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.
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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.
The nurse is assessing an 8-year-old child?s self-concept. Which of the following would be least appropriate for the nurse to ask?
- A. If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?
- B. What would you like to be when you grow up?
- C. What subjects do you like best in school?
- D. What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Asking about breakfast (D) is unrelated to self-concept, which involves self-perception and aspirations. Questions about wishes (A), future goals (B), and school preferences (C) elicit insights into the child?s self-view and identity.
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about temperament and its effect on the child?s behavior. The students demonstrate understanding of the concept when they identify which of the following as characteristic of temperament. Select all that apply.
- A. Emotional bonding
- B. Sequential growth processes
- C. Activity level
- D. Adaptability
- E. Insecurity
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Temperament includes activity level (C) and adaptability (D), innate traits influencing behavior. Emotional bonding (A) and growth processes (B) are developmental, and insecurity (E) is a state, not a temperament trait.
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about stress and coping in children. The students demonstrate a need for additional study when they identify which of the following as a stressful experience for a child?
- A. Death of a pet
- B. Chronic illness
- C. Racial discrimination
- D. Social support
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Social support (D) is a coping resource, not a stressor. Death of a pet (A), chronic illness (B), and racial discrimination (C) are recognized stressors for children.
A nurse in an outpatient clinic is assessing a child, and the nurse will interview the child and the child?s parents separately. Which of the following comments would the nurse anticipate the child making during the upcoming interview?
- A. I can?t get along with my parents.
- B. I yell at my parents a lot.
- C. I?m sad a lot, and I have trouble sleeping.
- D. I refuse to do what my parents tell me to.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sadness and sleep issues (C) are common psychological symptoms in children that may be expressed in a clinical setting, especially given school behavior concerns. Parent conflict (A, B, D) may be reported, but sadness and sleep issues are more directly tied to internal distress.
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