Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

During wellness visits, which psychosocial development theorist is utilized by a nurse working in a pediatric practice?

1. Erikson

2. Maslow

3. Watson

4. Rogers

The correct answer is: Erikson

The correct choice is grounded in the theories of psychosocial development proposed by Erik Erikson. Erikson's model outlines a series of eight stages that individuals pass through from infancy to adulthood, each characterized by a specific psychosocial crisis. In pediatric practice, nurses focus on the developmental phases of children, which aligns perfectly with Erikson’s stages. For instance, younger children are typically navigating the challenge of trust versus mistrust, which is essential for establishing a secure foundation for future development. Understanding these stages helps nurses assess and address the psychosocial needs of children effectively during wellness visits. This knowledge allows healthcare providers to tailor their care approaches based on each child's developmental stage, thereby promoting better health outcomes. While the contributions of other theorists such as Maslow, who focused on a hierarchy of needs, or Watson and Rogers, who emphasized behavioral and humanistic approaches respectively, are significant in the broader context of healthcare and psychology, they do not specifically address the psychosocial development framework as comprehensively as Erikson's does for children in a pediatric setting. This makes Erikson's theory particularly relevant and valuable in guiding the interactions and assessments performed during wellness visits in pediatric care.