ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 35 : Mental Health Assessment of Children and Adolescents Questions
Question 1 of 5
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?
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.
Question 2 of 5
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?
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.
Question 3 of 5
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?
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.
Question 4 of 5
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?
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.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing an inservice presentation for a group of staff psychiatric nurses who will be providing care to children and adolescents in a new outpatient psychiatric clinic. When describing important issues related to interviewing children, which of the following would the nurse emphasize? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: Using simple terms (
A), individualizing questions (
B), and following the child?s lead (E) are key to effective pediatric interviews. Leading questions (
C) bias responses, and long sentences (
D) may overwhelm young children.