NSG 526 Exam 1 Actual Exam V2 | NSG 526 Family Nursing (NSG526
Exam 1) | Herzing University PDF
1. A nurse is conducting a family assessment using the Calgary Family Assessment Model
(CFAM). The nurse notes that the parents have extremely rigid rules regarding their teenage
children’s social activities and communication. This assessment falls under which subcategory
of the Structural Category?
A. Context
B. External Structure
C. Internal Structure
D. Functional Structure
Answer: C
Rationale: Internal structure includes family composition, gender, sexual orientation, rank
order, subsystems, and boundaries. In this scenario, the rigid rules describe the boundaries
within the family, which is a key component of internal structure. Understanding these
boundaries allows the nurse to identify potential areas of conflict or developmental
stagnation within the family system.
2. A nurse is interviewing a family where the primary caregiver of a stroke patient reports
feeling exhausted and isolated. Which type of questioning should the nurse use to identify
the impact of the illness on the family’s relationship dynamics?
A. Circular questioning
B. Linear questioning
C. Direct questioning
D. Closed-ended questioning
Answer: A
Rationale: Circular questioning is designed to reveal the relationships and differences
between family members regarding a specific problem. By asking how the caregiver’s
exhaustion affects others, the nurse helps the family see the systemic impact of the illness.
This technique promotes family reflection and helps identify collective strengths and
weaknesses.
3. When constructing a genogram, how should the nurse represent a deceased male relative?
A. A square with an ‘X’ inside
B. A circle with an ‘X’ inside
,C. A triangle with a diagonal line
D. A shaded square
Answer: A
Rationale: In standard genogram notation, a square represents a male and an ‘X’ inside the
square indicates death. Precise documentation in a genogram is crucial for mapping
hereditary health patterns and family history. This visual tool helps graduate nurses
identify biological and relational risks across generations.
4. A family is in the stage of ‘Launching Children’ according to the Family Life Cycle. The
parents express distress because their youngest child is moving out for college. What is the
nurse’s primary goal in this developmental stage?
A. Focusing exclusively on the child’s academic success
B. Helping the parents maintain control over the child’s decisions
C. Encouraging the child to remain home to support the parents
D. Assisting the family in establishing a new identity as a couple
Answer: D
Rationale: The launching stage requires the family to renegotiate the marital system as a
dyad and develop adult-to-adult relationships with their children. Success in this stage
involves the parents rediscovering their own interests and roles independent of active
daily parenting. The nurse should support this transition to prevent ‘empty nest’ syndrome
and foster healthy independence.
5. According to Family Systems Theory, which concept describes the family’s ability to
maintain a steady state despite external changes?
A. Homeostasis
B. Differentiation
C. Equifinality
D. Morphogenesis
Answer: A
Rationale: Homeostasis refers to the family’s tendency to maintain stability and balance
even when faced with stress or change. While this provides security, it can also lead to
resistance when the nurse suggests necessary health behavioral changes. Recognizing
homeostatic mechanisms helps the nurse tailor interventions that minimize family
resistance.
, 6. During a family assessment, the nurse learns that a family identifies strongly with their
Italian heritage, prioritizing large family gatherings and traditional meals. Under which CFAM
category does this information belong?
A. Internal Structure
B. Context
C. Functional Assessment
D. Developmental Assessment
Answer: B
Rationale: Context includes ethnicity, race, social class, religion/spirituality, and
environment. Ethnicity and cultural traditions are fundamental contextual factors that
influence how a family perceives health and healthcare. Graduate nurses must assess
context to provide culturally congruent care and respect family values.
7. A nurse identifies that a family is ‘triangulated’ during a crisis. Which scenario best
describes triangulation?
A. A mother uses her daughter as a messenger to communicate with the father.
B. A couple works together to solve a financial problem.
C. Two siblings compete for their parents’ attention.
D. The family seeks counseling from a religious leader.
Answer: A
Rationale: Triangulation occurs when two family members in conflict bring in a third
person to decrease the tension between them. This often places the third person (usually a
child) in a stressful position and prevents the original two people from resolving their
issues. Identifying triangulation is essential for nurses to redirect communication toward
the parties involved.
8. Which assessment tool would be most appropriate for a nurse to visualize a family’s
external support systems, such as their connection to school, work, and healthcare?
A. Ecomap
B. Genogram
C. APGAR scale
D. Family Attachment Scale
Answer: A
Rationale: An ecomap provides a visual representation of the family’s relationships with
the community and external systems. It helps identify sources of support, social isolation,
Exam 1) | Herzing University PDF
1. A nurse is conducting a family assessment using the Calgary Family Assessment Model
(CFAM). The nurse notes that the parents have extremely rigid rules regarding their teenage
children’s social activities and communication. This assessment falls under which subcategory
of the Structural Category?
A. Context
B. External Structure
C. Internal Structure
D. Functional Structure
Answer: C
Rationale: Internal structure includes family composition, gender, sexual orientation, rank
order, subsystems, and boundaries. In this scenario, the rigid rules describe the boundaries
within the family, which is a key component of internal structure. Understanding these
boundaries allows the nurse to identify potential areas of conflict or developmental
stagnation within the family system.
2. A nurse is interviewing a family where the primary caregiver of a stroke patient reports
feeling exhausted and isolated. Which type of questioning should the nurse use to identify
the impact of the illness on the family’s relationship dynamics?
A. Circular questioning
B. Linear questioning
C. Direct questioning
D. Closed-ended questioning
Answer: A
Rationale: Circular questioning is designed to reveal the relationships and differences
between family members regarding a specific problem. By asking how the caregiver’s
exhaustion affects others, the nurse helps the family see the systemic impact of the illness.
This technique promotes family reflection and helps identify collective strengths and
weaknesses.
3. When constructing a genogram, how should the nurse represent a deceased male relative?
A. A square with an ‘X’ inside
B. A circle with an ‘X’ inside
,C. A triangle with a diagonal line
D. A shaded square
Answer: A
Rationale: In standard genogram notation, a square represents a male and an ‘X’ inside the
square indicates death. Precise documentation in a genogram is crucial for mapping
hereditary health patterns and family history. This visual tool helps graduate nurses
identify biological and relational risks across generations.
4. A family is in the stage of ‘Launching Children’ according to the Family Life Cycle. The
parents express distress because their youngest child is moving out for college. What is the
nurse’s primary goal in this developmental stage?
A. Focusing exclusively on the child’s academic success
B. Helping the parents maintain control over the child’s decisions
C. Encouraging the child to remain home to support the parents
D. Assisting the family in establishing a new identity as a couple
Answer: D
Rationale: The launching stage requires the family to renegotiate the marital system as a
dyad and develop adult-to-adult relationships with their children. Success in this stage
involves the parents rediscovering their own interests and roles independent of active
daily parenting. The nurse should support this transition to prevent ‘empty nest’ syndrome
and foster healthy independence.
5. According to Family Systems Theory, which concept describes the family’s ability to
maintain a steady state despite external changes?
A. Homeostasis
B. Differentiation
C. Equifinality
D. Morphogenesis
Answer: A
Rationale: Homeostasis refers to the family’s tendency to maintain stability and balance
even when faced with stress or change. While this provides security, it can also lead to
resistance when the nurse suggests necessary health behavioral changes. Recognizing
homeostatic mechanisms helps the nurse tailor interventions that minimize family
resistance.
, 6. During a family assessment, the nurse learns that a family identifies strongly with their
Italian heritage, prioritizing large family gatherings and traditional meals. Under which CFAM
category does this information belong?
A. Internal Structure
B. Context
C. Functional Assessment
D. Developmental Assessment
Answer: B
Rationale: Context includes ethnicity, race, social class, religion/spirituality, and
environment. Ethnicity and cultural traditions are fundamental contextual factors that
influence how a family perceives health and healthcare. Graduate nurses must assess
context to provide culturally congruent care and respect family values.
7. A nurse identifies that a family is ‘triangulated’ during a crisis. Which scenario best
describes triangulation?
A. A mother uses her daughter as a messenger to communicate with the father.
B. A couple works together to solve a financial problem.
C. Two siblings compete for their parents’ attention.
D. The family seeks counseling from a religious leader.
Answer: A
Rationale: Triangulation occurs when two family members in conflict bring in a third
person to decrease the tension between them. This often places the third person (usually a
child) in a stressful position and prevents the original two people from resolving their
issues. Identifying triangulation is essential for nurses to redirect communication toward
the parties involved.
8. Which assessment tool would be most appropriate for a nurse to visualize a family’s
external support systems, such as their connection to school, work, and healthcare?
A. Ecomap
B. Genogram
C. APGAR scale
D. Family Attachment Scale
Answer: A
Rationale: An ecomap provides a visual representation of the family’s relationships with
the community and external systems. It helps identify sources of support, social isolation,
