapy would offer reassurance and encouragement but might not challenge the maladaptive beliefs directly. Psychodynamic therapy could explore past experiences and unconscious processes but might take longer to address the specific cognitive distortions at play in this client’s perfectionistic mindset.