Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

Which aspect of a patient's response indicates perseveration, particularly related to brain injury?

1. Repetitive naming of various dog types

2. Detailed descriptions of specific animals

3. Listing animals by color and size

4. Using metaphors related to animals

The correct answer is: Repetitive naming of various dog types

Perseveration refers to the repetitive and persistent adherence to a particular response, often seen in individuals with neurological conditions or brain injuries. In the context of the given question, the act of repetitively naming various types of dogs exemplifies this behavior. This indicates that the patient is stuck on a specific thought or category and continues to express it without adapting to the context or shifting to other relevant topics. This behavior can emerge after a brain injury, where cognitive flexibility is impaired, leading to such repetitive responses. The other options showcase different forms of cognitive engagement with animals but do not reflect perseveration in the same way. Providing detailed descriptions or categorizing animals may involve deeper thinking and processing that does not indicate a lack of cognitive flexibility. Using metaphors related to animals suggests creativity and abstract thinking, further distancing them from the characteristic repetitive nature of perseveration. Thus, the repetitive naming of various dog types distinctly highlights the symptoms associated with perseveration related to brain injury.