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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To establish rapport with a 10-year-old child who is hospitalized in a psychiatric setting, which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. Let?s compare your situation to that of Cinderella?s in the fairy tale.
- B. I?m going to use the DECA tool to measure your self-control and initiative.
- C. Let?s have you draw a picture of yourself.
- D. Would you like to play a game of checkers with me?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Playing a game like checkers (D) is an engaging, non-threatening way to build rapport with a 10-year-old. Comparing to a fairy tale (A) may confuse, mentioning assessment tools (B) is too clinical, and drawing (C) may feel directive before trust is established.
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.
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 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.
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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