A nurse is interviewing a 12-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with depression. The client?s depression was triggered by the death of his father 2 years ago. The nurse interprets which comment made by the boy as reflecting egocentrism?
- A. If I hadn?t yelled at my dad and told him to go away, he never would have died.
- B. I?m still sad because my dad died a couple of years ago.
- C. I think I?m just experiencing normal grieving.
- D. My father was the best friend I ever had; I still can?t believe he?s gone for good.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Blaming himself for his father?s death (A) reflects egocentrism, a developmental trait where the child believes their actions directly cause external events. Sadness (B), normal grieving (C), and loss acknowledgment (D) are typical grief responses, not egocentrism.
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After completing the mental status assessment of a 9-year-old boy, the nurse documents the findings. Which of the following would the nurse document as reflecting the child?s motor activity? Select all that apply.
- A. Favorite story, Huckleberry Finn
- B. Short attention span
- C. Hyperalertness
- D. Went to the park last weekend
- E. Nail biting
- F. History of temper tantrums
Correct Answer: B,C,E,F
Rationale: Motor activity includes short attention span (B), hyperalertness (C), nail biting (E), and temper tantrums (F), as they reflect observable behaviors. Favorite story (A) and park visits (D) are not motor-related.
A nurse is preparing to interview a 4-year-old preschooler. Which of the following would be most effective to use for the assessment?
- A. Direct, simple questions
- B. Play materials such as blocks
- C. Pediatric anxiety rating scale
- D. Children?s Depression Inventory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Play materials like blocks (B) engage a 4-year-old, allowing expression through play, which is developmentally appropriate. Direct questions (A) may overwhelm, and rating scales (C, D) are less suitable for preschoolers.
The nurse is preparing to interview a 6-year-old girl and her mother in an outpatient psychiatric setting. To establish a treatment alliance with the child, the nurse should:
- A. Tell the child she watches Sesame Street all the time.
- B. Talk to the child while standing up and looking down at her.
- C. Tell the child that this must be a bit scary for her.
- D. Ask the parent if the child can be interviewed alone.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acknowledging the child?s potential fear (C) validates her emotions, fostering trust and a treatment alliance. Claiming to watch Sesame Street (A) may seem inauthentic, standing over the child (B) is intimidating, and interviewing alone (D) may be premature for a young child.
The nurse is caring for an adolescent in the outpatient psychiatric setting. To help the adolescent feel more in control of the initial therapy sessions, which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. I won?t share anything that you don?t want me to with your parents.
- B. Adolescents often feel a distrust of authority figures. Is that true with you?
- C. Your parents care a great deal about you. That?s why you are here.
- D. If something is uncomfortable for you, you don?t have to talk about it.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Allowing the adolescent to opt out of uncomfortable topics (D) empowers them and enhances control. Promising confidentiality (A) may conflict with legal obligations, questioning distrust (B) may alienate, and focusing on parental care (C) shifts attention from the adolescent?s autonomy.
The nurse is beginning an assessment interview with an 8-year-old girl who has been brought in for counseling by her parents. When beginning the interview, which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask first?
- A. How are you feeling?
- B. How old are you?
- C. Has anyone told you about why you are here today?
- D. Why do you think I?m talking to you alone without your parents here?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking if the child knows why she is there (C) is a gentle, open-ended start that clarifies her understanding and builds rapport. Asking about feelings (A) may be too direct initially, age (B) is factual but less engaging, and questioning the absence of parents (D) may raise anxiety.
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