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 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.
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.
Question 2 of 5
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.
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.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing to interview a 6-year-old girl and her mother in an outpatient psychiatric setting. To establish a treatment alliance with the child, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acknowledging the child?s potential fear (
C) validates her emotions, fostering trust and a treatment alliance. Claiming to watch Sesame Street (
A) may seem inauthentic, standing over the child (
B) is intimidating, and interviewing alone (
D) may be premature for a young child.
Question 4 of 5
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?
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.
Question 5 of 5
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?
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.