Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

What behavior is typical for middle adults as assessed by a parish nurse?

1. Establishing sense of self but fearing being pulled back into family

2. Substituting new roles for old roles

3. Looking inward; accepting life as finite and having special interest in spouse, friends, and community

4. Looking forward but also looking back and beginning to reflect on their lives

The correct answer is: Looking inward; accepting life as finite and having special interest in spouse, friends, and community

The behavior identified in the selected answer reflects a common developmental characteristic of middle adulthood. At this stage, individuals often engage in introspection and come to terms with their lives, recognizing that time is finite. They tend to cultivate and deepen their connections with their spouse, friends, and community, which highlights the importance of relationships and social support during this phase. Acceptance of life's limitations can lead to a renewed focus on meaningful interactions and a sense of purpose, making this choice relevant to the typical experiences of middle adults. The other choices do not encapsulate the breadth of experiences and emotional states characteristic of middle adulthood as effectively. While establishing a sense of self and fearing familial obligations is relevant, it doesn't fully capture the acceptance of life’s finite nature crucial during this developmental period. Substituting new roles can occur, but many individuals are more inclined to integrate their past roles into new ones rather than simply substituting them. Reflecting on the past while looking forward is indeed a part of this life stage, yet true engagement with relationships is a more defining aspect of the typical behaviors of middle adults. Thus, the focus on looking inward and nurturing relationships makes the selected answer a more accurate depiction of this life stage.