Chapter 011

Potter & Perry: Fundamentals of Nursing, 7th Edition
Test Bank
Chapter 11: Developmental Theories
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A nurse who wants to apply a theory that relates to moral development should read more
from the work of:
1. Gould
2. Freud
3. Erikson
4. Kohlberg
ANS: 4
Kohlberg developed a theory on moral development. Gould developed a theory on
psychosocial development. Freud developed a theory on psychosexual development.
Erikson developed a theory on psychosocial development.
DIF: A
REF: 144
OBJ: Knowledge
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment/Staff
Education
2. The nurse using Eriksons theory to assess a 20-year-old clients developmental status
expects to find which of the following behaviors?
1. Coping with physical and social losses
2. Enjoys participating in the community
3. Applying self to learning skills
4. Overcoming a sense of guilt or frustration
ANS: 2
According to Erikson, the young adult is in the intimacy versus isolation stage of
development. This is the time in which the young adult can become fully participative in
the community, enjoying adult freedom and responsibility. Coping with physical and
social losses is found in Eriksons integrity versus despair stage (old age) of development.
Applying themselves to learning productive skills is a consistent behavior found in
Eriksons industry versus inferiority stage (6 to 11 years) of development. According to
Erikson, overcoming a sense of guilt or frustration is in the initiative versus guilt stage (3
to 6 years) of development.
DIF: A
REF: 140
OBJ: Comprehension
Education
3. The nurse recognizes that Freuds theory approaches development by looking at:
1. Moral reasoning.
Mosby items and derived items 2009, 2005 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank
11-2
2. Logical maturity
3. Psychosexual aspects
4. Cognitive development
ANS: 3
Freuds theory of personality development approaches development by looking at
psychosexual aspects. Kohlbergs theory approaches development by looking at moral
reasoning. Goulds theory approaches development by looking at logical maturity.
Piagets theory approaches development by looking at cognitive development.
DIF: A
REF: 138
OBJ: Knowledge
Education
4. According to Piaget, a preschool child (3 to 5 years old) who comes to the clinic is
expected by the nurse to exhibit which of the following behaviors?
1. Far-reaching problem-solving
2. Exploration of the environment
3. Cooperation and sharing with others
4. Thinking with the use of symbols and images
ANS: 4
According to Piaget, the preoperational child (age 2 to 7 years) is learning to think with
the use of symbols and mental images. Organization of thoughts and far-reaching
problem-solving are noted in Piagets formal operations (11 years to adulthood) stage of
cognitive development. According to Piaget, the child explores the environment in the
sensorimotor stage (birth to 2 years) of cognitive development. Cooperation and sharing
are seen in Piagets concrete operations (age 7 to 11 years) stage of cognitive
development.
DIF: A
REF: 142
OBJ: Comprehension
Education
5. For an older adult client, an example of a common behavioral task or critical event is:
1. Selecting a mate
2. Rearing children
3. Finding a congenial social group
4. Adjusting to decreasing physical strength
ANS: 4
A common behavioral task of the older adult client is adjusting to decreasing physical
strength.
Selecting a mate is a developmental task commonly seen in the early adult. Rearing
children is a developmental task of the middle-early adult. Finding a congenial social
group is a developmental task of the middle-early adult.
Test Bank
11-3
DIF: A
REF: 137
OBJ: Comprehension
Education
6. The nurse working in an adult medical clinic wishes to learn more about a developmental
theory that focuses on the adult years. The nurse investigates different possibilities and
selects the theory proposed by:
1. Gould
2. Piaget
3. Freud
4. Chess and Thomas
ANS: 1
Goulds theory of psychosocial development specifically focuses on the adult years.
Piagets theory focused on cognitive development throughout the life span. Freuds
psychosexual theory focused on personality development throughout the life span. The
theory of Chess and Thomas focused on development from childhood to early adulthood.
DIF: A
REF: 142
OBJ: Knowledge
Education
7. The nurse recognizes that which one of the following statements about growth and
development is correct?
1. Development ends with adolescence.
2. Growth refers to qualitative events.
3. Developmental tasks are age-related achievements.
4. Cognitive theories focus on emotional development.
ANS: 3
Developmental tasks are age-related achievements is a correct statement about growth
and development. Human growth and development are orderly, predictable processes
beginning with conception and continuing until death. Growth refers to quantitative
events. Development refers to qualitative events. Cognitive theories focus on reasoning
and thinking processes.
DIF: A
REF: 137
OBJ: Comprehension
Education
8. In Kohlbergs Moral Development theory, an individual who reaches level II
(conventional thought) is expected to exhibit:
1. Absolute obedience to authority
Test Bank
11-4
2. Reasoning based on personal gain

3. Personal internalization of others expectations
4. Self-chosen ethical principles, universality, and impartiality
ANS: 3
At level IIconventional thought, the person sees moral reasoning based on his or her
own personal internalization of societal and others expectations. In stage 1, the childs
response to a moral dilemma is in terms of absolute obedience to authority and rules. At
level Ipreconventional thoughtthe person reflects on moral reasoning based on
personal gain. According to Kohlberg, stage 6 is when a person has self-chosen ethical
principles, universality, and impartiality.
DIF: A
REF: 144
OBJ: Comprehension
Education
9. According to Piaget, the infant is in the first period of development, which is
characterized by:
1. Concrete operations
2. Preoperational thought
3. Sensorimotor intelligence
4. Identity versus role confusion
ANS: 3
According to Piaget, the infant is in the first period of development, which is
characterized by sensorimotor intelligence. According to Piaget, children ages 7 to 11 are
in the concrete operations period of development, which is characterized by having the
ability to perform mental operations, while children ages 2 to 7 are in the preoperational
period of development, which is characterized by the child learning to think with the use
of symbols and mental images. Identity versus role confusion is a developmental stage
(puberty) according to Erikson.
DIF: A
REF: 142
OBJ: Knowledge
Education
10. A childs understanding of the concept of ice becoming water, Piagets stage of cognitive
development, is seen in:
1. Sensorimotor
2. Preoperational
3. Formal operations
4. Concrete operations
ANS: 4
Test Bank
11-5
During Piagets concrete operations stage of cognitive development, the child is able to
understand that objects or quantities remain the same despite a change in their physical
appearance, such as when ice becomes water. During Piagets sensorimotor stage of
cognitive development, the child is exploring the environment but is unable to understand
the concept of ice becoming water. During Piagets preoperational stage of cognitive
development, the child is learning to think with the use of symbols and mental images but
is not able to understand the concept of ice becoming water. According to Piagets formal
operations stage of cognitive development, the individuals thinking moves to abstract
and theoretical subjects.
DIF: A
REF: 142-143
OBJ: Comprehension
Education
11. The nurse in a pediatric health care setting is using Kohlbergs developmental theory. A
child is evaluated as having reached level I, the preconventional level, if the child:
1. Makes sure that he or she is not late for school
2. Cleans the blackboards after school for the teacher
3. Runs for school council in order to change policies
4. Stays away from peer groups that harass other children
ANS: 1
According to Kohlbergs developmental theory of moral development, at level I, the
preconventional level, the childs reasoning is based on personal gain. The moral reason
for acting relates to the consequences the person believes will occur. The child who
makes sure not to be late for school may do so out of fear of punishment. Cleaning the
blackboards after school for the teacher is an example of Kohlbergs stage 3, good boynice girl orientation. The child desires to win the teachers approval. Running for school
council to change policies is an example of Kohlbergs stage 5 social contract orientation.
Staying away from gangs at school that harass other children is an example of Kohlbergs
stage 4 society-maintaining orientation.
DIF: A
REF: 144
OBJ: Comprehension
Education
12. In applying Goulds developmental theory, the nurse anticipates that a client will have a
greater concern for ones health within the following theme and age-group:
1. First theme (20s)
2. Second theme (early 30s)
3. Fourth theme (40s)
4. Fifth theme (50s)
ANS: 4
Test Bank
11-6
During the fifth theme (50s), Gould finds a realization of mortality with a concern for
ones state of health. During the first theme (20s), Gould finds individuals wanting to get
away from their parents. During the second theme (30s), Gould finds young adults
working to accept who they are and to accept their growing children as being unique and
separate. During the fourth theme (40s), Gould finds resignation and the belief that
possibilities are limited.
DIF: A
REF: 142
OBJ: Knowledge
Education
13. The nurse is working with a new mother who will require surgery. The follow-up
treatment will interfere with bonding. In applying Freuds theory, the nurse recognizes
that the stage of development that may be affected is the:
1. Oral stage
2. Anal stage
3. Phallic stage
4. Latent stage
ANS: 1
According to Freud, disruption in the physical or emotional availability of the parent for
the newborn (e.g., undergoing surgery) will affect the oral stage of development; the anal
stage is from 12 to 18 months to 3 years, when the child is toilet-training; the phallic
stage is from 3 to 6 years of age, when the child becomes interested in the genital organs;
and the latent stage is from 6 to 12 years, when the child represses sexual urges and
channels them into productive activities that are socially acceptable.
DIF: A
REF: 138
OBJ: Comprehension
Education
14. In accordance with Eriksons theory, it is expected by the nurse that a middle-aged adult
client will be involved in the process of:
1. Developing a sense of identity
2. Searching for meaning in life
3. Enhancing ones capability to love others
4. Expanding personal and social involvement
ANS: 4
Test Bank
11-7
In accordance with Eriksons theory, the middle-aged adult client is involved in the
process of expanding ones personal and social involvement. Middle-aged adults should
be able to see beyond their needs and accomplishments to the needs of society.
Developing a sense of identity is in accordance with Eriksons identity versus role
confusion (puberty) stage of development. Searching for meaning in life is in accordance
with Eriksons integrity versus despair (old age) stage of development. Enhancing ones
capability to love others is in accordance with Eriksons intimacy versus isolation (young
adult) stage of development.
DIF: A
REF: 140
OBJ: Knowledge
Education
15. The primary purpose for the nurse to understand human growth and development is to be
best able to:
1. Identify deviations from normal
2. Select effective nursing interventions
3. Be sensitive to age-appropriate needs
4. Enhance nurse-client communication
ANS: 1
Understanding normal growth and development helps nurses predict, prevent, and detect
any deviations from clients normal expected patterns. While being familiar with the
characteristics of the various stages of human growth and development and being able to
apply that knowledge to the individual client do have a positive impact on determining
the most appropriate nursing interventions, the primary purpose is to predict, prevent, and
detect any deviations from the clients normal expected patterns. Although being familiar
with the characteristics of the various stages of human growth and development and
being able to apply that knowledge to the individual client do have a positive impact on
identifying age-appropriate needs, the primary purpose is to predict, prevent, and detect
any deviations from the clients normal expected patterns. While being familiar with the
characteristics of the various stages of human growth and development and being able to
apply that knowledge to the individual client do have a positive impact on the nurses
ability to communicate with the client in an appropriate manner, the primary purpose is to
predict, prevent, and detect any deviations from the clients normal expected patterns.
DIF: C
REF: 137
OBJ: Analysis
Education
16. Which of the following should the nurse consider first when assessing the cognitive
ability of an older adult?
1. A life-long bachelor
2. Orphaned at age 12
3. History of a chronic disease process
Test Bank
11-8
4. Recent immigration to the United States

ANS: 4
Cognitive processes comprise changes in intelligence, ability to understand and use
language, and the development of thinking that shapes an individuals attitudes, beliefs,
and behaviors. Recent immigration to the United States would present language and life
experiences that should be considered by the nurse. Socioemotional processes consist of
the variations that occur in an individuals personality, emotions, and relationships with
others during their lifetime. Being a bachelor and not having experienced a marital
relationship should be considered by the nurse. Socioemotional processes consist of the
variations that occur in an individuals personality, emotions, and relationships with
others during their lifetime. Being orphaned at a young age should be considered by the
nurse. Biological processes produce changes in an individuals physical growth and
development. A chronic disease process should be considered by the nurse.
DIF: C
REF: 142
OBJ: Analysis
Education
17. A nurse caring for a 78-year-old client recently diagnosed with pneumonia will find
Eriksons psychosocial development theory most helpful in determining:
1. Which needs the client will typically develop
2. Which coping mechanisms the client will likely use
3. How the client will respond to the respiratory problem
4. How the client and his family will adjust to the stressors
ANS: 3
Developmental theories are important in helping nurses assess and treat a persons
response to an illness. Understanding and being able to apply the concepts of the theory
will enable the nurse to determine a variety of generalized information that will assist in
providing appropriate nursing care. The other options are only one area of information
that is made available when applying Eriksons psychosocial development theory.
DIF: C
REF: 140
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment/Planning
Education
18. As described by Freud, the nurse recognizes that a young adult best shows a welldeveloped superego when he:
1. Tells a friend that hell help him stop smoking
2. Returns a lost wallet to a stranger who dropped it
3. Arranges for a cab ride home after consuming alcohol
4. Has 10% of his salary automatically transferred to savings
ANS: 3
Test Bank
11-9
Components of the human personality develop through Freuds developmental stages.

Freud believed that the functions of these components regulate behavior. These
components are the id, the ego, and the superego. The superego performs regulating,
restraining, and prohibiting actions. Often referred to as the conscience, the superego is
influenced by the standards of outside social forces (i.e., the law). The ego represents the
reality component mediating conflicts between the environment and the forces of the id.
The ego helps us judge reality accurately, regulate impulses, and make good decisions.
DIF: C
REF: 139
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
Education
19. A nurse is preparing to discharge an 11-month-old child after a hospitalization for a viral
infection. The nurse uses anticipatory guidance most effectively when:
1. Encouraging the parents to limit visitors for 14 days
2. Providing the parents with written discharge instructions
3. Arranging the follow-up pediatrician appointment for the parents
4. Informing the parents that the child may cry when taken to daycare
ANS: 4
A nurses use of anticipatory guidance (derived from an understanding of the
characteristics shown by clients in the trust versus mistrust phase of development) will
help parents cope with the hospitalization of an infant and the infants behaviors when
discharged to home. The childs sense of trust may be challenged during hospitalization
and may need support from parents when returning home. Encouraging the parents to
limit visitors for 14 days is more educational and related to the childs physical recovery.
Providing the parents with written discharge instructions is more educational and
designed to reinforce the information. Arranging the follow-up pediatrician appointment
for the parents is an action included in the discharge planning.
DIF: C
REF: 139
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
Education
20. Which of the following situations/statements best depicts Goulds fourth theme of adult
development?
1. When I made that decision, I didnt expect it to turn out like it did.
2. I have to take the opportunity to be my own boss and not rely on others.
3. I think you can do anything if only you have your health and good friends.
4. As much as Id love to open my own shop, I just cant take that kind of chance.
ANS: 4
Test Bank
11-10
The fourth theme, identified in the 40s and called the die is cast, indicates resignation
and the belief that possibilities are limited. The personality is set. Individuals believe
changes in career are less likely to be successful. Parents are blamed for their lack of
choices. Individuals face regret for mistakes made with children. The second theme
occurs during the early 30s and asks, Is what I am the only way for me to be? This
question occurs when young adults experience the consequences of the decisions of their
independence. Goulds development themes start when individuals are in their 20s with,
I have to get away from my parents. This is challenged in minor ways before the end of
high school but ends as young persons begin to live away from home. The move away
from parental influence is gradual as young adults establish themselves as adults. During
the 50s a decrease in negativism occurs. Gould finds a realization of mortality with a
concern for ones state of health.
DIF: C
REF: 142
OBJ: Analysis
Education
21. The nurse is caring for an older adult client who has reported symptoms suggestive of
depression. Which of the following questions asked by the nurse is most therapeutic in
assessing the clients perception of the impact depression has had on her life?
1. What does it mean to be depressed?
2. How does being depressed make you feel?
3. Were you happy before becoming depressed?
4. What makes you think that you are depressed?
ANS: 1
Understanding the older persons concept of depression assists nurses in explaining
complementary and alternative treatment measures. Asking how depression make the
client feel or whether the client was previously happy are best saved until the client
defines depression and is open to the possibility of being depressed. Asking what makes
the client think they are depressed could be interpreted as being somewhat threatening
and may interfere with the clients desire to talk about the situation.
DIF: C
REF: 141
OBJ: Analysis
Education
22. The nurse is caring for a 6-year-old child who is scheduled for outpatient surgery.
Piagets theory of cognitive development suggests that the nurse can help the child cope
with the stressors of this hospital experience best by:
1. Arranging for the parents to be with the child until the anesthetic takes affect
2. Explaining the entire process with the child using age-appropriate language
3. Using play as a means of familiarizing the child with the events he will experience
4. Providing the child with a coloring book that shows the events he will be
experiencing
Test Bank
11-11
ANS: 3
Play becomes a primary means by which children foster their cognitive development and
learn about the world. Nursing interventions during this period will recognize the use of
play as the way the child understands the events taking place. You will assist parents in
the use of play materials such as thermometers, blood pressure equipment, and play
needles that will allow children to communicate feelings about health care procedures
they experience. Arranging for the parents to be with the child until the anesthetic takes
affect may be an appropriate intervention but it does not reflect effective care suggested
by Piagets theory of cognitive development. Explaining the entire process with the child
using age-appropriate language would be more appropriate for the older child. Providing
the child with a coloring book that shows the events he will be experiencing
DIF: C
REF: 142
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning/Implementation
Education
23. Which of the following nursing responses is most therapeutic when made in response to a
parents concern about her 3-year-old childs tendency to break the rules?
1. Just keep reminding her of the rules.
2. Daycare will help her learn to play fair.
3. She will begin to understand that concept in a year or so.
4. Add an age appropriate punishment for breaking the rules.
ANS: 3
The first stage, heteronomous morality, occurs between 4 and 7 years and is characterized
by a belief that rules are unchangeable and that when a rule is broken, there is imminent
justice. Before that stage, the child is not able to fully understand rules or other moral
issues. While telling the client to keep reminding her of the rules may be useful, it does
not help assure the parent that the child is displaying normal, age-appropriate behavior.
While socialization will often have a positive effect on a childs sense of fair play, this
option does not help assure the parent that the child is displaying normal, age-appropriate
behavior. The child is too young to understand the concept that makes punishment
effective in acquiring fair play.
DIF: C
REF: 144
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
Education
24. To help a comatose clients family make a moral decision regarding the termination of
life support, the nurse must first:
1. Refrain from expressing his/her personal beliefs concerning the life support issue
2. Provide the family with information regarding the process of terminating life
support
3. Determine whether the client had expressed any written or oral wishes regarding
Test Bank
11-12
the issue
4. Facilitate the familys decision-making process by providing them with a quiet,
private space for discussion
ANS: 1
Nurses need to know their own moral reasoning level. Recognizing ones own moral
developmental level is essential in separating your own beliefs from others when helping
clients with their moral decision-making process. Information regarding the process of
terminating life support should be provided only after the family makes their decision or
has asked for the information. To not influence the family, the nurse must first refrain
from interjecting any personal feelings about the termination of life support measures.
DIF: C
REF: 145
OBJ: Analysis
Education
25. Which of the following best describes a nurse thinking at stage 5 of Kohlbergs Moral
Developmental Theory?
1. The client has a right to decide whether or not to proceed with the treatment
plan.
2. The hospitals policies and procedures are excellent tools for making client
oriented decisions.
3. It wont be fair to expect to get every weekend and holiday off, so Ill certainly
work my share.
4. If you dont keep client information confidential you could be terminated
immediately.
ANS: 1
The individual also recognizes that different social groups have different values but
believes that all rational people would agree on basic rights, such as liberty and life.
(Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation). Moral decisions take into account societal
perspectives. Right behavior is doing ones duty, showing respect for authority, and
maintaining the social order. (Stage 4: SocietyMaintaining Orientation). The principles
of justice require the individual to treat everyone in an impartial manner, respecting the
basic dignity of all people, and guides the individual to base decisions on an equal respect
for all. (Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principle Orientation). Avoidance of punishment or the
unquestioning deference to authority is the characteristic motivation to behave. (Stage 1:
Punishment and Obedience Orientation)
DIF: C
REF: 144
OBJ: Analysis
Education
Test Bank
11-13
26. Which of the following client statements made by an older adult best reflects an
understanding of the decrease in physical strength and stamina in this developmental
stage?
1. I know Im not as young as I use to be.
2. I just hire help with jobs I cant do myself.
3. You get older you cant do as much, thats life.
4. I have to ask my son for help with the yard work.
ANS: 2
A common behavioral task of the older adult client is adjusting to decreasing physical
strength. This option reflects the best adjustment because the client has developed a plan
for coping. While the other options appear to address the issue, they do not present any
proof of the clients healthy acceptance or adjustment to the decrease in physical strength
and stamina.
DIF: C
REF: 140
OBJ: Analysis
Education

Chapter 011

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 011

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Potter & Perry: Fundamentals of Nursing, 7th Edition

2. Reasoning based on personal gain

4. Recent immigration to the United States

Components of the human personality develop through Freuds developmental stages.

You might also like