The nurse is performing a cognitive assessment on a 16-year-old client. Which behaviors demonstrated will the nurse identify as middle formal operational, according to Piaget's theory? Select all that apply.
Wanting their friends to visit them in the hospital more than their parents
Being very concerned with implications of the Affordable Care Act regarding healthcare benefits
Wanting to make decisions about health care independently
Difficulty understanding the implications their diagnosis might present
Reporting that he smokes marijuana occasionally.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
A. Wanting friends to visit more than parents is more indicative of this stage, as they reflect the client's interest in social relationships.
B. Being very concerned with implications of laws or regulations demonstrates abstract thinking and consideration of complex societal issues, characteristic of middle formal operational thinking.
C. Wanting to make decisions about healthcare independently reflects increasing autonomy and ability to think abstractly.
D. Difficulty understanding implications of a diagnosis may indicate cognitive limitations rather than middle formal operational thinking.
E. Reporting occasional marijuana use may indicate behavior but does not necessarily reflect cognitive development according to Piaget's theory.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. At 9 months of age, babies are able to crawl and explore their environment. They may pick up and put anything in their mouth, which can cause choking or poisoning. Therefore, the nurse should warn the mother about keeping the floor clear of small objects, such as coins, buttons, beads, or toys with detachable parts.
B. Safety procedures during baths are crucial, but this topic may have been covered in earlier visits or could be discussed alongside creating a toddler-safe home.
C. This more relevant for older babies or toddlers who can stand, walk, or climb.
D. Cautioning about putting the baby in a walker is important, but it may not be the most immediate concern at 9 months, as many babies start using walkers around 6-9 months. Creating a safe home environment encompasses a broader range of potential hazards.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Having the parent stand near and providing comfort measures, is not correct because it may not be enough to comfort the child or reduce anxiety during the procedure.
B. Using restraint or holding down the child during a procedure can increase anxiety, distress, and trauma, and is not recommended.
C. A saline lock is a device that allows access to a vein without having to insert a needle each time. This can reduce the number of painful procedures and lower the risk of infection or inflammation.
D. Numbing techniques can help reduce pain and discomfort during procedures and are typically used to enhance atraumatic care, especially for repeated procedures like blood draws or IV insertion. Therefore, avoiding them may not be beneficial.

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