A 6-year-old child is showing behaviors such as excessive handwashing and reluctance to use the bathroom independently. According to Freud’s psychosexual theory, fixation at which stage is most likely contributing to these behaviors?
Phallic stage
Oral stage
Latency stage
Anal stage
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: The phallic stage (ages 3–6) involves focus on genital awareness and resolving the Oedipus/Electra complex. This stage does not explain compulsive cleanliness or bathroom avoidance.
Choice B reason: The oral stage (birth–1 year) relates to feeding and oral gratification. Fixation here leads to dependency or oral habits such as smoking, not excessive handwashing.
Choice C reason: The latency stage (ages 6–12) emphasizes social development, friendships, and learning rather than obsessive cleanliness. It does not explain the observed behaviors.
Choice D reason: The anal stage (ages 1–3) centers around toilet training and control over elimination. Fixation here may cause compulsive behaviors like cleanliness, orderliness, or avoidance of bathroom-related tasks, making it the best explanation for the child’s behavior.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The id represents instinctual drives and seeks immediate gratification without considering consequences or rules. The client’s impulsive action of taking food despite prohibitions reflects id dominance.
Choice B reason: The ego mediates between the id and reality, considering consequences before acting. If the ego were driving the behavior, the client would have sought food in a more socially acceptable way.
Choice C reason: The superego governs moral standards and conscience. If this were guiding behavior, the client would have restrained themselves from taking others’ food.
Choice D reason: The conscious mind represents awareness of current thoughts and actions, not instinctual drives. The described behavior is better explained by the unconscious id.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Avoiding judgmental remarks supports therapeutic rapport and prevents worsening anxiety or defensiveness.
Choice B reason: Teaching coping strategies like thought stopping helps the client begin to manage obsessive behaviors more effectively.
Choice C reason: Identifying triggers for obsessive behaviors allows the nurse and client to develop strategies for prevention and management.
Choice D reason: Removing magazines to prevent counting avoids addressing the underlying compulsion and may increase anxiety. This approach is not appropriate in the initial care plan.
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