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 caring for an adolescent in the outpatient psychiatric setting. To help the adolescent feel more in control of the initial therapy sessions, which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Allowing the adolescent to opt out of uncomfortable topics (
D) empowers them and enhances control. Promising confidentiality (
A) may conflict with legal obligations, questioning distrust (
B) may alienate, and focusing on parental care (
C) shifts attention from the adolescent?s autonomy.
Question 2 of 5
A child and the child?s family visit a psychiatric outpatient setting because the parent is concerned about the child?s behavior at school. The child scores 65 on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. The nurse interprets this finding as which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A GAF score of 65 indicates mild symptoms with generally good functioning, suggesting outpatient treatment (
D) is appropriate. Inpatient therapy (
A) is for lower scores, homicidal thoughts (
B) are not indicated by this score, and school functioning (
C) is not specifically supported.
Question 3 of 5
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?
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.
Question 4 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 5 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.