PSYC 210 Developmental Psychology
Final Assessment Review
Questions & Solutions
2025
©2025
, 1. A 4‑year‑old patient in a pediatric unit exhibits symbolic play with
toys and begins to use language to represent objects. According to
Piaget’s theory, which cognitive stage best describes this behavior?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Preoperational
C. Concrete operational
D. Formal operational
> Correct ANS: B. Preoperational
> Rationale: In the preoperational stage (approximately ages 2–7),
children begin to use symbols and language. Recognizing this stage helps
nurses tailor communication and interventions appropriate for a child’s
cognitive ability.
---
2. A nurse observes that an adolescent patient demonstrates abstract
reasoning and the capacity for hypothetical thought during therapy
sessions. Which developmental stage, as defined by Piaget, does this
patient most likely represent?
A. Concrete operational
B. Preoperational
C. Formal operational
D. Postformal operational
> Correct ANS: C. Formal operational
> Rationale: The formal operational stage (starting in adolescence) is
characterized by abstract thinking and the ability to use logic to solve
complex problems. This understanding aids in effective patient education
and decision-making discussions.
---
©2025
, 3. An adolescent struggling with identity issues and questioning their
future career goals is best understood using which of Erikson’s
psychosocial stages?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Integrity vs. Despair
> Correct ANS: C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
> Rationale: Erikson’s stage of Identity vs. Role Confusion typically
occurs during adolescence, where individuals explore and develop a
personal identity. Nurses can use this framework when supporting
adolescents through health education and counseling.
---
4. A pediatric nurse educator uses structured group activities to help
children learn problem solving with peers. This approach is most
consistent with Vygotsky’s concept of:
A. Scaffolding
B. Operant conditioning
C. Moral development
D. Egocentrism
> Correct ANS: A. Scaffolding
> Rationale: Vygotsky emphasized the role of social interaction and
scaffolded support (i.e., guidance provided by more knowledgeable
others) in learning. This concept is particularly useful in developing
educational strategies for pediatric patients.
---
5. Research in prenatal development indicates that maternal stress
can significantly affect fetal brain development. Which term best
©2025
Final Assessment Review
Questions & Solutions
2025
©2025
, 1. A 4‑year‑old patient in a pediatric unit exhibits symbolic play with
toys and begins to use language to represent objects. According to
Piaget’s theory, which cognitive stage best describes this behavior?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Preoperational
C. Concrete operational
D. Formal operational
> Correct ANS: B. Preoperational
> Rationale: In the preoperational stage (approximately ages 2–7),
children begin to use symbols and language. Recognizing this stage helps
nurses tailor communication and interventions appropriate for a child’s
cognitive ability.
---
2. A nurse observes that an adolescent patient demonstrates abstract
reasoning and the capacity for hypothetical thought during therapy
sessions. Which developmental stage, as defined by Piaget, does this
patient most likely represent?
A. Concrete operational
B. Preoperational
C. Formal operational
D. Postformal operational
> Correct ANS: C. Formal operational
> Rationale: The formal operational stage (starting in adolescence) is
characterized by abstract thinking and the ability to use logic to solve
complex problems. This understanding aids in effective patient education
and decision-making discussions.
---
©2025
, 3. An adolescent struggling with identity issues and questioning their
future career goals is best understood using which of Erikson’s
psychosocial stages?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Integrity vs. Despair
> Correct ANS: C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
> Rationale: Erikson’s stage of Identity vs. Role Confusion typically
occurs during adolescence, where individuals explore and develop a
personal identity. Nurses can use this framework when supporting
adolescents through health education and counseling.
---
4. A pediatric nurse educator uses structured group activities to help
children learn problem solving with peers. This approach is most
consistent with Vygotsky’s concept of:
A. Scaffolding
B. Operant conditioning
C. Moral development
D. Egocentrism
> Correct ANS: A. Scaffolding
> Rationale: Vygotsky emphasized the role of social interaction and
scaffolded support (i.e., guidance provided by more knowledgeable
others) in learning. This concept is particularly useful in developing
educational strategies for pediatric patients.
---
5. Research in prenatal development indicates that maternal stress
can significantly affect fetal brain development. Which term best
©2025
