ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 35 : Mental Health Assessment of Children and Adolescents Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is preparing to assess a 9-year-old child who has been sexually abused. Which of the following would be the priority for the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ensuring a safe and supportive environment (
D) is the priority to reduce trauma and build trust during assessment. Timing (
A), documentation (
B), and dolls (
C) are secondary to creating a secure setting for the child.
Question 5 of 5
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?
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.