Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What type of therapy is commonly utilized to improve cognitive functioning in rehabilitation?

1. Play therapy

2. Occupational therapy

3. Cognitive-behavioral therapy

4. Psychoanalysis

The correct answer is: Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is specifically designed to address dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts through a goal-oriented, systematic process, making it particularly effective in rehabilitation settings for improving cognitive functioning. CBT focuses on identifying and reshaping negative thought patterns and behaviors, which is essential for individuals who have experienced cognitive impairments due to injury, illness, or mental health issues. By equipping patients with tools to recognize and alter their thought processes, CBT can lead to significant improvements in their cognitive capabilities, decision-making, and overall psychological well-being. Other types of therapy, while beneficial in their own right, do not specifically target cognitive functioning to the same extent. Play therapy is often used with children to facilitate emotional and social development. Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals perform daily activities and may include cognitive components, but its primary goal is more about functional performance rather than direct cognitive enhancement. Psychoanalysis aims to deepen understanding of the unconscious mind and may not be as targeted towards immediate cognitive improvements necessary in a rehabilitation context.