2026/2027 Wilkes University
Q1. Which definition best reflects an inclusive contemporary
understanding of family?
A) Individuals who are legally married and live together
B) Two or more people joined by emotional closeness, sharing, commitment,
or a self-identified family relationship
C) Individuals related exclusively by blood
D) Adults and children residing in one biological household
Correct Answer: B) Two or more people joined by emotional closeness,
sharing, commitment, or a self-identified family relationship
Rationale: Contemporary family assessment extends beyond marriage,
blood, or adoption. Emotional commitment, shared identity, mutual
responsibility, and the individuals' own definition of family are clinically
important.
Q2. Which statement best describes one major social function of the
family?
A) It helps members develop while mediating between individual needs and
expectations of society
B) It eliminates the need for external social institutions
C) It prevents members from becoming independent
D) It functions independently from cultural influences
Correct Answer: A) It helps members develop while mediating between
individual needs and expectations of society
Rationale: Families support socialization, development, health behaviors,
emotional needs, role learning, and adaptation while helping members
function within the broader social environment.
Q3. Which characteristic is most inconsistent with healthy family
functioning?
A) Respect for individual feelings
B) Open communication
, C) Support for appropriate independence
D) Requirement that all members agree on nearly every important issue
Correct Answer: D) Requirement that all members agree on nearly every
important issue
Rationale: Healthy families can tolerate differences, negotiate conflict,
communicate openly, and respect individual autonomy. A rigid need for total
agreement can indicate dysfunctional communication or power patterns.
Q4. Which statement best describes family nursing?
A) Care delivered only when several relatives have the same illness
B) Treatment focused exclusively on the identified patient
C) Care that recognizes the family and its members as important recipients
and contexts of health care
D) Nursing care provided only inside the patient's home
Correct Answer: C) Care that recognizes the family and its members as
important recipients and contexts of health care
Rationale: Family nursing considers how health and illness affect both
individuals and the family unit and how family structure, function, resources,
beliefs, and relationships influence health outcomes.
CHAPTER 2 — FAMILY HEALTH AND ILLNESS INTERACTION
Q5. Which stage of family health–illness interaction occurs when
family members first notice and interpret symptoms?
A) Family appraisal of symptoms
B) Referral and obtaining care
C) Adaptation to illness
D) Rehabilitation
Correct Answer: A) Family appraisal of symptoms
Rationale: Symptom appraisal begins when a family recognizes changes
and interprets their meaning. Beliefs, previous experiences, culture,
knowledge, and perceived seriousness influence what happens next.