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A nurse is interviewing a 12-year-old child in an outpatient psychiatric setting. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to say to establish a high degree of credibility?
- A. How would you describe your parents?
- B. Tell me about your best friend.
- C. I have several teddy bears; would you like one to hold?
- D. You?d get along better with your parents if you?d follow their advice.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking about the child?s best friend (B) is age-appropriate and non-threatening, building rapport and credibility. Asking about parents (A) may feel confrontational, offering a teddy bear (C) is too juvenile for a 12-year-old, and giving advice (D) is judgmental and undermines trust.
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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.
A nurse is performing an assessment interview of a 14-year-old boy who is being admitted to an adolescent substance abuse unit. His parents are concerned about their son?s repeated problems at school that they associate with his drug use. The boy stalks into the office, abruptly sits down, crosses his arms, and says, Okay, ask your stupid questions, but don?t expect me to cooperate! Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. Your attitude is offensive; I can see why your parents brought you here.
- B. Why don?t we wait until you?ve calmed down a bit to start the interview?
- C. Why are you so angry?
- D. You seem pretty upset. Tell me about what is upsetting you.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acknowledging the adolescent?s upset feelings and inviting discussion (D) validates emotions and encourages engagement. Criticizing attitude (A) alienates, delaying the interview (B) dismisses the moment, and questioning anger (C) may feel confrontational.
A nurse is preparing to assess a 9-year-old child who has been sexually abused. Which of the following would be the priority for the nurse?
- A. Finding out when the abuse occurred
- B. Documenting the assessment for use in court
- C. Using anatomically correct dolls to elicit information
- D. Ensuring that the environment is safe and supportive
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ensuring a safe and supportive environment (D) is the priority to reduce trauma and build trust during assessment. Timing (A), documentation (B), and dolls (C) are secondary to creating a secure setting for the child.
A nurse is preparing to complete a mental status examination of an adolescent who is experiencing behavioral problems at school. When assessing the adolescent?s thought processes, which of the following would the nurse need to keep in mind about this age group? Select all that apply.
- A. View of things in a concrete manner
- B. Ability to look at things hypothetically
- C. Beginning ability to use logic
- D. Ability to use abstract thinking
- E. Difficulty in putting feelings into words
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
Rationale: Adolescents develop hypothetical thinking (B), logical reasoning (C), abstract thinking (D), and often struggle to verbalize feelings (E). Concrete thinking (A) is more typical of younger children.
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.