How is family systems theory best described?
- A. The family is viewed as the sum of individual members.
- B. A change in one family member cannot create a change in other members.
- C. Individual family members are readily identified as the source of a problem.
- D. When the family system is disrupted, change can occur at any point in the system.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Family systems theory describes an interactional model. Any change in one member will create change in others. Although the family is the sum of the individual members, family systems theory focuses on the number of dyad interactions that can occur. The interactions, not the individual members, are considered to be the problem.
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The nurse is teaching a group of new nursing graduates about identifiable qualities of strong families that help them function effectively. Which quality should be included in the teaching?
- A. Lack of congruence among family members
- B. Clear set of family values, rules, and beliefs
- C. Adoption of one coping strategy that always promotes positive functioning in dealing with life events
- D. Sense of commitment toward growth of individual family members as opposed to that of the family unit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A clear set of family rules, values, and beliefs that establish expectations about acceptable and desired behavior is one of the qualities of strong families that help them function effectively. Strong families have a sense of congruence among family members regarding the value and importance of assigning time and energy to meet needs. Varied coping strategies are used by strong families. The sense of commitment is toward the growth and well-being of individual family members, as well as the family unit.
Which family theory explains how families react to stressful events and suggests factors that promote adaptation to these events?
- A. Interactional theory
- B. Family stress theory
- C. Eriksons psychosocial theory
- D. Developmental systems theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Family stress theory explains the reaction of families to stressful events. In addition, the theory helps suggest factors that promote adaptation to the stress. Stressors, both positive and negative, are cumulative and affect the family. Adaptation requires a change in family structure or interaction. Interactional theory is not a family theory. Interactions are the basis of general systems theory. Eriksons theory applies to individual growth and development, not families. Developmental systems theory is an outgrowth of Duvalls theory. The family is described as a small group, a semiclosed system of personalities that interact with the larger cultural system. Changes do not occur in one part of the family without changes in others.
The parents of a young child ask the nurse for suggestions about discipline. When discussing the use of time-outs, which should the nurse include?
- A. Send the child to his or her room if the child has one.
- B. A general rule for length of time is 1 hour per year of age.
- C. Select an area that is safe and nonstimulating, such as a hallway.
- D. If the child cries, refuses, or is more disruptive, try another approach.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The area must be nonstimulating and safe. The child becomes bored in this environment and then changes behavior to rejoin activities. The childs room may have toys and activities that negate the effect of being separated from the family. The general rule is 1 minute per year of age. An hour per year is excessive. When the child cries, refuses, or is more disruptive, the time-out does not start; the time-out begins when the child quiets.
When assessing a family, the nurse determines that the parents exert little or no control over THEIR children. This style of parenting is called which?
- A. Permissive
- B. Dictatorial
- C. Democratic
- D. Authoritarian
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Permissive parents avoid imposing their own standards of conduct and allow their children to regulate their own activity as much as possible. The parents exert little or no control over their childrens actions. Dictatorial or authoritarian parents attempt to control their childrens behavior and attitudes through unquestioned mandates. They establish rules and regulations or standards of conduct that they expect to be followed rigidly and unquestioningly. Democratic parents combine permissive and dictatorial styles. They direct their childrens behavior and attitudes by emphasizing the reasons for rules and negatively reinforcing deviations. They respect their childrens individual natures.
A 3-year-old child was adopted immediately after birth. The parents have just asked the nurse how they should tell the child that she is adopted. Which guideline concerning adoption should the nurse use in planning a response?
- A. It is best to wait until the child asks about it.
- B. The best time to tell the child is between the ages of 7 and 10 years.
- C. It is not necessary to tell a child who was adopted so young.
- D. Telling the child is an important aspect of their parental responsibilities.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: It is important for the parents not to withhold information about the adoption from the child. It is an essential component of the childs identity. There is no recommended best time to tell children. It is believed that children should be told young enough so they do not remember a time when they did not know. It should be done before the children enter school to prevent third parties from telling the children before the parents have had the opportunity.
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