NSG526/NSG 526 Exam 2 V1 | Family
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Herzing
University
1. When applying the Family Systems Theory to a clinical scenario, the nurse understands that
‘circular causality’ refers to which of the following?
A. A feedback loop where members’ behaviors influence each other in a repetitive,
reciprocal manner.
B. The belief that one family member’s behavior causes a direct reaction in another
member.
C. The linear progression of family development from marriage to old age.
D. The hierarchical structure where parents dictate the behavior of children.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Circular causality is a core concept in Family Systems Theory suggesting that
events are interconnected through feedback loops rather than simple cause-and-effect.
This perspective helps the nurse understand that change in one part of the system affects
the entire system, necessitating a holistic assessment. By identifying these repetitive
patterns, the nurse can intervene more effectively to disrupt dysfunctional cycles.
,2. A nurse is constructing a genogram for a family. What is the primary purpose of this tool in
family nursing assessment?
A. To map out the external social supports and community resources available to the
family.
B. To document the physical layout of the family home for safety assessments.
C. To provide a visual representation of family structure and relevant health history across
generations.
D. To measure the psychological resilience of individual family members.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A genogram is a essential assessment tool used to visualize internal family
structures, including relationships and multi-generational health patterns. It typically
spans at least three generations to identify recurring medical or psychological issues that
may impact the current family unit. This allows the nurse to prioritize preventive education
based on hereditary and environmental risks.
3. According to Duvall’s Family Development Theory, which task is primary for a family in the
‘Launching Center’ stage?
A. Maintaining a supportive home base as children leave for independence.
B. Adjusting to the needs and interests of the preschool child.
C. Renegotiating the marital relationship after the children have all left.
D. Integrating new family members through marriage or adoption.
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Launching Center stage occurs when the first child leaves home until the
last child has departed, requiring the family to maintain a flexible home base. This stage
involves helping young adults establish their own lives while the parents maintain a
supportive relationship. Failure to successfully navigate this transition can lead to
significant family stress or boundary issues.
4. In the Calgary Family Assessment Model (CFAM), which of the following is considered a
‘functional’ assessment category?
A. Family composition and rank order.
B. Birth order and gender roles.
C. Ethnicity, race, and social class.
D. Activities of daily living and expressive communication.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The functional assessment in CFAM focuses on how family members actually
behave toward each other in daily life. It is divided into instrumental aspects, like ADLs,
and expressive aspects, such as emotional communication and problem-solving. This
specific category helps the nurse determine if the family is capable of managing the
practical and emotional demands of a health crisis.
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Herzing
University
1. When applying the Family Systems Theory to a clinical scenario, the nurse understands that
‘circular causality’ refers to which of the following?
A. A feedback loop where members’ behaviors influence each other in a repetitive,
reciprocal manner.
B. The belief that one family member’s behavior causes a direct reaction in another
member.
C. The linear progression of family development from marriage to old age.
D. The hierarchical structure where parents dictate the behavior of children.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Circular causality is a core concept in Family Systems Theory suggesting that
events are interconnected through feedback loops rather than simple cause-and-effect.
This perspective helps the nurse understand that change in one part of the system affects
the entire system, necessitating a holistic assessment. By identifying these repetitive
patterns, the nurse can intervene more effectively to disrupt dysfunctional cycles.
,2. A nurse is constructing a genogram for a family. What is the primary purpose of this tool in
family nursing assessment?
A. To map out the external social supports and community resources available to the
family.
B. To document the physical layout of the family home for safety assessments.
C. To provide a visual representation of family structure and relevant health history across
generations.
D. To measure the psychological resilience of individual family members.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A genogram is a essential assessment tool used to visualize internal family
structures, including relationships and multi-generational health patterns. It typically
spans at least three generations to identify recurring medical or psychological issues that
may impact the current family unit. This allows the nurse to prioritize preventive education
based on hereditary and environmental risks.
3. According to Duvall’s Family Development Theory, which task is primary for a family in the
‘Launching Center’ stage?
A. Maintaining a supportive home base as children leave for independence.
B. Adjusting to the needs and interests of the preschool child.
C. Renegotiating the marital relationship after the children have all left.
D. Integrating new family members through marriage or adoption.
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Launching Center stage occurs when the first child leaves home until the
last child has departed, requiring the family to maintain a flexible home base. This stage
involves helping young adults establish their own lives while the parents maintain a
supportive relationship. Failure to successfully navigate this transition can lead to
significant family stress or boundary issues.
4. In the Calgary Family Assessment Model (CFAM), which of the following is considered a
‘functional’ assessment category?
A. Family composition and rank order.
B. Birth order and gender roles.
C. Ethnicity, race, and social class.
D. Activities of daily living and expressive communication.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The functional assessment in CFAM focuses on how family members actually
behave toward each other in daily life. It is divided into instrumental aspects, like ADLs,
and expressive aspects, such as emotional communication and problem-solving. This
specific category helps the nurse determine if the family is capable of managing the
practical and emotional demands of a health crisis.
