Chapter 11 Developmental Theories Fundamentals of Nursing 11th Edition (Potter & Perry) 50 NCLEX-Style Exam Questions with Detailed Rationales

1. A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child. According to Erikson’s psychosocial stages, which developmental task is this child working through? A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt B. Initiative vs. Guilt C. Trust vs. Mistrust D. Industry vs. Inferiority Answer: B Rationale: Preschool-aged children (3–5 years) are in the “initiative vs. guilt” stage, where they begin to assert control and power over their environment. ________________________________________ 2. A nurse is planning care for a hospitalized adolescent. According to Erikson, the priority developmental task for this age group is: A. Developing trust in others B. Establishing a sense of identity C. Developing initiative D. Becoming industrious Answer: B Rationale: Adolescents are in the “identity vs. role confusion” stage, where they explore their independence and develop a sense of self. ________________________________________ 3. Which behavior by an 8-month-old infant demonstrates successful achievement of Piaget’s sensorimotor stage? A. Engaging in make-believe play B. Using words to express needs C. Understanding object permanence D. Identifying colors Answer: C Rationale: Object permanence, the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, is a key milestone of the sensorimotor stage. ________________________________________ 4. According to Kohlberg, which moral reasoning is expected in a school-age child? A. Postconventional reasoning B. Universal ethical principles C. Obedience and punishment orientation D. Good interpersonal relationships and law and order Answer: D Rationale: School-age children typically exhibit conventional reasoning where they seek to conform to social expectations and rules. ________________________________________ 5. A nurse is caring for a toddler who insists on feeding herself despite spilling food. This reflects which Erikson stage? A. Trust vs. Mistrust B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt C. Initiative vs. Guilt D. Identity vs. Role Confusion Answer: B Rationale: Toddlers seek autonomy by performing tasks independently, even if they are messy or imperfect. ________________________________________ 6. In Piaget’s preoperational stage, a hallmark cognitive limitation is: A. Abstract thinking B. Logical reasoning C. Egocentrism D. Conservation of mass Answer: C Rationale: Egocentrism, or difficulty seeing things from another’s perspective, is characteristic of the preoperational stage (2–7 years). ________________________________________ 7. A nurse observes that a 10-year-old child follows rules to avoid punishment. According to Kohlberg, this reflects which level of moral development? A. Preconventional B. Conventional C. Postconventional D. Autonomous Answer: A Rationale: In the preconventional stage, moral reasoning is based on avoiding punishment and seeking rewards. ________________________________________ 8. A nurse assessing a 2-year-old notes the child frequently says "no" and wants to dress herself. What does this suggest about her psychosocial development? A. Guilt is forming B. She is developing autonomy C. She is establishing industry D. Role confusion is occurring Answer: B Rationale: The toddler is asserting independence, a sign of autonomy vs. shame and doubt. ________________________________________ 9. According to Freud’s theory, a 6-year-old child is in which stage of psychosexual development? A. Oral B. Anal C. Phallic D. Latency Answer: D Rationale: The latency stage (6–12 years) is characterized by suppressed sexual energy and a focus on social relationships and learning. 10. A nurse caring for a hospitalized preschooler incorporates play into care. This supports which aspect of the child’s development? A. Cognitive and psychosexual B. Psychosocial and moral C. Psychosocial and cognitive D. Moral and spiritual Answer: C Rationale: Play fosters initiative and cognitive development, aligning with Erikson’s and Piaget’s theories. ________________________________________ 11. What nursing intervention supports development in a hospitalized adolescent? A. Encourage dependency B. Enforce strict routines C. Provide opportunities for decision-making D. Limit social interaction Answer: C Rationale: Allowing choices helps adolescents assert independence and identity. ________________________________________ 12. In Erikson’s theory, failure to resolve the crisis of middle adulthood may result in: A. Guilt B. Stagnation C. Despair D. Role confusion Answer: B Rationale: Middle adults face the crisis of generativity vs. stagnation; failure results in self-absorption and stagnation. ________________________________________ 13. An adult who volunteers and mentors younger individuals demonstrates successful resolution of which developmental stage? A. Integrity vs. Despair B. Intimacy vs. Isolation C. Industry vs. Inferiority D. Generativity vs. Stagnation Answer: D Rationale: Generativity involves guiding the next generation and contributing to society. ________________________________________ 14. A 16-year-old refuses to participate in group therapy and says, “No one understands me.” Which stage is he experiencing? A. Role confusion B. Isolation C. Identity formation D. Autonomy development Answer: A Rationale: Role confusion is common in adolescence when personal identity is unclear. ________________________________________ 15. According to Piaget, the ability to perform mental operations and understand conservation begins in which stage? A. Sensorimotor B. Preoperational C. Concrete operational D. Formal operational Answer: C Rationale: The concrete operational stage (7–11 years) introduces logical thinking and conservation skills.