NSG 527 FAMILY SYSTEMS AND
NURSING PRACTICE -
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to General Systems Theory, a family system that is ‘closed’ is characterized by
which of the following?
A. High susceptibility to external environmental influences
B. A high degree of morphogenesis and adaptation
C. Fluid boundaries that allow for constant growth
D. Increased risk of entropy and resistance to change
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In systems theory, a closed system does not exchange energy or
information with its environment, leading to entropy (disorder) and a lack of necessary
change.
,2. In the Calgary Family Assessment Model (CFAM), which category includes subcategories
such as ‘Birth Order’ and ‘Gender’?
A. Functional Assessment
B. Developmental Assessment
C. Structural Assessment
D. Ecological Assessment
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Structural assessment in CFAM looks at the internal structure,
which includes the family composition, gender, sexual orientation, and birth order.
3. Which concept from Murray Bowen’s Family Systems Theory describes the process of
including a third person to reduce tension between two others?
A. Differentiation of Self
B. Emotional Cutoff
C. Triangulation
D. Multigenerational Transmission
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Triangulation is a reactive process where a two-person system,
under stress, recruits a third person to stabilize the relationship.
, 4. A nurse is assessing a family using Duvall’s Family Life Cycle. A family with children aged 13
and 15 is in which stage?
A. Families with Preschoolers
B. Families with Adolescents
C. Families with School-age Children
D. Launching Center Families
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Duvall defines the adolescent stage as starting when the oldest
child reaches age 13 and ending when they leave home.
5. Which of the following interventions best illustrates ‘Circular Questioning’ in family
therapy?
A. Telling the mother: ‘You should try to listen more to your daughter.’
B. Asking the father: ‘Do you feel angry when your wife ignores you?’
C. Asking a child: ‘How does your mother react when your father starts shouting?’
D. Asking the whole family: ‘Who wants to talk about the problem first?’
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Circular questions focus on relationships and differences
between family members’ perceptions, often asking one member about the relationship
between two others.
NURSING PRACTICE -
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to General Systems Theory, a family system that is ‘closed’ is characterized by
which of the following?
A. High susceptibility to external environmental influences
B. A high degree of morphogenesis and adaptation
C. Fluid boundaries that allow for constant growth
D. Increased risk of entropy and resistance to change
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In systems theory, a closed system does not exchange energy or
information with its environment, leading to entropy (disorder) and a lack of necessary
change.
,2. In the Calgary Family Assessment Model (CFAM), which category includes subcategories
such as ‘Birth Order’ and ‘Gender’?
A. Functional Assessment
B. Developmental Assessment
C. Structural Assessment
D. Ecological Assessment
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Structural assessment in CFAM looks at the internal structure,
which includes the family composition, gender, sexual orientation, and birth order.
3. Which concept from Murray Bowen’s Family Systems Theory describes the process of
including a third person to reduce tension between two others?
A. Differentiation of Self
B. Emotional Cutoff
C. Triangulation
D. Multigenerational Transmission
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Triangulation is a reactive process where a two-person system,
under stress, recruits a third person to stabilize the relationship.
, 4. A nurse is assessing a family using Duvall’s Family Life Cycle. A family with children aged 13
and 15 is in which stage?
A. Families with Preschoolers
B. Families with Adolescents
C. Families with School-age Children
D. Launching Center Families
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Duvall defines the adolescent stage as starting when the oldest
child reaches age 13 and ending when they leave home.
5. Which of the following interventions best illustrates ‘Circular Questioning’ in family
therapy?
A. Telling the mother: ‘You should try to listen more to your daughter.’
B. Asking the father: ‘Do you feel angry when your wife ignores you?’
C. Asking a child: ‘How does your mother react when your father starts shouting?’
D. Asking the whole family: ‘Who wants to talk about the problem first?’
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Circular questions focus on relationships and differences
between family members’ perceptions, often asking one member about the relationship
between two others.
