Page 1 of 87
FAMILY ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION EIGHTH
EDITION (SHAJANI, SNELL) ALL CHAPTERS EXAM
COMPLETE REVIEW WITH VERIFIED QUESTIONS DETAILED
RATIONALES GRADED A+
-Family Assessment and Intervention Eighth Edition (Shajani, Snell) | All chapters
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of conducting a comprehensive
family assessment in contemporary nursing practice?
A. To identify individual patient deficits exclusively without considering family dynamics or
support systems.
B. To understand the family structure, function, and development to plan effective holistic
interventions.
C. To determine the financial status of the family for billing and insurance reimbursement
purposes only.
D. To evaluate the genetic history of the family members for potential hereditary disease risks
alone.
,Page 2 of 87
Rationale: The primary purpose of family assessment is to understand the complex interplay of
structure, function, and development to create holistic care plans, not just to focus on
individuals or finances.
2. When applying the Calgary Family Assessment Model, which component focuses on the
instrumental and expressive functions of the family unit?
A. Structure, which looks at the internal and external composition of the family members.
B. Development, which examines the life cycle stages and developmental tasks of the family.
C. Function, which assesses how the family performs daily tasks and communicates emotionally.
D. Context, which evaluates the broader social and environmental influences on the family
system.
Rationale: In the Calgary Family Assessment Model, the 'Function' component specifically
addresses instrumental functions (daily activities) and expressive functions (communication,
problem-solving, roles).
3. A nurse is assessing a family that has recently welcomed a new baby into their household
structure. Which developmental stage is this family currently navigating according to Duvall’s
theory?
A. The launching center stage where children are leaving home for independence and careers.
B. The families with adolescents stage where identity formation and autonomy are primary
concerns.
C. The families with preschool children stage where socialization and energy management are
key.
D. The childbearing families stage where adjusting to parenthood and integrating the new infant
occurs.
Rationale: Duvall’s stage of 'Childbearing Families' begins with the birth of the first child and
ends when the oldest child is 30 months old, focusing on integration of the infant.
,Page 3 of 87
4. Which intervention strategy is most appropriate when a family demonstrates rigid boundaries
that prevent healthy interaction with extended support networks?
A. Encouraging the family to isolate further to strengthen their internal cohesion and
dependency.
B. Facilitating gradual exposure to community resources while respecting the family’s current
comfort levels.
C. Immediately forcing the family to attend large social gatherings to break down their defensive
barriers.
D. Ignoring the boundary issues as they are natural protective mechanisms that require no
professional intervention.
Rationale: Rigid boundaries can lead to isolation. The nurse should facilitate gradual, respectful
exposure to support networks rather than forcing change or ignoring the issue.
5. In the context of family systems theory, what does the concept of 'homeostasis' primarily
refer to within a family unit’s dynamic interactions?
A. The tendency of the family system to maintain stability and resist change despite internal or
external pressures.
B. The ability of the family to constantly evolve and change without any regard for past
traditions.
C. The complete absence of conflict or disagreement among all family members during times of
crisis.
D. The financial equilibrium achieved by the family through careful budgeting and long-term
investment strategies.
Rationale: Homeostasis in family systems theory refers to the system's tendency to maintain
stability and equilibrium, often resisting change even when change might be beneficial.
, Page 4 of 87
6. Which question would be most effective for a nurse to ask when assessing the expressive
function of communication within a family?
A. How do you usually decide who is responsible for paying the monthly utility bills?
B. Can you describe how your family typically expresses affection and handles disagreements
together?
C. What is the current schedule for each family member’s work and school activities this week?
D. Who is the primary decision-maker when it comes to major medical treatments for patients?
Rationale: Expressive function relates to emotional communication. Asking about affection and
disagreement handling directly assesses emotional expression, whereas the other options relate
to instrumental tasks or roles.
7. When using the genogram as an assessment tool, what specific information is primarily
captured through the use of standard symbols and lines?
A. The detailed financial income and expenditure records of each family member over the last
decade.
B. The biological relationships, medical history, and emotional patterns across multiple
generations of a family.
C. The daily dietary preferences and nutritional intake habits of each individual living in the
household.
D. The legal documentation and custody arrangements relevant to divorced parents within the
family structure.
Rationale: Genograms visually map biological relationships, medical history, and emotional
patterns across generations, providing a quick overview of family health and dynamics.
8. A family is experiencing significant stress due to the sudden unemployment of the primary
breadwinner. Which resilience factor is most critical for their adaptation?
A. The ability to deny the reality of the situation until employment is secured again quickly.
FAMILY ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION EIGHTH
EDITION (SHAJANI, SNELL) ALL CHAPTERS EXAM
COMPLETE REVIEW WITH VERIFIED QUESTIONS DETAILED
RATIONALES GRADED A+
-Family Assessment and Intervention Eighth Edition (Shajani, Snell) | All chapters
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of conducting a comprehensive
family assessment in contemporary nursing practice?
A. To identify individual patient deficits exclusively without considering family dynamics or
support systems.
B. To understand the family structure, function, and development to plan effective holistic
interventions.
C. To determine the financial status of the family for billing and insurance reimbursement
purposes only.
D. To evaluate the genetic history of the family members for potential hereditary disease risks
alone.
,Page 2 of 87
Rationale: The primary purpose of family assessment is to understand the complex interplay of
structure, function, and development to create holistic care plans, not just to focus on
individuals or finances.
2. When applying the Calgary Family Assessment Model, which component focuses on the
instrumental and expressive functions of the family unit?
A. Structure, which looks at the internal and external composition of the family members.
B. Development, which examines the life cycle stages and developmental tasks of the family.
C. Function, which assesses how the family performs daily tasks and communicates emotionally.
D. Context, which evaluates the broader social and environmental influences on the family
system.
Rationale: In the Calgary Family Assessment Model, the 'Function' component specifically
addresses instrumental functions (daily activities) and expressive functions (communication,
problem-solving, roles).
3. A nurse is assessing a family that has recently welcomed a new baby into their household
structure. Which developmental stage is this family currently navigating according to Duvall’s
theory?
A. The launching center stage where children are leaving home for independence and careers.
B. The families with adolescents stage where identity formation and autonomy are primary
concerns.
C. The families with preschool children stage where socialization and energy management are
key.
D. The childbearing families stage where adjusting to parenthood and integrating the new infant
occurs.
Rationale: Duvall’s stage of 'Childbearing Families' begins with the birth of the first child and
ends when the oldest child is 30 months old, focusing on integration of the infant.
,Page 3 of 87
4. Which intervention strategy is most appropriate when a family demonstrates rigid boundaries
that prevent healthy interaction with extended support networks?
A. Encouraging the family to isolate further to strengthen their internal cohesion and
dependency.
B. Facilitating gradual exposure to community resources while respecting the family’s current
comfort levels.
C. Immediately forcing the family to attend large social gatherings to break down their defensive
barriers.
D. Ignoring the boundary issues as they are natural protective mechanisms that require no
professional intervention.
Rationale: Rigid boundaries can lead to isolation. The nurse should facilitate gradual, respectful
exposure to support networks rather than forcing change or ignoring the issue.
5. In the context of family systems theory, what does the concept of 'homeostasis' primarily
refer to within a family unit’s dynamic interactions?
A. The tendency of the family system to maintain stability and resist change despite internal or
external pressures.
B. The ability of the family to constantly evolve and change without any regard for past
traditions.
C. The complete absence of conflict or disagreement among all family members during times of
crisis.
D. The financial equilibrium achieved by the family through careful budgeting and long-term
investment strategies.
Rationale: Homeostasis in family systems theory refers to the system's tendency to maintain
stability and equilibrium, often resisting change even when change might be beneficial.
, Page 4 of 87
6. Which question would be most effective for a nurse to ask when assessing the expressive
function of communication within a family?
A. How do you usually decide who is responsible for paying the monthly utility bills?
B. Can you describe how your family typically expresses affection and handles disagreements
together?
C. What is the current schedule for each family member’s work and school activities this week?
D. Who is the primary decision-maker when it comes to major medical treatments for patients?
Rationale: Expressive function relates to emotional communication. Asking about affection and
disagreement handling directly assesses emotional expression, whereas the other options relate
to instrumental tasks or roles.
7. When using the genogram as an assessment tool, what specific information is primarily
captured through the use of standard symbols and lines?
A. The detailed financial income and expenditure records of each family member over the last
decade.
B. The biological relationships, medical history, and emotional patterns across multiple
generations of a family.
C. The daily dietary preferences and nutritional intake habits of each individual living in the
household.
D. The legal documentation and custody arrangements relevant to divorced parents within the
family structure.
Rationale: Genograms visually map biological relationships, medical history, and emotional
patterns across generations, providing a quick overview of family health and dynamics.
8. A family is experiencing significant stress due to the sudden unemployment of the primary
breadwinner. Which resilience factor is most critical for their adaptation?
A. The ability to deny the reality of the situation until employment is secured again quickly.
