Chapter 13 Young and Middle Adults Fundamentals of Nursing 11th Edition (Potter & Perry) 50 NCLEX-Style Exam Questions with Detailed Rationales

1. A nurse is providing health education to a group of young adults. Which preventive measure should the nurse emphasize most to reduce mortality in this age group? A. Safe driving practices B. Routine cancer screenings C. Adequate calcium intake D. Annual influenza vaccinations Answer: A Rationale: Injuries from motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in young adults. While other measures are important, safety promotion, especially related to driving, significantly reduces mortality. ________________________________________ 2. A 25-year-old patient expresses anxiety about career decisions and relationships. According to Erikson, which developmental task is the patient facing? A. Identity vs. role confusion B. Intimacy vs. isolation C. Generativity vs. stagnation D. Ego integrity vs. despair Answer: B Rationale: Young adults face the psychosocial challenge of forming intimate relationships while avoiding isolation, per Erikson’s theory. ________________________________________ 3. What is a key health risk for middle adults that the nurse should assess during a routine exam? A. Eating disorders B. Testicular cancer C. Cardiovascular disease D. Iron-deficiency anemia Answer: C Rationale: Middle adults are at increased risk for cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. ________________________________________ 4. A nurse is preparing a wellness plan for a 32-year-old patient. Which goal is most appropriate? A. Begin annual colonoscopy screening B. Schedule monthly mammograms C. Engage in 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly D. Discontinue contraceptive use Answer: C Rationale: Current physical activity guidelines for adults recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. ________________________________________ 5. Which of the following behaviors is typical of middle adulthood development? A. Establishing a personal identity B. Exploring sexual orientation C. Achieving generativity through parenting or mentoring D. Preparing for retirement and reflection Answer: C Rationale: According to Erikson, middle adults aim to contribute to the next generation, typically through parenting, mentoring, or productive work. ________________________________________ 6. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to promote health in a 45-year-old male client with a sedentary job and high blood pressure? A. Recommend a low-calorie diet only B. Suggest increased physical activity and dietary changes C. Provide stress management techniques only D. Encourage retirement planning Answer: B Rationale: A combination of exercise and dietary modification is essential for managing hypertension and preventing complications. ________________________________________ 7. A middle-aged female expresses concerns about menopause. What symptom should the nurse educate her about? A. Menorrhagia B. Increased fertility C. Hot flashes and night sweats D. Hypoglycemia Answer: C Rationale: Hot flashes and night sweats are classic symptoms of menopause due to hormonal changes. ________________________________________ 8. Which of the following indicates successful resolution of developmental tasks in young adulthood? A. Avoiding commitment in relationships B. Establishing strong emotional intimacy with a partner C. Prioritizing personal success over social relationships D. Delaying all social interaction for career building Answer: B Rationale: Emotional intimacy and stable relationships reflect successful progression through Erikson’s intimacy vs. isolation stage. ________________________________________ 9. Which factor most influences lifestyle decisions among young adults? A. Genetic predisposition B. Peer pressure C. Parental control D. Financial dependence Answer: B Rationale: Peer influence is strong in young adulthood, impacting behaviors such as diet, alcohol consumption, and sexual activity. ________________________________________ 10. A 29-year-old client has a BMI of 32. What health teaching should the nurse prioritize? A. Screening for osteoporosis B. Importance of physical activity and dietary changes C. Smoking cessation support D. Annual prostate exam Answer: B Rationale: A BMI over 30 indicates obesity, necessitating education about diet and exercise to reduce risks for chronic diseases. ________________________________________ 11. What is a primary developmental concern for individuals in their 40s? A. Establishing independence B. Caring for aging parents C. Transitioning from high school D. Initiating first romantic relationship Answer: B Rationale: Middle adults often face the dual responsibility of raising children and caring for aging parents, known as the “sandwich generation.” ________________________________________ 12. The nurse provides teaching on reproductive health to young adult clients. What topic is most appropriate? A. Osteoarthritis prevention B. Menopause education C. Family planning and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention D. Screening for dementia Answer: C Rationale: Young adults are typically sexually active and benefit from education about contraception and STI prevention. ________________________________________ 13. A client in his mid-30s reports increased job stress and fatigue. What strategy should the nurse suggest first? A. Request early retirement B. Initiate regular physical activity and stress-reduction techniques C. Seek long-term psychotherapy D. Increase caffeine intake for alertness Answer: B Rationale: Exercise and stress management are first-line strategies for coping with job-related stress in healthy adults. ________________________________________ 14. What is a significant health promotion strategy for middle adulthood? A. Encouraging dependency on children B. Screening for depression and chronic diseases C. Avoiding all fatty foods D. Focusing solely on career goals Answer: B Rationale: Midlife health screenings for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and depression are crucial for early detection and intervention. ________________________________________ 15. The nurse is assessing a middle-aged client’s psychosocial development. Which finding indicates successful aging? A. Avoidance of all new relationships B. Willingness to mentor younger coworkers C. Focus on self-interest only D. Refusal to accept bodily changes Answer: B Rationale: Mentoring reflects generativity, a key developmental milestone in middle adulthood.